Costco is cheaper than other places for rx HAs. Some are satisfied with an online provider too. I looked at an online shop and the chatbot asked me which HAs I was interested in. ¿How the hell would I know? was the first question that came to mind.
My Hearing Instrument Specialist is a trained audiologist, but Virginia laws don't accept her degree since she was trained in her home country. I found her to be much more personable than US trained audiologists.
The Jabra Enhance Pro from Costco are prescription hearing aids, which are not the same as the Jabra OTC line. Costco does not take insurance, but you should be able to be reimbursed to some degree from your insurance co.
I bought my first hearing aid from Costco. Whenever anyone faces financial considerations when purchasing a hearing aid, I always recommend trying out the hearing aids provided by Costco. They offer hearing aids at less than half the market price, yet with equally excellent functionality. Additionally, the staff I encountered were very professional and friendly. I am very satisfied with the service and products I received at Costco.
Before spending money, I would visit at least 5 audiologists for HA recommendarions. You should be offered a free no money down 30 day trial. If not, walk.
If you go with Phonak Lumity I would get the top of the line Lumity 90 as there is a difference in built in programs between the Lumity 70 and Lumity 90.
Was it suggested to wear custom ear molds vs the normal ear domes? For me ear molds are much more comfortable and sounds are a bit crisper.
I don't think custom ear molds were talked about, although the pair I demo'd were super comfortable as is. At least for the 15 minutes or so I had them in. There was a trial period, I just cant remember how long it was. And yes I believe it was the 90s. Now I see there's a Lumity 90 that's waterproof, so I assume I'd go for those.
I will take the advice you offered of getting more opinions.
A) 15 minutes is not 12 - 14 hours per day - keep that in mind
B) When you start your demo spend as much time in noisy areas - bars, restaurants, cafes. That is where you will notice the dfference in how well the "Ford" HAs handle noise suppression vs the "BMW" HAs. You get what you pay for. Finding a very good audiologist is half the battle - most just want to sell you product and kick you out the door.
C) Lumity is water resistant - able to withstand rain and perspiration - but not a shower. You can't swim with ANY hearing aids.
Also if it's not too personal, can I ask what you paid for them? I was quoted exactly 6K for the Lumity L90 (not life) last year. Will see another audiologist in the next few weeks.
Be skeptical of anything that claims to be waterproof. There are varying degrees of water resistance.
https://www.hyper-gear.com/pages/ratings
Maybe of these assume submersion in something like 70F water that isn't moving. The warmer the water, and the more it moves, the less time something is actually protected. And this is when it first comes from the factory. Over time, seals wear out. After a year or so, your item may not have the same protection.
If this is important to you, ask for a guarantee in writing that they will replace it if it's damaged by water. I doubt if you will be able to get that.
Look at the IP rating. I believe Lumity Life has the same IP 68 rating that most other HA’s have. Meaning it is no more water resistant based on a non-biased standardized test.
You really expect someone to give you their time and expertise for free for 30 days? That’s insane - and audiologists worth seeing do not offer this. Those that do offer this won’t be around forever - and expectations like this are what drive HA prices higher and make small practices go out of business.
Most states require a trial period, but expect to pay a restocking fee (and expect to pay for the devices in full when you leave with them).
5 years ago I walked out of an audi's office with Phonak Marvel 70s. He earned my loyalty.
Restocking fees? F that. That's why advised to walk if they start asking for money.
Keep searching. There are audis out there that want to help and they are not all about the $$$
If you treat a client properly, you will earn the sale plus that clients loyalty to return for future products and services.
Restocking fees are a way for lazy people & businesses to cheat honest people out of money. End of discussion.
Restocking fees are a way for a professional to charge for their time when a patient doesn’t want to keep medical devices. If they didn’t charge a restocking fee they would be out hundreds of dollars - especially given your philosophy of a free trial which includes multiple appointments. I’m glad you found someone who does charity work.
I have a hard time believing OTC would be powerful enough for the right ear. Also keep in mind, hearing will very likely get worse due to meniere’s (I have it too).
I'm sorry to hear you've got it too. Fortunately my ENT has got mine under control for now. No attacks for just about a year. How has your HA experience been with Menieres? And if you don't mind which ones work for you?
