I hope someone can give you advice here. I am also contemplating taking this step-background noise is a real problem for me as is tinnitus, but now I also have trouble with conversations when the other person speaks quietly. No fun.

DH recently got hearing aids and is very happy with them. They are open air type so the ear piece fits inside the ear but does not fill the ear canal like the old fashioned kind. The aids are very small and sit on top of his ear and are nearly invisible. He's very happy with them. Based on recommendations from multiple friends, he got them at Costco. The people there seem very experienced and very helpful. He went back a couple of times to get the programming corrected. They give us free filters and the batteries last 6-7 days and are very inexpensive. Overall, we are very happy with dealing with costco and would recommend them.

I am also interested in hearing (ha) what advice might be offered. I have an appointment next month with an ENT, and an audiologist, who is also a friend. I have had tinnitus for years, and have known that I have some loss on the left. Restaurants are hard, but worse is the difficulty I have understanding my grandchildren. We are all getting tired of me asking them to repeat themselves.

I'll be following this, too. I was under the impression that not much was possible.

Interesting thread. MIL is getting fitted for hearing aids. I'm glad she's going because she has had increasing difficulties over this past year especially. She is going through a large ENT practice here.

I think it's inevitable for both DH and me. So many rock concerts over the years, though I actually seem to hear better than him.

I have been legally deaf since childhood but can hear with the help of two high powered ReSound ,behind the ear,hearing aids. Those are the only ones people with my problem can wear as there is more technology in the large part behind the ear. I'm sorry you didn't have good luck with yours but, in order to get the programs set, you have to return to dr. over and over until they are to your liking. All ReSounds have three programs you can access and they are customized to your needs. Mine are set to hear people close up on #1 setting, to block out background noise on #2 and #3 is to be able to communicate on a regular phone. I go once a year for hearing test and adjustments. I also have a Reveal system that I plug in to tv and it sends the sound to my hearing aids. The beauty of it is I can take it to any location and no one else hears the tv. You might be able to use the ones you have if you do likewise. They are a very good brand, one of the best. I think I went 9 time for adjustments and new molds made as they had feedback when your ear stretches. That means you need a new mold, not the entire aid. Knowing this, you can save a ton of money. Also there is now a hearing air type device that blocks the sounds of Meniere's which I also have. I haven't purchased it as I have to wear my aids all the time or hear nothing.

Thank you for taking the time out from your holiday to respond. I appreciate all that you have to offer. Seems like a lot of people my age (62) are starting to realize the affects of not hearing well. I remember being told by the ENT doctor that most people do not seek help until 5-10 years after the hearing loss had become a problem that they were not aware of. As cyn427 and leela4 mention - not being able to hear/interact with young children or soft spoken adults was the biggest driver for me to initially get hearing aids. For years when I was young I was told by family members I spoke too softly when in fact theyneeded hearing aids. It diminished the interactions between us and sadly the relationships drifted apart.

I do not notice the tinnitus but my husband has it constantly. Background noise in rooms and restaurants with lots of concrete, hard metal industrial type furnishings with high open unfinished ceilings are torture. Unfortunately they are the norm in restaurant design around here. We are that couple you see out for dinner that are just eating - no conversation going on because we can't hear each other!

Annie, I did see on a thread somewhere that you mentioned your husband's new hearing aids. Good for him! How did he come about to choose the brand and model? Was it based on his level of hearing loss? Were any of the programs set specifically for your voice ( I am wondering if you were having trouble being heard - or more like him not hearing your voice clearly in everyday interactions?) I will look further into the Costco option.

patiencenotmyvirtue - Thanks for the information! Yes, Meniere's is a very tricky disease! I can understand about the fluctuations in the hearing. Depending on the weather and barometric pressure I can hear very little or the (painful to my ear) yapping of a small pooch two streets over! It is the higher tones that I don't seem to hear clearly or are bothered by. And I get you on the ability to understand the words. Some days are worse than others - we are still learning to monitor conversations when things might go off track very quickly because one of us does not understand the words being used. Tone is everything!

My hearing aid has three programs although we only got two programed at the time. (It is a fit in the ear canal with the mechanism on top of the ear.) One was for being out in public with reducing the background noise and the other was for quiet areas especially when I worked in an office all by myself. It is very helpful to know that it may just be a matter of taking the time to keep going back and getting them adjusted. My audiologist has moved on and I will need to find someone new - that also has been why I have been dragging my feet. I will inquire about the Oticon brand. Good to know it is expected to keep coming back to have them adjusted because I remember thinking I was a problem client!

Love the idea of being able to make the adjustments with my iPhone! I had not heard that, so thank you for that information. And to have it go directly to the hearing aid when answering the phone would be great. At this point if I use my iPhone for a call I have to wear my earbuds to actually hear any conversation. I was concerned about that as I know of some people who have to take their aid out in order to hear on a phone. Luckily at the time I worked I only had one aid but it was an adjustment to put the phone up to the 'good ear' which was not natural for me.

Yayagal - It does seem to me now that I needed to keep going back to get them adjusted to my needs and lifestyle. Life was changing rapidly for me back then. I am wondering if the reason the ReSound was chosen was because I needed more power than the smaller ones gave. The good part is that once getting the hearing aid I decided to grow my hair a little longer to cover it and the response to the hairstyle change had been very positive! Who knew?

I will look into the Reveal system. Again, I had not heard of that device. I had seen the ones that you use like headphones but you could not have any conversation with others in the room while wearing them. Don't seem to watch much tv any more because I have not been able to hear and understand the actors and we don't have the option to keep rewinding. I have become one of those people who complain that too many people mumble! Amazing what technology has developed!

