Talk of The Villages Florida - I am looking for my first hearing aid...suggestions?

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Go to Mid-Florida Hearing in Deaton Plaza. Family-owned business and well run. I would recommend the Phonak hearing aids as I have had them for several years and they work great and are very comfortable.

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Originally Posted by ureout (Post 2223012)

yes costco and sams are cheaper but what ever brand you choose make sure they are the newest HA's available as far as technology .. I have a friend who purchased from costco and they were new HA's but 2nd generation technology ... also make sure you have unlimited lifetime visits for adjustments/fine tuning the first few months can be frustrating getting them fine tuned .. if you spend a lot of time outdoors make sure the HA's have a strong wind supression other wise all you will hear is the crackling noise from wind .. another feature is streaming your TV and phone calls .. I find streamimg raises my comprehension to about 90% on most programs and do not need to use closed caption.. and last but not least is battery consumption.. I wear Resound Omnia's and they are rechareable so every night I just stick them in the charger .. I usually wear my HA's about 15hrs a day and still have about 40% charge left at end of the day .. I stream TV anywhere from 5hrs weekdays to 8/10 hrs watching sports on weekends.. streaming TV uses more battery life

Totally agree! Having worn hearing aids for over 10 years. I started needing them after we moved here. Lots of so called ‘discounts’ out there. Usually older technology. A qualified Audiologist at at a reputable Medical Practice assures you are getting the best care and best options. Don’t buy on price!

I recommend Lake Ears, Nose and Throat. They have a couple of offices. Their number is: (352) 753-8448. They have 3 Audiologists, my favorite is Mindy. She is patient and willing to work with me every time I need new hearing aids to get them adjusted to my needs. New technology comes every 5 or so years. As my hearing has deteriorated so far technology has advanced to keep me able to fully participate in life.

Many people buy on price and then wonder why they don’t see the full benefits of their new hearing aids.

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Originally Posted by rogerk (Post 2223523)

I would say don't buy on price ONLY. You can get exactly the same technology at Costco (and a few others) as at the big name hearing aid stores and clinics. Bear in mind that after you go to the clinic, that Dr will still go to the open market to recommend and buy the actual aid. It will just be increased in price as it is resold to you.

Testing for and programming hearing aids is no longer an "art". It is computer driven and a good technician is the key factor in a custom fit. Not discounting the value of a good audiologist -especially if you have an odd type of hearing loss - but pointing out the advance in technology that has changed their role.

Oticon Hearing Aids

If you buy over the ear with mold. It will be equal to your hearing when you were born. Research reviews for good customer service.
I had Phonak and it drove me crazy till I reported a professor for lying to me.
With the correct settings you can hear a pin drop. And a direct connection to the manufacturer at customer service to report anything strange which has never happened in 20 years. A very satisfied customer.

Go to a audiologist. I go to Dr. Milstead at Lake ENT & FPS. The phone # is 352-753-8448. She will clean your ears if they need it.

Please be aware of the differences among hearing professionals. Most people you see selling hearing aids are not audiologists and may or may not be a trained hearing aid specialist. Anyone can do a hearing test with minimal training. An audiologist has specialized college training and look for one who has earned an advanced degree as a doctor of audiology. An ENT is a medical doctor specializing in ear, nose and throat conditions. You have every right to ask to see credentials. While choosing which hearing aids to purchase, I encountered many that were so shady that I would trust a used car salesman more.

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Originally Posted by Buckeyephan (Post 2223831)

I will repeat my statement from above. Mapping hearing loss and programming a hearing aid in almost all cases is now a computer driven process. A savvy technician is at least as skilled in this narrow endeavor as any MD or audiologist.

A person with an unusual hearing loss/condition (such as bone conduction loss) should see a MD or good audiologist.

I have high frequency loss and I got Phonak HA and am very satisfied. I believe the key is to get a good audiologist that does a good job adjusting them where everything sounds natural. Find an audiologist that conducts real ear measurements.

Costco, hands down. If you have the funds, buy the most current model/technology.

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Originally Posted by ChrisTee (Post 2224410)

Costco, hands down. If you have the funds, buy the most current model/technology.

I don't doubt you but that's a long drive and what about adjustments on your hearing ads?
Is it really with it?

Go to see a doctor of Audiology for the initial exam then shop around for aids. My wife has had hearing problems for much of her life and tried the old style hearing aids without success.
She went to see Paige Holt at Lake ENT to try out digital hearing aids 10 years ago and got high end digital aids. Before her aids she couldn't hear birds sing or engage in a conversation when there was background noise.
She can't say enough good things about Doctor Paige Holt, AuD (352) 561-3315.

Angelo Darby at Rennasance Hearing in Wildwood Plaza for personal service and fair pricing.

I bought at Costco up North. You can go to any Costco with a hearing center to get them cleaned or adjusted. I have yet to need them adjusted. The free cleanings come in handy. I currently use the Westley Chapel/ Lutz location about once a month for shopping and get them cleaned while I shop. Mine are two years old and have a phone app and bluetooth.

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Originally Posted by mdmurrell (Post 2223258)

Dear Orange Blossom,
Thanks for the information and taking time to reply. Could you please give me the name of your audiologist?
Many Thanks,
Michael

That's Doctor Tess Waldo, at The Villages Health, Santa Barbara Center. It's behind the Publix on 441 next to the hospital.