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Hi all - we won't know diagnosis and needs until mom sees the hearing doctor(s) but right now she is nearly deaf in one ear and major major hearing loss in the other.


We are financially savings poor. I have a list of charitable organizations to call. Her insurance will pay $500. Mom is nearly 89. Her income is always just too high for Medicaid but I can check if they would pay for something. Also possibly VA as a last resort.


My question is, after reading so much here about $6000 hearing aids getting lost or ultimately rejected, broken, replaced, what is a reasonable price point for this first purchase? We cant afford to throw the money away.


Also, do you consider an online subscription to consumer reports worth it to get comparisons and ratings on hearing aids? I tried researching online today and consumer reports would not release their data without a membership fee.


Thank you!!


PS: the shouting for social distancing is causing me bronchitis and triggering tinnitis. I'm an asthmatic, recovering still Covid positive, and reaching my limit. I may be going deaf myself at 57 from the shouting..

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Have you tried using a personal amplifier (for her) or a personal microphone (for you)?
Your profile says she is living at home, so I assume there is no dementia involved. The problem is that since she already has severe hearing loss you have left it far too late for her to make an easy adjustment, adding sounds to her previously silent world is going to drive her batty - the everyday noises that we don't even notice coupled with sounds that those with normal hearing find annoying are going to give her sensory overload, she will need to be 100% on board with the decision in order to stick with it. Added to that, if she is spending most of her time alone there is little motivation to change things because she copes well without HAs most of the time. I'm not saying don't do it, just warning you of potential difficulties.
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Jean1808 May 2021
Yeah, she needs full hearing for her safety because she wants to remain independent and does go out. She does not want assisted living NH. There is cognitive impairment but the deafness isn't helping. Great points everyone!!!
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You're Covid positive - what, right now?
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Jean1808 May 2021
Yeah! Thats why I'm not in library, etc. Mom and I both nearly died of covid
January into February. It is a Miracle we are alive. She has lupus and the hydroxychloroquine may have helped her go negative within 9 days and stay out of icu. My daily asthma regimine saved me. End of February, March and April I continue to be positive and have symptons still. I am likely long haul covid. We are out there. Even if vaccinated, wear your masks everyone.
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Does she have any cognitive issues? Can she respond accurately to a technician who is fitting and adjusting them for her? Will you be charging them and putting them in/taking them out for her (because they are tiny)? I think cwillie's suggestion of amplifiers might be a better (and more affordable) solution. The risk of them being lost or her accidentally throwing them out might be too high in your financially challenged situation.
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Jean1808 May 2021
My concern is that she answers truthfully when she is tested, but if she does not, the tech will pick it up. I know she is passionate about her hearing so my hope is that she will be engaged and receive the best results.
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Go to your local library, they will have Consumer Report Magazines available.
And personal opinion here if the person is able to take advantage of what the VA can offer do so. They have earned that privilege!
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daddysfavorite May 2021
It seems one has to sometimes go through a lengthy process to find out just exactly what VA will pay for something because it doesn't seem to be the same answer for everyone. For some people, it takes too much time and effort to find out when there's a fair chance that the answer might be no anyway. I'm not one of those people, but I know there are some out there. I will search high and low, call and ask until someone explains to me either I am or why I'm not eligible for something.
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Jean, have you contacted the Lions Club yet?
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Jean1808 May 2021
Not yet, but they are on my long list of charitable organizations to call. Thank you for affirming that.
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I found this personal amplifier review on the net, US$250. However Amazon has personal amplifiers for around US$40. I’m curious about the lack of hearing aid reviews. I’ll ask Choice (my Australian consumer association) if they can do one, or if not why not. We're getting older in Oz too!
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-personal-sound-amplification-product/
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Jean1808 May 2021
Thank you very much! And I just read the personal sound amplifier review. That is now an option B depending on what her doctor says.
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Yeah, they can get lost/trashed. BUT the advantages may outweigh the negatives, and it might be worth at least trying once. I do believe that when you purchase at Costco, which I would strongly suggest, they offer a free replacement for a set period of time...but you'll need to check /confirm details. These days they are big on scaring people that loss of hearing can contribute to dementia, and that it is better to have TWO hearing aids rather than one, increasing the cost. Some are technologically advanced which can be good or bad depending on how good you are at adjusting. Some automatically adjust, a good thing, and many now charge in cups over night so you don't have to constantly deal with dead battery replacement. I am especially fond of how Costco operates, we are blessed here in the Cleveland area with a couple wonderful people with years of experience who work at ours. Patient, understanding...bless them all. They have zero motivation to sell, no commission, so no pressure on the buyer. As for Consumer Reports, I find it extremely helpful, but if funds are limited check with your local library who probably has a subscription. In our area, you can access back issue/info by logging in and they can probably talk you through it if you call. IF they have a hard copy on hand, you can probably just make a copy for your own use. They have the funds to test many products I could never afford to and I do appreciate knowing what they've found out for any purchases I can. I can't recall feeling they were wrong when I've made purchases based on their reports.
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Jean1808 May 2021
Great information. I read online about Costco and its good to know they are reliable. I saw their prices are better. Thank you! I have a library card and will see if i can use it to access research remotely. Thank you!
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Re your not going out, under the circumstances since most of our libraries are paid for with tax dollars, I'm guessing they would spring for the postage, make a copy of what you're after, and send it to you. IF not try your local city hall rep/councilperson.
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Jean1808 May 2021
Love your way of seeing things - yes!
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Check with companies that provide hearing aids to see if they have replacement insurance.
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Jean1808 May 2021
Great idea!
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My mother had arthritis in her hands and the newer model ones she could not manipulate , so they basically sat unused. Are you going to be there to help her if she has the same problem my mom did?
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Jean1808 May 2021
Good question, Kellse. We live together, but I will not always be available to help. She does handle her own medicine bottles and pills which can be awkward. This will be something to be aware of. Thank you.
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Hi Jeane1808,
I write from the patients perspective. I was first diagnosed with Early Onset ALZ 5 yrs ago next month. I have been commenting on my journey since 2016. Most recently I had a Neuropsych Exam, that said I need 24/7 care, which was a knockdown blow to me. My DW and I still have an appointment in 2 weeks to find out how he came to this conclusion. My Neuro Doctor who has been my Doctor since Christmas 2005 and my PC say No way am I in need of 24/7 care. Anyway, I just want to keep being direct, and putting my cards on the table from my perspective.
I was diagnosed two years ago with a hearing loss, mostly attributable to wearing headphones for 38yrs of my career in the travel industry. More significant in the left ear than the right ear. Being diagnosed with ALZ, I wasn't too interested in spending for $4000.00 on one set of hearing aids. I did some research on Hearing Assist and a company named MD Hearing Aids. MD was a bit more expensive than Hearing Assist. I bought the VOLT series of MD Hearing's hearing aids, and paid circa $700.00 and have been using them for just about 40 days. Yes, for the most part they are comfortable, and having been retired for 5 yrs, I am able to hear all that I want to and feel I made the best choice for me.
Yes, I have some trouble manipulating them to put on my ears, yes, I can hear much better. When in crowds they seem more difficult to hear what is going on with my family speaking to me. Could I have spent $4000.00 yes, but I don't think I am going to live long enough to justify spending that kind of money. The product that I chose for myself works just fine for me. My Opinion and we know we all have them and like something else we all have _________, fill in the blank.
I hope my friends and fellow patients are finding my suggestions as being valuable.
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jacobsonbob May 2021
I suspect a lot of price goes into making them smaller so they can be hidden such that other people aren't aware they are being worn. However, making them smaller means that they are more difficult to handle and adjust, especially for older people. I believe it's largely a "racket"--with prices artificially inflated to be in line with other outrageous American healthcare costs, with the people selling them trying to convince you it's "rocket science".
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Sounds like jfbtc has the best answers for you--based on the fact he actually went through this and was ACCEPTING of his worsening hearing!!

