I recently went to an audio because of a promotion by mail. It was an Audiology Center and the Dr was very thorough, helpful and knowledgeable. She spent quite some time examining my hearing and testing it. In the end she fitted me with the Widex Clear 440 HAs and let me take them home to test them. I had explained to her that I would definitely be trying out the Costco products as well because of the price factor. She knew this ahead of time and went ahead with the hearing examination, etc.
The instruments seem to work very well, except for one night when we went dancing and the music was loud. It set up a horrible noise/feedback situation and I ended up taking the HAs off and putting them in my pocket.
Today I went to Costco and got fitted with the Rexton Insite HAs. The audio there did not spend nearly as much time with my hearing examination, etc. She just gave me a hearing test to compare the results with my previous results from an exam there in March.
Anyway, the Rexton HAs are almost unnoticeable as far as a hearing enhancement. They don’t seem as loud as the Widex. Particularly with some sounds like crinkling paper, water running, and ambient noise. Of course, the Costco audio made deliberate adjustments to reduce those types of sounds. But still, the Widex seem to amplify sound more. Speech is also easier to hear and understand with the Widex because it’s louder(?).
Anyway, the Widex HAs will cost nearly $6K if I buy them, while the Costco Rexton HAs cost less than $2600. Obviously, I am very motivated to make the Rexton units work. Is there a difference in quality or design that would never allow the Rexto Insite to equal the Widex Clear 440? I am pretty sure I can return to Costco and get the HAs reprogrammed for more amplification. Also, I can probably get the Widex tuned to eliminate that problem I experienced.
Please give me your opinion on this so I can make and informed decision.
I have hearing loss in the higher frequencies, more so with my left ear. My low frequency hearing is pretty good. Both audios have the same results from the tests.