I have severe hearing loss; utilizing frequency lowering; use Rgoer ON ext mic at times and imagine that getting the most of my Phonak Spheres will require paying out of pocket for creative, experienced audi who primarily prescribes Phonak. I’m happy to be proven wrong based on other’s exp. if loss is toward the severe end.
I recently moved to Portland Oregon, and in addition to be “married” to Phonak tech since Costco KS10, in order to have my preferred MDs be inn network I expect I will need to use Aetna. Their hearing loss benefit indicates that they offer all major brands including Phonak versus health ins. vendors who force one only into the TruHearing, Hearing USA, etc. networks which seem to only offer rebranded Signia HAs. Pls help cut my learning curve, thanks.
Currently I am not in need of new HAs but do need program experimentation/adjustments as I’m in more varied listening environments than previously. I do some DIY programing but need more experienced pro.
While I have no experience with Aetna’s Medicare Advantage and its hearing aid coverage, be sure to compare your out-of-pocket cost through Aetna with the full cost of buying from Costco. Using my employer’s hearing coverage through UHC would have cost me more than just paying the full price at Costco.
At least as of this writing (August 2025), TruHearing has Signia, Oticon, Phonax, Starkey, Widex & ReSound. I believe all are re-branded TruHearing on the label, but are “unlocked” so any one can program them for you. (DIY, too, I think)
I used TruHearing through a Medicare Advantage plan and the entire process was “one phone call simple”. Actually, they made the appointment for me.
TruHearing connected me with a Doctor of Audiology at a neurotology/otology practice instead of a Hearing Instrument Specialist. I was quite pleased (and surprised) about that. The exam was far more comprehensive than any I’ve head in the past.
The devices came with 3 year warranty, including loss and damage protection. (Loss has a deductible.) It also has one year of free visits to the audiologist & free domes, wax guards, concha locks & similar consumables. The instruments also have a 60 day trial period.
To help with your decision, my experience has been quite positive. The only negative I found is that the TruHearing phone app for Android (ver 10) is kind of buggy. The Signia app works fine with the TruHearing.
Hope This Helps With Your Decision,
Paul
Not Related, But Fun-
I was surprised to find that my Apple MacBook Air M4 laptop came with support to connect to and stream to MFi hearing aids. I can even change hearing device programs, set microphone levels, etc. from the computer. Apparently, some Macs with M1 chip and all Mac with M2 or later chip can do this.