Attempting to help out a family member who requires a Hearing Aid. I am finding it hard to compare like for like, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also where to get the best deal?
The Audiologist recommended a 'Phonak Audeo B'
Moderate hearing loss/ Tinnitus
My thoughts so far:
Costco
https://www.hearingsavers.com.au
Buy from overseas
Unfortunately they aren't pensioners.
It's crazy how much some hearing aids cost. A couple of my family members have had devices that cost well over $5k
Can't help but think that people in need are being taken advantage of big time.
I'm not far off needing a hearing aid, I need to get to terms with the fact I am getting old and my hearing loss is not that bad yet.
Everyone says get in early
Reason being the longer you deprive the brain of sound, the more the brain forgets and if you use hearing aids say after 10 years of not hearing those sounds, everything will be muffled (less understanding of words) and may take more time to get used to sounds you haven't heard in 10 years
I had a test done a couple of years ago and they said I was at the bottom of average range. Some times I struggle I challenging environments with background noise or with people who's English is poor, but then I am in the pub with mates and loud music and I dont miss a thing.
I know of multiple family members/friends who need them but don’t like wearing them. I can only imagine they are uncomfortable
I wouldn’t buy online. Go into a proper store and let them(the family member) try them on and see which one fits best. You can worry about price later. Since presumably you aren’t paying for it nor have to wear it forget getting the best deal for a minute. I know it’s Ozbargain but it’s not like you’re buying a laptop or a tv here.
I would be putting battery life, comfort, how much tech it has (eg bluetooth), look at reviews how long they’ve lasted etc.
It's more so I can tell them where to go because lots of the audiologist appear to be pretty scammy
That they are. Sadly like most other salesmen.. it's all about the commission.
You could try academic hearing (which is part of Melbourne University). They use a variety of manufacturers (not sponsored by hearing aid companies) and their patient-centred care is amazing! I'm also sure they don't have commission like some other clinics.
Anyone know if when you can find Costco hearing aid prices online?
Check out some funeral parlors … Those places are like wreckers for bio-medical body parts. Most of the time the families don't even realize their loved ones are being parted out or how valuable cadavers can be for used parts!
I got an awesome deal on a pacemaker and a replacement hip at one a few years ago. It's a pity they keep all the dental gold for themselves. I'm sure they'll cut you a deal on a hearing aid in good nick.
Some newer models are much smaller and very light which brings problems.
Battery life is noticeably reduced by the smaller battery necessary to fit the smaller hearing aid.
Being so light they can fall out easier or be blown out on a windy day.
They make things louder but voices are still muffled, just louder.
In contrast… Some people are extremely conscious about how they look, especially if there's a stigma attached where they feel they will be older if seen with them. Smaller = more discreet (so small that I even miss them sometimes and only until I'm right behind them do I notice the aids)
Battery should still last minimum about 5 days until they require switching. There are rechargable options too which can recharge daily but this adds quite a bit to the cost…
The moulds for the aids should have good retention, or they are made poorly depending on your audiologist. If you do have this problem go back and tell your aud! This also depends if they are behind the ear or custom moulded.
Depending on the length of auditory deprivation, or severity of hearing losses this can lead to distorted hearing being perceived. If auditory deprivation, the only real solution to reducing muffled (distorted) is for continuous auditory input using the hearing aids to get the brain used to sounds again. The audiologist will account for this and start off at a softer volume and increase it over weeks/months of use.
If it is the later, this could be because the damage done in the cochlear means that whatever sounds that come through ear canals (vibrations) stop eliciting a response in the region of cochlear hair cell death.
If you want company that prides itself on keeping prices reasonable and has excellent after sales servicelook up Blamey and Saunders. Just won design award for mew model, Facett.
Check out best health fund extra policy on hearing aids rebate too. Geelong health fund better Than Medibank private and Bupa. Look at Teacher s health too
Your user profile says that you are in Perth, if that's right, then the only place to go is Lions Hearing, they are in the white pages. They are not commission based audiologists, and you can try before you buy.
Thanks, but my parents are in Brisbane
If pensioner or under 25, free from Australian Hearing
Otherwise Costco is good