#1

I recently was administered a hearing test which revealed a 30db loss in the human voice frequency range. It rebounds above that, then rolls off in a “pretty standard fashion” for a person of 65. I don’t fully understand my Otologists office, but it appears the audiologist works for a separate company within the office, and administered the test. The audiologist also sells the hearing aids. Today I was quoted Entry, Mid, and Top of the Line prices of $3000, $4000, and $6000 a pair for the Oticon brand. Is it wrong for me to shop around a little as opposed to accepting the brand and prices for this firm? If not, I’m wondering how to get a copy of my hearing test results. The audiologist appears to be in possession of the results. I see a lot of forums members post their “FLR” figures in their posts. Is this what is used when shopping on he internet?

#2

Ask your audiologist for it. Or like I have to do at the VA is to go to documents and fill out a request to get my records.

#3

If you live in the US you are entitled to a copy of any medical record that is yours. I would call them up and tell them you want a copy of your audiogram for your records and see what they have to say. I have had hearing tests many times and have never come away without a copy, it could of been an oversight on the part of the person administering the test.

#4

I agree - just ask them for a copy.

#5

No, it isn’t wrong to shop for price. There are online sellers that discount and refer you to a local audiologist that they pay separately. Also Costco sells good aids are lower prices. Another local is Connect Hearing that price matches. You should be able to find prices 20-40% lower.

#6

For Sure Shop Around!! I made a big mistake of buying right from the Dr.'s office. I knew I had hearing loss and after the test they said I could use HA’s. I thought, take the test there, they sell the HA’s right there, everything under one roof, how much easier could it get. A couple of weeks after I purchased the HA’S from them I found this forum. That’s when I realized how bad I’d been “Taken To The Cleaners”. Shop Around and as questions!!

#7

OK, thank you. I’ve arranged for a visit to another audiologist and dispenser of HA’s to see what they have to offer.

#8

If money is an issue and you are contacting audiologists directly, you very well may be doing this wrong.

As KenP mentioned, have you looked into any of the 3rd parties that connect you with audiologists? You will absolutely get a better price if you do that. TruHearing, Connect Hearing, Hearing Revolution have been mentioned before on here.

If money is not an issue, have at it.

#9

Thanks. I guess I should have explained this better. I am going this suggested route. I contacted a company called Zip Hearing, and they hooked me up with a local guy who is meeting me this Wednesday at a local office. We’ll take it from there. Thanks for the other possible contacts.