maxC out of curiosity, where did you get YOUR HA’s? Did you go to the full service audiologist and pay list price? I see that you (and Normandy) are a fan of hearSource. Doesn’t that kind of negate your argument about having the audiologist know your name and the product you wear as soon as you walk in the door?
I have looked into and spoken with both HearSource and America Hears. I like their business model, and have not discounted them at this point. I am going to Costco to see what they have and possibly trial a pair of HA’s. I still may order from HearSource, I don’t know at this point.
I have also used a full service audiologist for the last 6 years for my current HA’s, which I purchased through Hearing Planet, and I have been happy with the audi. However, for the amount of times I have had to go back to the full service audiologist, (which is not very many), I have decided it is not worth the extra money if I can get the same product somewhere else for substantially less money.
Also your car analogy is moot. When GM was in full swing you could buy an Oldsmobile which was essentially the exact same car as a Cadilliac, with just a few less bells, whistles, and some different trim, for cheaper. Essentially the same car, produced in the same plant, by the same workers, using the same basic parts, for less money. Some people like all the bells and whistles and want the Cadillac, and to others, they are unnecessary and they are happy with the Oldsmobile.