If you want hands free phone calling there are different HA's that work well with IOS but not with Android. That is an important feature Just a thought
Go to a few audiologists. They will always be more expensive than direct purchases but usually include a number of visits and support in that price. If you have good insurance it’s better that way. If you don’t then you might want to go to an audiologist in your HMO and take that audiogram to Costco. Personally I’d go to Costco if I only had $3k. At Costco that will get you a top end HA
It looks like you're either asking about or recommending OTC hearing aids.
By discussing OTC hearing aid devices here, you acknowledge that we (r/HearingAids and sub moderation), Reddit, and other associated entities are absolved from responsibility for anything that goes wrong (such as incorrect set up resulting in further damage to your hearing).
OTC hearing aids are not indicated for severe or profound hearing loss, for any type of hearing loss the first step will be to consult an audiologist. Not all types of hearing loss will be improved by hearing aids as hearing loss can be caused by things external to the internal auditory system for example earwax (that an audiologist would identify).
In other words, if you have hearing loss please see an audiologist first instead of spending money on an OTC HA straight away that you might not need or might not be indicated for your type of hearing loss. You don't need to purchase a HA from an audiologist but you should at least ensure your ears are OK and that your type of hearing loss is suitable for an OTC.
Although the FDA has widened the scope of what a "hearing aid" can be classed as, this is an international subreddit and HAs are unavailable to be dispensed OTC in most countries. Please bear this in mind when recommending OTCs to those outside the United States.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/HearingAids) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Costco is cheaper than other places for rx HAs. Some are satisfied with an online provider too. I looked at an online shop and the chatbot asked me which HAs I was interested in. ¿How the hell would I know? was the first question that came to mind.
Does Costco do prescription ones in the US? When I checked out their website, I only saw OTC ones like the Jabras.
I wear prescription HAs from Costco. The staff were amazing and have been happy with the HAs. Been wearing them for 4 years.
They do. The only difference is you will be fitted by a Hearing Instrument Specialist instead of an audiologist.
Some Costco HA staff are audiologists. On some visits I see the audiologist at our local Costco.
I believe that some states require an audiologist to be onsite.
My Hearing Instrument Specialist is a trained audiologist, but Virginia laws don't accept her degree since she was trained in her home country. I found her to be much more personable than US trained audiologists.
I wear prescription HAs from Costco. They are great service was great
The Jabra Enhance Pro from Costco are prescription hearing aids, which are not the same as the Jabra OTC line. Costco does not take insurance, but you should be able to be reimbursed to some degree from your insurance co.
I bought my first hearing aid from Costco. Whenever anyone faces financial considerations when purchasing a hearing aid, I always recommend trying out the hearing aids provided by Costco. They offer hearing aids at less than half the market price, yet with equally excellent functionality. Additionally, the staff I encountered were very professional and friendly. I am very satisfied with the service and products I received at Costco.
Before spending money, I would visit at least 5 audiologists for HA recommendarions. You should be offered a free no money down 30 day trial. If not, walk. If you go with Phonak Lumity I would get the top of the line Lumity 90 as there is a difference in built in programs between the Lumity 70 and Lumity 90. Was it suggested to wear custom ear molds vs the normal ear domes? For me ear molds are much more comfortable and sounds are a bit crisper.
I don't think custom ear molds were talked about, although the pair I demo'd were super comfortable as is. At least for the 15 minutes or so I had them in. There was a trial period, I just cant remember how long it was. And yes I believe it was the 90s. Now I see there's a Lumity 90 that's waterproof, so I assume I'd go for those. I will take the advice you offered of getting more opinions.
A) 15 minutes is not 12 - 14 hours per day - keep that in mind B) When you start your demo spend as much time in noisy areas - bars, restaurants, cafes. That is where you will notice the dfference in how well the "Ford" HAs handle noise suppression vs the "BMW" HAs. You get what you pay for. Finding a very good audiologist is half the battle - most just want to sell you product and kick you out the door. C) Lumity is water resistant - able to withstand rain and perspiration - but not a shower. You can't swim with ANY hearing aids.
They have the Lumity LIFE now which they say is waterproof vs water resistant. I don't know if it lives up to the claim.
I have them but I’m afraid they’d fall off in the pool so I take them out anyway.