Unless you WANT to use the aids, you won't.

My DH finally, finally had his hearing checked 2 years ago. He went with the absolute top of the line aids--and won't wear them. $6500 down the drain.

In spite of a very intensive hearing exam and ZERO pressure from the tech, he would not believe that he has serious hearing loss. I was in the room during the test, but not in the BOOTH. So there was no way I could 'rig' this test. He simply failed it with flying colors. Blamed me.

It's his CHOICE to walk around, missing 80% of the conversations, missing the funny things the grandkids say, missing the announcement of his FLIGHT NOW BEING BOARDED (that's happened a few too many times).

My neighbor went to Costco and got the mid range ones and wears them and it's no big deal. He said he spent less than $1000. The cost does and doesn't reflect the qaulity of the aids--it's up to person whether they will put in the work to adapt to hearing all the ambient sounds they don't realize are there.

Living with an almost entirely deaf person has caused ME so much stress it's crazy. Luckily for us, my hearing is really, really good, so that's saved us a few times. BUT, if I had his hearing loss, I would address it and not blame him. His sister has it also (genetic) and she got aids and nothing was said about it--she just said she couldn't believe she went so long without dealing with the hearing loss. His mother is about 90% deaf and she can't hear anything, really. He gets so frustrated with her and I have pointed out that I feel the same way about him.

