[Bryant]

In your opinion, is it best to get hearing tested (hearing aids needed for sure) by an audiologist or go to a location that sells hearing aids? I'm thinking audiologist and then take prescription to hearing aid center. Of course, this would be an extra cost, I know. Your thoughts? Thank you.

[villagetinker]

I went to an audiologist in the villages health system, she confirmed some hearing loss, and provided some options for hearing aids. Unfortunately, my insurance was not accepted for the hearing aids, so I called insurance company, and they recommended Hear USA, which has worked out very well. As a side note, Hear USA did their own test, and the results were very close in results, so in effect I got a second opinion. NOTE: if you decide to just go to one of the hearing aid companies, make sure the examination is done by a licensed audiologist, not all of them have these.

[Loudoll]

First step, see an ENT and buy your hearing aids from an audiologist. Wish you the best.

[Bryant]

I see a HearUSA in Sumter Landing. Is that the same company? Thanks.

[Hacker1]

Originally Posted by Bryant

In your opinion, is it best to get hearing tested (hearing aids needed for sure) by an audiologist or go to a location that sells hearing aids? I'm thinking audiologist and then take prescription to hearing aid center. Of course, this would be an extra cost, I know. Your thoughts? Thank you.

Very few of the Hearing Aid sales places in and around the Villages are staffed by an Audiologist. All of them (as far as I know) have Hearing Aid Specialists, who are very knowledgeable. If you want to see an audiologist, I would recommend Dr Paige Holt at Lake ENT. She also works with a Hearing Aid Specialist, and they do also sell Hearing Aids.

[villagetinker]

There are a few HearUSA stores in the area, I happen to use the one in Brownwood.

[graciegirl]

I had my first two sets of hearing aids fitted by an audiologist in Cincinnati. I have congenital hearing loss. My third was done here at The Villages Ear. The quality of my devices and the lower price for them was amazing. They provide wonderful follow up and fine tuning. I highly recommend The Villages Ear. People on this Forum recommended them and I was skeptical about not going through an audiologist. I was wrong. They are VERY, very, good.

[jmvalcq]

Hearing aids must have a great price mark up o them based upon the number and size of the ads that I see in the local paper. One of the largest sellers of hearing aids is Costco. My wife went to a Costco in Wisconsin for a second opinion and was very pleased with the tests that they performed and with the price that they charged. Also very pleased with the follow up services.

[queasy27]

I used to be an audiologist and think most hearing aid dispensers are perfectly fine. As others have said, straightforward hearing tests will pretty much be the same no matter where you get tested.

They can't sanction me out now that I'm retired.

For those who have or are concerned about related hearing health issues, seeing an ENT should be the first step.

And yes, the markup on hearing aids is enormous.