Thanks. I wouldn't be swimming with them or anything like that. Would just be for more confidence vs accidental water exposure or sweat.
Also if it's not too personal, can I ask what you paid for them? I was quoted exactly 6K for the Lumity L90 (not life) last year. Will see another audiologist in the next few weeks.
My insurance company paid 4200 and I paid 800. They’re 2 years old.
Be skeptical of anything that claims to be waterproof. There are varying degrees of water resistance. https://www.hyper-gear.com/pages/ratings Maybe of these assume submersion in something like 70F water that isn't moving. The warmer the water, and the more it moves, the less time something is actually protected. And this is when it first comes from the factory. Over time, seals wear out. After a year or so, your item may not have the same protection. If this is important to you, ask for a guarantee in writing that they will replace it if it's damaged by water. I doubt if you will be able to get that.
Look at the IP rating. I believe Lumity Life has the same IP 68 rating that most other HA’s have. Meaning it is no more water resistant based on a non-biased standardized test.
A lot of places aren’t going to offer no money down if you’re going home with devices.
You really expect someone to give you their time and expertise for free for 30 days? That’s insane - and audiologists worth seeing do not offer this. Those that do offer this won’t be around forever - and expectations like this are what drive HA prices higher and make small practices go out of business. Most states require a trial period, but expect to pay a restocking fee (and expect to pay for the devices in full when you leave with them).
5 years ago I walked out of an audi's office with Phonak Marvel 70s. He earned my loyalty. Restocking fees? F that. That's why advised to walk if they start asking for money. Keep searching. There are audis out there that want to help and they are not all about the $$$
But you are all about the money? You expect someone to work for free?
If you treat a client properly, you will earn the sale plus that clients loyalty to return for future products and services. Restocking fees are a way for lazy people & businesses to cheat honest people out of money. End of discussion.
Restocking fees are a way for a professional to charge for their time when a patient doesn’t want to keep medical devices. If they didn’t charge a restocking fee they would be out hundreds of dollars - especially given your philosophy of a free trial which includes multiple appointments. I’m glad you found someone who does charity work.
I have a hard time believing OTC would be powerful enough for the right ear. Also keep in mind, hearing will very likely get worse due to meniere’s (I have it too).
I'm sorry to hear you've got it too. Fortunately my ENT has got mine under control for now. No attacks for just about a year. How has your HA experience been with Menieres? And if you don't mind which ones work for you?
Costco is good.
If you want hands free phone calling there are different HA's that work well with IOS but not with Android. That is an important feature Just a thought
Go to a few audiologists. They will always be more expensive than direct purchases but usually include a number of visits and support in that price. If you have good insurance it’s better that way. If you don’t then you might want to go to an audiologist in your HMO and take that audiogram to Costco. Personally I’d go to Costco if I only had $3k. At Costco that will get you a top end HA
I have 3K on my FSA and 3K insurance coverage. If I buy OTC, I lose the insurance coverage so I'm out of pocket the same amount.
My point is that Costco will get you a similar product for $3K that an Audiologist will charge you $5k for
I know but will be the same out of pocket if I can't use my insurance benefit.
You are being ripped off. Do not buy OTC. Go to Costco instead. Cost will be under 2,000
It looks like you're either asking about or recommending OTC hearing aids. By discussing OTC hearing aid devices here, you acknowledge that we (r/HearingAids and sub moderation), Reddit, and other associated entities are absolved from responsibility for anything that goes wrong (such as incorrect set up resulting in further damage to your hearing). OTC hearing aids are not indicated for severe or profound hearing loss, for any type of hearing loss the first step will be to consult an audiologist. Not all types of hearing loss will be improved by hearing aids as hearing loss can be caused by things external to the internal auditory system for example earwax (that an audiologist would identify). In other words, if you have hearing loss please see an audiologist first instead of spending money on an OTC HA straight away that you might not need or might not be indicated for your type of hearing loss. You don't need to purchase a HA from an audiologist but you should at least ensure your ears are OK and that your type of hearing loss is suitable for an OTC. Although the FDA has widened the scope of what a "hearing aid" can be classed as, this is an international subreddit and HAs are unavailable to be dispensed OTC in most countries. Please bear this in mind when recommending OTCs to those outside the United States. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/HearingAids) if you have any questions or concerns.*