You can lead a horse to water.....
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jacobsonbob May 2021
Some excellent points here. However, regarding flights, why not simply go to the appropriate gate area where the flight will be boarded, and then it will be obvious when it's time to board because it will be on a sign and everyone else will be lining up to present boarding passes. Monitors can be checked, too.
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"...hearing aids getting lost or ultimately rejected, broken, replaced..."

Most of the time, these issues are related to those with dementia. Does your mother have dementia? If so, I would discuss other options with the audiologist. There are other options to enhance hearing ability.

A big question when deciding whether or not to lay out a large expense like this is what are the chances of compliance? I've read multiple postings that talk about expensive hearing aids sitting in a drawer because the person refuses to wear them. My mother's hearing loss began long ago, so she was used to wearing them. She did eventually drop to just one, on the left side, as she claimed the other didn't work. As dementia progressed, we got into the misplaced, lost, tossed because she would take it out and wrap it in a napkin or tissue, etc. The ones she moved in to MC with eventually went through the laundry (likely went to bed with it in and removed it during the night, leaving it in the bedding.)

In her case, her insurance had a nice coverage and she was just over the 3 year limit. Sadly the first one went AWOL in a matter of months (likely the napkin route at meal time.) The other one was fitted for the left as well. The nurse kept taking it away every time she'd take it out, so it became a useless thing then.

Something I did get and made good use of was a Boogie Board (add LCD to this for searching online.) It allowed me to write on the display, even fingers would work if/when she misplaced the stylus. Anything she couldn't understand with or without the hearing aid she could read and respond. It saves having to find paper and pencil. A button will clear the display when done. It doesn't save anything but your voice and frustration!

Others can suggest places for less expensive hearing devices, but the LCD may help in the meantime. Alternative is a white board. They do make smaller ones. The LCD is small enough to make it portable, so it can accompany her on outings. The dentist mom went to liked it enough to buy some for the office. Staff at MC also loved it.

Also, if you/she do decide to try the hearing aids, be sure to find a place with some kind of guarantee. The last pair did have one, which included loss, but required a $450 replacement payment. I recall mom also talking about getting a refund if she didn't like the hearing aids. Most likely they will try to switch to another type first, but they should be able to discuss this before laying out any money.
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I bought a fairly simple voice amplifier for my mom on Amazon, and though she has to be reminded to use it, she prefers it to a hearing aid. It's much easier for her to use (on/off button and a thumbwheel for volume) as she does have a tremor and it was hard for her to feel the switches on the hearing aid. She woudn't use a hearing aid anyway, so this is a good compromise that keeps me from having to yell our conversations. She was doing a lot more lip reading than I had realised!
The amplifier came with earbuds, but I also bought her a cheap sony headset to use and she prefers that--also more difficult to misplace. onus-she can plug the earbuds or headset into her ipad to listen to music.
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Go to google, type in "low cost rechargeable hearing aids"...

In the meantime, look up brands Audious, Wonder Ear and Nano Hearing.
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You can often go onto Consumer Reports through your local library. Check it out! I had heard Walmart was coming out with an affordable hearing aid but I don't know if they have actually done it yet. Also you can sometimes find a local hearing aid business that will work with you on coming up with an affordable solution. My Mom's insurance paid for most of it-the cost ended up being $144 with Hearing Care Solutions. Aetna Medicare is her insurance company.
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My mom has these https://www.phonak.com/us/en/hearing-aids/lyric-invisible-hearing-aids/cost-and-subscription.html
lyric - they rent them $300.00 per month they are implants close to ear canal and are replaced every 4 weeks, never come out, unless she forgets what they are and picks at them, but then we just go back to dr and he puts a new one in
It was the best option
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I’ve been a hearing loss advocate for many years and understand it can be overwhelming to figure out best course for a loved one. You can always check your home state to find a local Hearing Loss Association of America Chapter. We have all been on Zoom for past year but Chapters can be helpful for unbiased information. I also know here in NC if you qualify financially there is a state program that will pay for a single aid to help the individual.
Hope this might be of help. I primarily just help those struggling on the phone with our federally funded caption phone. Wish I could be of more help but blessed to at least help with the telephone portion. Good luck!
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Jean1808 May 2021
Thank you!
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I also recommend Costco. I paid about $1600 for the Kirkland brand. High quality and excellent customer service.
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Last time I lost one of my hearing aids, Medicare paid most of the cost of the new ones (SURPRISE!) Before that, I was relying on the replacement insurance that the hearing aid company provided - $400 per aid was a whole lot better than $1500+.
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disgustedtoo May 2021
I was surprised to read this, but I suspect perhaps you have a supplemental plan that covers hearing aids. Quick lookup:

"Hearing aids
Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids.

