Word of advice on hearing aids:
I've had my hearing tested several times over past 20 or 30 years. Good and bad results. Here are some caveats:
- 1. Only have your hearing tested at a quality provider.
2. Only have your hearing tested at a provider that has a SOUND PROOF BOOTH.
3. Avoid those hearing aid places that ONLY have a portable Audiometer.
4. Using a portable unit DOES NOT exclude background noise completely and will give inaccurate results.
5. Portable units are used for hearing SCREENING and are not Clinical Quality units/setups.
6. Audiometric Technicians are not necessarily quality trained for "medical hearing" evaluations.
7. "Hearing Aid Centers" should be checked out thoroughly...their main job is to SELL Hearing Aids.
8. If you are a Veteran, get an appointment at a VA Center for hearing test.
9. There is a VERY HIGH profit margin on all hearing aids. Play their game: Then, negotiate.
10. Even the "high quality" digital, tuneable units will NOT filter out all background noise.
11. Hearing aids are designed to "eat" batteries...don't buy from the hearing aid centers...
12. The "in the ear" units are significantly more expensive than the "behind the ear" units.
13. Remember: A hearing aid is merely $25 worth of microchips. The $200 or so exam and programming. The rest is manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler, retailer PROFIT!
I know...I've been there...had one several years ago...broke it. I can still read, write, and let my wife do our telephone work and network with others. Yes, I can still hear...what I have to...lol.