Shopping for hearing aids in the Villages
 

Looking for advice on where/how to get started on getting measured for and purchasing hearing aids in the local vicinity. So many vendors, so many products, so many performance claims.

Did you try Sam's? Large chain like Miracle Ear? Start with a doctor or with local store? Did you try multiple vendors before picking one?

I have a moderate to severe loss on one side (it's been there since late infancy) that I have managed all these years. Tried hearing aids in the early 80s and didn't like them. Willing to try again with all the improvements in technology. Might also have some insurance help from BC/BS (anybody had BC help pay the cost?)

Any advice or local experiences is appreciated.

My husband just got new hearing aids yesterday at the store in colony plaza. He is a retired federal employee with BC/BS. They paid $1250 for each ear. The man over there said he has been in business in the area for 30 years. My husband has had other hearing aids for several years but hasn't worn them. His hearing has gotten worse. These go over the ear whereas the others went in the ear. He is able to hear much better with the new ones so far.

If you have insurance coverage, start with your Doctor, he will refer you to an ENT for the test.
If your insurance is not that great, I would highly recommend Costco.
Great prices, and in-store test drives.

I wear a hearing aid and I use Lake ENT Facial and Plastic Surgery. The audiologist, Mindy Politt, is very good. 352-753-5874. You really need to see the doctor and find out what type of hearing loss you have, have the hearing test. They will let you try the hearing aid to figure out what type works best with your hearing loss.

Mik

ive worn various types over the years and i finally found some that are far and away superior to any i have seen. they are made by siemens. they are bluetooth so you can hear your television,cell phone etc thru them. they aso come with a little remote that you can use to block out peripheral noise when in a resturant or party atmosphere. i bought them at lake regional hearing center next door to att by lowes.

I would start with a ENT doctor administering a hearing test. I have a moderate to severe hearing loss. Ususally ENT doctors are affiliated or will know a hearing aid center that will supply the hearing aids.

I have Starkeys that run $1000 per ear. It's a behind the ear type with a tube that has an ear bud that fits into the ear canal. There are digital and can be adjusted for any further hearing loss. I didn't get the $2400 per ear as I felt they were too expensive. They were only slightly better for certain situations but that's me. They are not cheap but the your quality of life will greatly improve when you hear easily.

I rather go a trusted dealer than deal with someone who doesn't stand by their product. They usually come with a one year warranty. Also, you have to consider if the parts/repair service will meet your needs.

I hope this helps.

Lloyds
 

The same models available at the stores for hundreds less. They also have hearing tests available on the website. I have bought two from them and have been happy. Hearing Aids - Digital Hearing Aids - Order Online Today!

That # is the fax#. Ph# is 753-8448. The Audiologist is Paige Holt--she's great. Office is across from the Sharon Morse Bldg.

Hearing aids over the internet
 

When you buy hearing aids on line, how are they fitted? Adjusted? Just started shopping around. THANKS

My husband has been using Paige at Lake ENT across from the Villages Hosp on 441. She is wonderful!! She does the hearing test and fits you with the best for you as an individual, regarding price and fit and they stand behind everything they do and sell for as long as you have the hearing aids. She is bvery caring, patient and fair. We have been using Paige for the past 8 years.

Check out their website Sharon and I think your questions will be answered. As far as fitting, if it is a custom "in the ear" model, they send you some soft plastic-like material with instructions on how to use it, and you send back to them for a custom-made model. The adjustments are made at the seller with instructions on how to modify adjustments on your own, if available.

Hearing Aid recommendation
 

I highly recommend Corrective Hearing Centers . 2468 Hwy 441 about a mile north from 466A. 352 787 4327...and here's why. Big savings and excellent care and service. Prior to seeing Don Smith (owner and hearing aid specialist) I had been to an audiologist and spent weeks trying out different hearing aids. The price was $4000. The same hearing aids at Corrective Hearing Centers was $2800!
He is available to you anytime of day. Even gives you his home phone number! You do NOT have to pay big bucks for the best state of the art hearing aids, if you go see Don.

Found out yesterday that a dear friend has a hi-tech pr that I did not eveb see on him.
These are Bluetooth ready, connect for TV in bedroom so that volume on aids is changed and not the tv AND if the phone rings, the hearing is thru the aids and not the handset. They pick up the voice and have a microphone that allows conversation as well; away from a phone. He wears a tiny, lightweight remote on a cord and he is off to the races. SO COOOOOOLLLLLLLL. clear ear pieces. not noticeable.
Oh. Yeah. SUPER HI TECH for ~$1,500.00 per ear at COSTCO. He researched this and found that they have this superior technology.

The markup on hearing aids is very high. Sam's Club on 441 offers hearing tests/hearing aids, starting at around $350 for mild to moderate loss. You can also order them online.

Agree with all who are singing the praises of Paige and Mindy at Lake ENT!!! First heard about them on a local health TV show in my Podiatrist's office. The nicest ladies, no pressure, and the docs are right there if it's something more serious. Love how many different vendors they offer so you don't feel like you're being talked into something that's not right for you.