I need hearing aids which kind?

[FED 387]

If you are a VET go to the VA for testing BEFORE you do anything ---You are going to need a complete hearing test to evaluate what you can and cannot hear--Test usually takes a long hour or so and done in a sound proof room. Different words, types of voices (children) foreign accents etc. it all figures into what your hearing loss is the remaining hearing range that you have. They also will set the aids up so that the volume is correct for each ear and if you turn them up or down they will be synchronized. When it come time to make a selection get the type that has the molded to your ears part that goes into the ear and has a very thin wire that goes to the device behind the ear and over the top of your ear . Blue tooth is nice also the TV listening mode option is good but those batteries only last for about 1/2 the time if you use that option I have a OTICON from the VA . Also not sure if they still make them but my older aids had small plastic tubes that went from the earpiece to the part behind the ear. They get brittle and either crack or break over time (like every 6-9 months)and you have to replace them--- About $30 at the hearing aid centers. Batteries last about 3-7 days on average 7 if you turn the aids off over night. Use the TV mode of listening maybe a day or 2 at most. I take the battery out of the 6 pack card and let it sit for about 5 minutes as they "air activate" themselves otherwise they only last for a short period of time then install them into the aid. I have had mine for years and the first time I tried them it was a whole new world out there as to what I could hear---same comparison of sorta like putting on glasses or taking them off ---clear or blurry---good ones are not cheap----you get what you pay for!!!!!----- FED 387---

[Billy Nees]

Hey Don, do ya know what you get "hearing aids" from? Listening to too many A-holes!

[Bench Racer]

Hands down Costco! They performed a hearing test to find where in the low to high pitch range the loss was. I told the guy performing the test "I can hear leaves cracking under deers feet when the woods are quiet but I cant hear my turn signal beeper or watch alarm". He found all my loss was in the high pitch range.He tuned in the prescription I needed and said walk around the store for a while and listen to people. After 10 minutes I went back and bought them. They are behind the ear (I'm old and ugly and didn't care if they were construction green), they sell in the ear but they are not as good. Mine were around $1500 or $1600. My Grandfather gave $4000 for his that didn't benefit him with no money back guarantee. I had 5 months and 29 days to return mine for a full refund and no questions asked. I can't remember the length of warranty but I did have one replaced. I have had mine maybe 4 years. I worked as a Medic, 40+ years of sirens (that were mounted over head in the early years) and guns without hearing protection took its toll. My hearing was affecting my job. I'm semi retired and work an ambulance 3 or 4 times a month and only wear them when needed. I would without hesitation buy from them again, and have sang their praises to anyone with hearing loss. Don Jackson

[Mike Pearson]

I would also recommend going to an Audiologist to be tested. I have profound hearing loss. I have been wearing aids for about 5 years. I have the Bluetooth type that connect directly to my phone. That feature is incredible. As others have said don't expect to be to hear perfectly. Background noise is an issue. High frequency loss is the worst type of hearing loss. Mine is hereditary. My dad and grandfather were both almost def when they died.
My hearing aids are Oticon brand and have been real good. They are not cheap but you don't want cheap hearing aids. I like the ones behind the ear. They are real comfortable and easy to work with. I also like the replaceable battery. When I am at the racetrack I don't want to have to run the generator all night to charge hearing aids. I buy my batteries bulk from Amazon. I get 60 batteries for less than $30. Batteries last about 5-6 days depending on how much streaming you do. I wear mine from the minute I wake to the time Io go to bed every day. I can not function with out them. Hearing loss is a bitch.

I do take them out just before I put my helmet on before a run.