Anyone Try those New Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids?

[slackmax]

My hearing definitely needs assistance for hearing voices. I have tried my Dad's old hearing aid and it really improves my hearing for voices, especially soft women's voices. 

I would like to avoid spending a fortune ($4,000 and up) on a 'real' hearing aid, if I can.   

I have read a lot of online reviews of these new over-the-counter hearing aids, and they are 80 % positive. So I want to try one.

Most of them simply amplify whatever sound comes in, and are actually called 'personal sound amplifiers'.   

But I read that some of them are adjustable by the user, to amplify certain frequencies only, which is what I need. I need to have only the upper frequencies amplified. 

What brand did you buy and where? How is it working out for you? How much did it cost?

Thanks ! 

[Wintergreen78]

I wouldn’t try to save money on hearing. It has a huge impact in your quality of life.

My mom got hearing aids a few years ago. The doctor commented how good it was that she came in as soon as she noticed hearing problems. Apparently people who put off hearing aids for too long don’t get the full benefit of hearing aids. Their brain just quits trying to process certain sounds after a while.

I’d be worried about limping along with hearing aids that kind of work for too long.

[nalor511]

I think as long as you get the ones that are adjustable via app (frequencies/tones) then you will probably have a good experience. It sounds like you are doing this early enough, and are savvy enough, to make it work for you without saving so much $$$ or paying for a doctor to adjust it for you. After all, you'll know whether it helps you hear!

[Dicey]

Costco's hearing aids are amazing. They basically have two levels. One is $1595, the other is $1895. They include all the latest technology, including Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries. The fitting by a certified audiologist is included in the price. I would absolutely start there first.

[slackmax]

I think as long as you get the ones that are adjustable via app (frequencies/tones) then you will probably have a good experience. It sounds like you are doing this early enough, and are savvy enough, to make it work for you without saving so much $$$ or paying for a doctor to adjust it for you. After all, you'll know whether it helps you hear!

Yes, that is what I am looking for. I will look at Walmart for them. I just wish I could hear from someone who has actually tried them. I have seen good reviews online, but there are many different brands.

I have seen very good reviews for the Costco aids too. They are more expensive, of course, but I may end up going there if I am not happy with the inexpensive aids.     

[HipGnosis]

Money & shopping expert Clark Howard put an article about buying hearing aids on his website March first;
https://clark.com/health-health-care/hearing-aids/
I'm not sure if they are 'over-the-counter'.

[Artem_F]

did you check what is available at AliExpress? There are models with pre-programmed audio-curve as well as the ones, for which one can fine-tune the equalizer him/herself using cellphone. The prices for these models are in $200-300 range. I believe the quality of these ones (and not of those of sub $20 range, that's clear) is on par with those sold through the major players in the US. Check Signia 8 channel CIC, for example.

[jpdx]

Costco. And you do want to work with someone qualified in adjusting and troubleshooting the hearing aids, as there are a lot of variables. For example, there are different sized domes or even custom molds that go in your ear to provide a better seal and reduce feedback.

Check if your insurance covers hearing aids. In my state, all ACA health plans cover one set every 3 years. You buy them out of pocket at Costco and then the insurance sends you a reimbursement check.