Your costs in Original Medicare
You pay 100% for hearing aids and exams.

Things to know
Note
Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover - like vision, hearing, or dental. Contact the plan for more information."

My mother's non-Medicare plan did have coverage for hearing aids and every 3 years she was eligible. My current advantage plan also covers hearing aids. Medicare does not (source of the above quote was https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
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I have same issue. Deaf in one ear and hearing loss in other. Audiologist recommended only one hearing aid for “good”!!also you might try online I saw where Walmart had some really cheap considering I paid $3000 for my one.
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Try Sam's Club or Costco.
They both have audiologists and much less expensive hearing aids.
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WE have a firend with hearing loss and who uses hearing aides. He likes to go to the theater when he visits in the summer and his hearing aides do not help there. A few of the theaters have some form of battery operated devise that you can borrow during the performance and those have helped. One theater that he really likes does not have this so a few of us chipped in for a Pocket Talker in Amazon. He said it was the best he has ever heard in any theater and will now use that instead of the ones you can borrow at other places.
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Jean1808 May 2021
Thanl you!
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Now that libraries are opening up, you may be able to get access to Consumer Reports at a library, if you don't want to take out a subscription. Can you contact a local social worker who knows about options for seniors? Perhaps they also can advise. Experiences with my father and husband who both experience(d) hearing loss is that hearing aids are very difficult to get right for some people.
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You do not have to pay $6,000. Seniorliving.org gave MDHearing Aids a good rating and they affordable. The VA will cover if she has benefits.
You will learn more once you see the audiologist. Don't let them "sell" you.
Some are more about the money than others.
I think the behind the ear works best for major hearing loss.
One that is simple to use, some are very complicated with several programs on them that make them hard to use.
I used to work for an ENT office that sold hearing aids and got one for my right ear.
My problem is understanding the words. The hearing aid amplies and makes the
noises louder (which is annoying at first) but no matter how loud I still can't
understand conversation! Frustrating. The digital kind can be programmed for
specific hearing loss and you can go back for adjusting, up or down.
Most hearing aid retailers will offer you a 30 day trial period.
Best of luck!
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Jean1808 May 2021
Thank you!
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I have costco hearing aids. They are Phonacs which are a good brand. They do come with a loss/replacement warranty, but I cannot remember what the deductable is. Mine are for 4 years. The negative for Costco brands is they are preprogrammed and you cannot adjust them yourself. I would sometimes like to be able to turn them down or up. I won't buy them again because of that.
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Jean1808 May 2021
Thanl you for this
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Just ordered my moms new aids...$2200. Yes they need to have batteries changed out on them but prior to that my mom had the $6000 rechargeable hearing aids and she hated them. She’s in assisted living...She already lost one of her rechargeable aids...And they have lost her old battery aids at least three times. right now she doesn’t have a left one - no one seems to know where it is!!!! Clips are good to have...As long as someone remembers to unclip the hearing aids from her shirt when they change her or when she changes her self. It’s an endless battle
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Jean1808 May 2021
Sending hugs
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Just another consideration: The hearing aid batteries are very small and difficult for an elderly person to handle. My mother lost so many in the rug we joked that we were going to buy a metal detector to find them. So be careful of the spot you choose to change batteries.
Also, this discussion was so helpful, I printed it out. Thanks everyone!
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Jean1808 May 2021
I concur - thank you to everyone! So glad I could be part of someone else's solution!
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paid 2k for hearing aids and they come with a charging station no more tiny batteries.
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Costco definitely has the best deal for hearing aids—plus, they give free hearing tests. I purchased the exact brand (even the same model) of hearing aids that had previously been quoted at $6,000 for only $1,500.
My late fiance needed hearing aids too, but he refused to get them despite having no hearing at all in one ear and limited hearing in the other. As a result countless hours of our last few years together were spent in useless back and forth because he couldn't hear me or else misheard me and reacted accordingly. Meanwhile, I couldn't understand why he was reacting so unexpectedly, based on what I had actually said! 
Hearing is one of the main ways that loved ones can stay connected. If there's any way to get them, please do try.
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Jean1808 May 2021
A lot of good words on Costco. That price is amazing. Yes, it's a problem.
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