Topic: Hearing aids for the beginner
6 Posts
Fri, 5th August 2011, 5:56pm
I have recently had a hearing test (third one in four years) and have been told that I now need a pair of hearing aids in the form of "behind the ear" type. That is the easy part! I know absolutely nothing about them outside that they are expensive. Pair to cost in excess of $4000-00 (no government assistance). I have found that a lot of the hearing aid "shops" are vertically intergrated with their supplier which makes objective assessement difficult. So suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Reply:
30 Posts
Fri, 5th August 2011, 6:25pm
this is a hard one i own one as well but i am not sure if it is the same type of what i have i do get government assistance i will have a look for you online and tomorrow i got a hearing test to do and i see what i can out from them as well for you
no matter who you are or what Metal Health you have you are smart and do not let any one tell you are not
Reply:
1,463 Posts
Fri, 5th August 2011, 9:23pm
Hi Justretired, (me too),
I have been through the process of having to purchase hearing aids (twice). I have an "extremely challenging" hearing problem. Just love the words they use these days. The first pair that I bought (behind the ear type) cost around the $4,000 mark. However, they didn't suit my problem and I have just forked out $10,000 for another pair. I am very happy with my new pair even though they were expensive. I now have the other pair that are less than a year old. I have been thinking whether to put them up for sale for a few dollars rather than just let them go to waste. One problem is that one never knows which aids suits one's problem. I just cannot understand why I was sold the first pair, as I thought I went to a reputable company for my test and then purchase. That was a waste of $4,000. If your hearing isn't too bad, then I suppose that the cheaper type would help. I do know that the government does have some grant available for hearing aids, but you have to get a GP to complete the application form. I thought that the people who gave you your hearing test would have told you about that grant. I don't know how much the grant is. Also, if you are retired, you can get a small Seniors discount. There are a number of hearing aids available and you can check them out on the internet.
Robert
wines65ofMargate(Ex Silentio)
Reply:
131 Posts
Sat, 6th August 2011, 7:42am
Hi,
Be aware that Cosco stores are now running hearing aid clinics. They supply the same unit as the specialists but for around $1500. I dont know where you guys are but at a saving of that magnitude you could afford to fly around the country to get to a store.
Peter
Negotiating another of lifes speed bumps
Reply:
6 Posts
Sat, 6th August 2011, 7:45pm
Quote from Peter Malyon’s comment on Sat, 6th August 2011, 7:42am:
Hi,
Be aware that Cosco stores are now running hearing aid clinics. They supply the same unit as the specialists but for around $1500. I dont know where you guys are but at a saving of that magnitude you could afford to fly around the country to get to a store.
Peter
Thanks for that info. Went to Cosco's web site. The nearest one is Canberra. Return flight, accommodation for one night and I still would be saving in excess $1000-00. I think a phone call on monday is in the diary!
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