New Hearing Aids

Question: Why can't I hear music or television properly with my new hearing aids? I've had them since October, and I still can't get used to them. I've tried picking up sounds, people's voices are okay, but its music, and television i just can't understand or hear, it echoes, and sounds crackly. I enjoy alot of music and watching television so it's getting frustrating. My audiologist told me to get used to it and it will be fine, but I've tried. Can they make them be able to hear music and television normally like any other person would? They're new Siemens Reflex hearing aids. Thanks.

Answer: It DOES take time to get adjusted to new hearing aids. I t also takes time to find the right adjustment. So your audiologist could be right in saying give it more time. I know if can take as long as 3 months. So I would give it more time - then if your audiologist isn't responsive - change audiologists.

Question: Is there a site of Charity that could help me purchase new hearing aids? At 4 thousand a piece, I just cannot afford it. I have insurances but none to cover ears. That hardly seems fair.

Answer: Try the hearing loss assn of America, they may be able to link you into some kind of resources to help www.hearingloss.org crazy how insurance is.. i lost my hearing in Iraq, my military insurance won't cover it but thankfully the VA does... Seriously though check out HLAA, I do a lot of work with them

Question: Why don't new generation hearing aids have ON/Off switches anymore? Im trying out 3 new hearing aids, and neither of them have on/off switches..its turned On/OFF by means of removing the battery... whose idea was this and why?

Answer: A lot of them still have switches. It's just that the CICs are becoming more popular and they're so small they usually don't have room for the old fashioned controls.

Question: Hello I have been laid off and need to ghetg new hearing aids .I do not have the money to pay for them now? I woulds like to find a way to get them at a lower cost or free

Answer: if australia: http://www.audioclinic.com.au/government-subsidies-and-support.aspx otherwise: http://www.hearingaidsreviewsus.com/digital-hearing-aids/cheap-hearing-aid.php

Question: Is it true online Hearing Planet sells returned,discontinued,stripped hearing aids as "new"? Any regulation? Doesn't Medicare or AARP or someone regulate selling expensive health instruments like digital hearing aids by Hearing Planet? What if senior citizens bought pacemakers the same way, then had to wait months and it wasn't up to standards, then went to some contracted salesman to put it in? That's what Hearing Planet does. In our situation, they sent grandma to an unlicensed person who wasn't even an "audiologist" like Hearing Planet told us. Now what can we do?

Answer: You might want to research blogs on hearing aids or Hearing Planets to see if others have had similar experience and what they've done about it. I'm from Texas where nobody can even buy any medical grade equipment for home use. Only licensed qualified health facilities can, to be sure the sellers' items are up to specs and the buyers use them properly. I hate to say it, but on line it's always Buyer Beware!

Question: How can I find out about government funding for hearing aids? I am hearing impaired and cannot really afford a new hearing aid, which costs about 5000 for a pair, is there a site or a government agency that provides free funding for individuals that need hearing aids but cannot afford to buy them?

Answer: If you need new hearing aids to hold a job, the vocational rehabilitation department for your state is a good place to start. There are also several sources that will donate used hearing aids to individuals (such as the Starkey Foundation)

Question: New hearing aids dont fit/uncomfortable? I have worn hearing aids my whole life, but in the past have opted for private ones, as they were more discreet, in the ear, and as a kid I was really conscious of them. (Plus, if need be, they could go louder.) Ive now got alternative NHS models, as they have improved alot over 10 years, :D. But they are really uncomfy, and the right one doesnt even fit in my ear properly?! Any help? (: x

Answer: Although it really depends on the degree of hearing loss you have, you may want to look into open fit BTE hearing aids as they offer a more natural organic fit and feel. The are more ideal for mild to moderate hearing losses; however, reciever-in-the-canal hearing aids offer a similar open fit with slightly more power and can fit up to moderately-severe. I am not familiar with NHS models but there are many options out there to improve fit. If you currently wear custom hearing aids, they can be adjusted so they fit more comfortable. I would check out the following on hearing aid styles and to read more on the optios out there: http://www.healthyhearing.com/guides/guide-to-hearing-aids/hearing-aids-styles. Also there is a new product by Unitron that is a CIC fused with open-fit BTE technology, allowing a small fit with the open fit comfort: http://www.healthyhearing.com/articles/45167-crossover-hearing-aids-unitron

Question: Where to apply for assistance for hearing aids? I work with a gal that has a disabled husband and she is in need of new hearing aids, which from what I understand cost around $4,000. She lives in Georgia. Is there anywhere she can apply for assistance to help with the cost? We work in a doctors office and are on the phone alot. Someone please help.

Answer: If her problem is the telephone she can get an amplified phone for around $150.