I have read some posts here but this is my first time posting. I am 42 and have had some form of hearing loss for as long as I can remember, most likely inherited from my father. However, lately, it’s gotten worse. While I have avoided getting HAs for a long time for many reasons, I am finally ready. After doing a lot of research, I think I am going to trial the ReSound Vivia 9’s. I guess I’m here to get feedback on a few things.
My audiologist quoted $6200 for the pair of Vivia 9s. She has 3 tiers but added $100 per ear because they are brand new. This includes 3 year warranty including one-time L&D, initial programming and REM, Quarterly Clean and Check, follow-up programming and adjustments during warranty period, bluetooth pairings, Loaner aids as needed at no charge, and initial set-up of supplies (domes, filters, batteries , etc). Is this a good price / package? (I am in the Philly area for reference.)
Should I “shop around” for pricing and/or service packages? Will places give me pricing and package details without an appointment? (I have a high-deductible insurance plan so multiple appointments will become expensive.)
I told my audiologist that I really hate having things in my ears (i.e. earplugs, earbuds with domes, etc). She said she’s not surprised because I have tiny ear canals. She said there are really small domes that could work well for me. Any advice here?
What should I expect being a first time HA wearer?
Suggest you look at ZipHearing.com. Their price for most premium aids is around $3,800 for a pair. They work thru local audiologists and include fitting and one year of follow-ups, the normal warranties and a 45 day return period. Call them, they are very low-key and will not try to pressure you…I have good experiences buying from them
I did. The services offered are limited through ZipHearing. Im just curious if there may be a sizeable difference from one audiologist to another and if its normal for an audiologist to add $$ because the HA model just got released.
Services limited to one year, yes but that is more than you usually need. The alacart price after one year is limited by agreement between Zip and the audiologists. The price on their web site is the price charged by all audiologists in their network.
I am a DIY guy that has been wearing hearing aids for more than 5 years. Since you are a 1st time user, I would encourage you to go through a local audiologist. Remote sessions can be done, but communication that is not in person has its shortcomings. So even though it costs more to do business locally, it can be very beneficial initially.
Over the years, I have checked out many hearing aid reseller promotions offering free hearing tests. By and large, they were not very qualified, or serious in helping you. They just wanted to make a quick $$, So check out your local options before choosing an Audiologist. I have known only two that were what I would characterize as very good.
Despite making the above recommendation, I have obtained the software and programmed my own hearing aids. I can tell you there are a lot of settings, and it will take several attempts to get your hearing aids working optimally. So find a local audiologist that is not only very knowledgeable and professional, but also willing to spend a lot of time with a first-time user. That’s my recommendation.
Hi, welcome to the forum. Since I live in the UK, prices and fitting work a little bit differently for us over here. What I would say you’ll likely notice as a 1st time hearing aid user however, is that you’ll be annoyed by lots of different things. Annoyed by having things in your ears, behind your head, or just a bit overwhelmed by the sudden influx of lots of noise in your life. I don’t say this to put you off, but just to warn you, this is how a lot of people feel when they 1st get fitted with HA’s.
In my case it was “wow this sounds lovely” whilst sat in the clinic, then “OMG OMG OMG they are so loud, they do X Y Z which is really irritating me” once I’d left the clinnic.
It takes time. Time to adjust to all those new noises and for your brain to stop freaking out. Time to adjust to a new lifestyle where you put something on or in your ears every day and time to work with your audiologist to tune things to how you want them to sound. Also time to learn what the hearing aids do and do not do.
Despite all that I’ve put above, when your brain does learn to adapt, when you learn to stop thinking about them, which you will do, they’ll likely really be able to help you and you’ll miss them when you take them off/out. Think about it like finding a partner. Nothing goes 100% smooth the 1st time out, you’ll both have to make compromises and the only way you’ll get the best out of it is to really dedicate yourself to the experience.
Personally I’d not expect you to be used to the sensations for about 15 or 20 days of heavy use.
I hope that’s been a little bit helpful, even just as a warning to give it time and don’t expect too much of yourself or the hearing aids for the first week or so. Good luck
That’s very beautifully said. There is always some initial self-consciousness and physically getting used to wearing hearing aids. For me, total immersion worked best. I still wear them all the time and don’t feel right without them.
If you can afford it, nothing beats a private audiologist. Of course, a pair of hearing aids is not worth $7K. But the service I have received from my audiologist over the last 3 or 4 years is worth every penny, Expectedly, my hearing has gotten worse, and I’m ready for a new pair of power aids. Another 7 grand, but there are few things more worthwhile.
Good luck.
//Steve
Look into your state’s vocational rehab program for help getting hearing aids. Even doctor’s in my community in my state have used it to get hearing aids.
Costco is another option ($1,500-$1,600) for a pair of premium hearing aids.
