[brostholder]

I've had to have two hearing aids for over a decade now. Here is what I have learned.1. While many different companies sell hearing aids, only 2 or 3 different companies manufacture them, so wherever you buy you are probably getting the same hearing aids. 2. Everyone offers free hearing evaluations....that's how they get your business. 3. Everytime you go for a check up they try to get you to update to the newest technology. I don't really notice that big a difference for the money when I do update. 4. Beltone has given me good service over the years.

[bluedog103]

I've worn hearing aids for over 20 years and can tell you that the new technology is light years ahead of what I used back in the 1980s. With the digital technology came superior noise filtering, which to me is important as sound amplification.
The hearing professional you use is extremely important in the successful fitting of a hearing aid. There are many, many hearing aids stored in dresser drawers because they can actually make the hearing worse if fitted incorrectly. That's why I would only see an audiologist, not a hearing aid salesperson. The proper fitting is an involved process which for me always takes a few return trips to the audiologist. The digital hearing aids have several settings which can be programmed individually. As an amatuer musician, I have one setting programmed for no noise filtering. I like to hear exactly how my guitar or banjo sound. On one hearing aid I had a few years ago, the filtering feature actually interpreted the instrument as noise (I've heard my wife call it the same thing) and filtered out the sound coming from the axe. This was a simple fix for the audiologist and now I have that program set whenever I get new hearing aids.
The new aids have memory built in so the audiologist knows if you spend a lot of time in noisy environments, windy environments or if you don't use your hearing aid at all.
The last statement is crucial. You have to wear the hearing aid. If it doesn't help your hearing problem take it back and keep taking it back until you, not the hearing aid professional, is satisfied. Don't be afraid to be a pest. That's what they are there for. If an audiologist realizes after he or she hooks your hearing aid to a computer and checks the memory that you aren't using it, they should immediately find out why.
For me, Starkey's just seem to work better. When I've tried Phonaks they don't work and back they go. Now I don't even try them. It's just a frustrating experience. For others they might be the best choice. Different brands give different results.
Thus, to get back on track, I don't think I'd try a Songbird. You and your family know if you have a hearing problem. If you need help, I think you need a qualifed hearing professional. Even there you have a choice. I've had audiologists over the years who just can't seem to get it right. Then I look for another. When I find an audiologist who I can work with, I stay there.
Your spending alot of money, you owe it to yourself to get it done right.
Good luck.

[zcaveman]

Something I found on the internet that gives a pretty good intro to hearing aids. I think it is very informative to someone who is thinking about hearing aids but is not sure he needs them yet.

http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/hearingaid.asp

I agree with about everything everyone said. Find a good audiologist to give you the hearing test and decide which brand of hearing aid will help you the best. I have a middle to low range of hearing so a simple in the ear hearing aid was not for me. After she gave me my choices, I went to the internet and did my research and finally picked one of the three she had picked. At the end of the three year warranty, I took another hearing test and nothing has changed. They sent the hearing aids back to the factory for an overhaul so I am good for as long as they last.

The only thing I do not agree with is that your health insurance will cover or offset the cost of the hearing aids. Some treat hearing aids like glasses. All mine does is give me a hearing aid company that will get me a discount. I did better on my own. Check with your health insurance to see if they cover the hearing aids. However, if they don't still find an audiologist and get your hearing checked. You will not regret it.