This is probably the most frequent asked question but at the same time the most difficult question to answer.
I have tried 3 HA’s so far (Real, Omnia and Lumity). Each has their pro’s and con’s. To make it even more difficult: each audi has different skillsets and their own preferences. I have used both open and power domes etc. One audi even didn’t do a real ear measurement.
The amount of variables is astonishing. Against all odds: how did you make your choosing process plain and simple?
You seem to know a lot! I’m impressed.
I have Phonak Audeo Paradise P90R’s. Was the process plain and simple? No.
I think that setup is most important. The audi who supplied my hearing aids has failed me with the setup. I’m looking for a new audiologist now.
First selection for me was the audiologist, and getting an audiogram and a recommendation. So I need them? Do I need two? (YES)
For me the second criteria was affordability. If I was starting with that as the goal I would go to COSTCO. There’s quite a saving there.
The third criteria for me was the make and model. What level of technology do I want? What level do I really need?
If you find the right audiologist everything else is easier. By far.
DaveL
Toronto
I chose new HAs a month ago. First priority was Bluetooth connectivity, so I also ended up with Phonaks (Audéo P90R). I was only half-happy with them as configured by my audiologist, but went ahead with the purchase anyway, hoping I could tweak them myself later on. That turned out to be a pretty good gamble. Got the Noah Wireless and Target fitware and they now work just perfectly, greatly helped with advice from the many helpful people in this forum! I suppose you can achieve the same fitting from a good audiologist, but having some insight into how these HAs work really helps a lot in that dialogue.
I’d encourage putting more effort into finding an audiologist/hearing aid specialist that you can establish a relationship with than trying to become an expert on hearing aids. Somehow pick an aid based on any criteria and then try to make it work. Acknowledge that perfection is not out there. Work with your hearing aid provider. Most of the time this should result in a satisfactory experience. The more hearing aids you try, the more confused and unsatisfied you’re likely to become. It is a balance though. If the aid has significant flaws, you can return it and try something else, but I don’t think that should be the expectation from the outset. Others on the forum disagree and recommend the approach you have taken.
But in a specialty area, like MUSIC PERFORMANCE, the audiologist and the equipment have to sort of mesh. Or am I wrong?
Although I was actually a teacher of the deaf several decades ago I’m the most ignorant person I know regarding new technologies.
I agree. I would add that it would be best to find an audiologist who deals with multiple brands and can recommend the best match for the client and provide a good explanation for his/her recommendation. Too often in my experience, audiologists have one preferred brand that they recommend to everyone. I would also work only with an audiologist who does real ear measurement.
I just purchased my first set of HAs. I can’t afford $5k at an audiologist so I went to Costco. The HAS that helped me set up a pair of aids and they felt good so I went with it. They had a pleasing sound and didn’t make my ears cringe which is a huge factor for me. I have six months to return them and try something else if I can’t get used to these for some reason. It seemed the most logical solution given all I’d read about Costco here on this forum.
Your post makes me think, reminds me, what it’s like, how frustrating the process of choosing and fitting the first hearing aids. It’d be nice to rely on reviews but all our experiences, personalities, and hearing needs are unique.
Based on my experiences, I’d say the only way it could be simple is only going to happen is with a really good audiologist, skilled and experienced, that is trained on multiple brands. Sounds like a unicorn!
Finding an ENT and getting the audiogram was easy. After that, I’ve have tried three brands (sometimes multiple models in a brand) with two audiologists. Every model has pros and cons, with unique approaches to noise, voice, tinnitus, etc. Oh sure there was a learning curve, ultimately it came down to needs being met, and personal preference… and that’s on the patient.
Neither audiologist I had were recommendable. Nice people, but, just capable of setting up the hearing aids, but thinking through fine tuning or resolving issues… nope. For any questions I have, they call the dealer tech support. I can’t imagine how frustrating the process of choosing and fitting is for clients that don’t have a technical background.
Which brand did you choose?
The Phillips HearLink 9040. They sounded crisp and clean for the short time I tried them out. I did read the threads here about other folk’s experiences, and didn’t see the point in trying a different brand when I was wearing was comfortable.
Based on the user reviews which I’ve also read, the Philips seems like a great choice. With the loss you have in some of the low frequencies, you might need closed domes. If so and the sound of your own voice bothers you, Rexton might be a good alternative.
Thanks for the info 
I’ll keep that in mind when I go pick them up.
I do not think choosing hearing aids will ever be “simple.” Too many factors involved. You can have 2 people that TEST with exactly the same loss and they have totally different reactions to the same hearing aid.
Admittedly, some of that is the “talent” (I do think it is a “talent”) of the person fitting the aid, but also it is just personal preference.
I personally will never buy from a place that sells (or even pushes) ONE brand. I am wearing Signia’s now because at the time I purchased them, their ability to change the direction to focus on seemed to work the best for me.
Now that I have a Costco close enough for me to drive easily for fittings, I will absolutely start with them next time I purchase.
I think it’s also that having the same audiogram doesn’t equate to having the same loss. The audiogram is based on response to pure tones of certain frequencies. But how someone perceives and interprets sound is affected by other factors besides the ability to hear a set of pure tones.