This is wonderful information, keep it coming as I am sure that you are all helping others who might have these same questions. . . or will! A lovely group of people you are - thank you.

You buy the tv connection at the drs. office, mention it to them. It's made by Resound and now I can watch any program without closed caption. I love it and I unplug it and take it to Maine with me. It's the size of a 4 inch box and very light. I vaguely remember the price was about 200.00, well spent. I have learned over the years to read lips so I have that advantage but, with tv, people turn their backs and move rapidly so the unit has made life pleasant again.

One more thing, if you get your hearing aid settings to one for a phone, you can put it to above your ear and hear clear as a bell. This is with the behind the ear type. Go to the site and see what they offer. Interesting.

This is very interesting to me. I have had hearing aids for about 5 years now and back maybe 20 years ago I had them, they picked up so much background noice and just didn't seem to be helping me. I thought for a long time before I spent the money for these. When I couldn't hear my grandchildren!! It seems there are always ads and special deals in the paper for h.aids. It always reminds me of a used car salesmen with a bigger and better deals. I decided to go to the rehabilitation hospital here, it is very well known and has a wonderful reputation. The audiologist was great. I did go back many times for proper fit and sound adjustments. Every year I go back for a tune up so to speak and she cleans them and makes adjustments. Sadly my hearing is declining and once they are out I can barely hear a thing. Mine are "in the ear type" the audiologist said the ear actually changes with age and at some point they may not fit as well. Next pair I'll look into over the ear style. My are Seamans.

Thanks cran. Mine is about ten years old now. Once I have a hearing test I guess that would determine if I need only the one or now need two. The background noise I remember being a real problem and wondered if they were helping much also. But I do remember that I was able to hear a grandniece I cared for on occasion and that was worth it to me! I could see her getting frustrated with me and realized it was my responsibility to take care of my problem instead of putting it off as her speaking too softly! It is great that you have gotten new ones to be able to hear your grandchildren. It is so important.

The cost is definitely something to think about. Mine was $2,500 US (for one) back in 2008 and it was a big investment for me at the time as my insurance did not cover it. Wonder if the canal part can be remade if my ear has changed with age. Something to ask about if the base can still be used for what I need. A newer one with the latest and greatest might be better though.

Great idea about the Rehabilitation Hospital. I will look into that as I don't want to go to someone that has just set up shop in the local mall. You are right about the used car salesman type approach - I see that quite a bit. I need to research more about the over-the-ear (BTE) vs in-the-ear (RIE) just in case I do get an option. I will look into the Seamans brand also. In just looking at websites it is amazing how far things have come. I am excited!

I think the brand is Siemens.

If your older hearing aid can give you the results you want, just ask them to make a new mold. Also if they recommend two hearing aids and you were wearing one, ask them to adapt the old one for the second ear. They can do all this, just ask. I do.

Did you know this: The Senate passed legislation Thursday to allow over-the-counter (OTC) devices to be marketed and sold as hearing aids without requiring a prescription. ... The Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, which the Senate passed by a 94-1 vote, had been approved in July without objection by the House of Representatives.Aug 4, 2017

My understanding is that the FDA will be allowed to set standards for OTC devices resulting in better marketplace competition, driving prices down from $6K in some cases to as low as $100-$600. That would be amazing!

Delilah66, did this ever happen?

Yes. Trump signed it later in August 2017.

Just an update after a quick visit to Costco for those who are interested:

If you are a member they provide a free hearing test at their store.

If the test results indicate a hearing aid would be helpful, they will provide a 'test model' for you to wear in the store for a short period of time to see what it would be like and whether you notice any difference.

After you purchase a device you have 6 months to return it with a full refund (didn't ask if that included and cost of having the earbud custom molded).

They do not have a payment plan.

We picked up brochures for the various brands they carry. Looks like they have their own brand (Kirkland Signature 8.0) along with ZERENA by bernafon, Phonak Brio 3 by Phonak, ReSound Forte by ReSound and a few different models from Rexton.

Yayagal, I am hoping that the older one gives me what I need and it makes sense that I may need a new mold. I never thought of that. Thank you.

Delilah66 - I had not heard that. I was quite amazed how expensive these little devices are and not usually covered by insurance.

DH had a hearing test at Costco this morning. Yes, he was given a 'test' model to wear in the store for about 30 minutes. He was so happy he went ahead and ordered his aides (under $1700.00, 100% guaranteed, including damage and loss.)

He'll pick them up next Thursday. The audiologist suggested I accompany him when he picks them up. He was told to download an app to his cell phone that will help with the sound level on the TV. DH was very happy with the whole process at Costco. He had visited another Hearing Aid Center a few weeks ago and was completely turned off by that experience. And the cost of over $ 5,000. We will see.

maddielee - PLEASE report back! I need a hearing test as my last one 3 years ago showed "normal age-related loss."

Sure will Delilah66. I'm probably more excited then he is. It's felt like I've been YELLING at him for too long.

Delilah....reporting back after my husband picked up his hearing aides this morning, so far so good.

We were probably there for 45 minutes, learning how to put them in, change the batteries, pairing and using the iPhone app for different programs, dry and store them at night, adjust etc. Very thorough instructions. Our tech was patient and would have let us stay longer if necessary. DH has an appointment for next week, he's suppose to keep track of any questions or problems he runs into. Plus he can take his iPad in so that it can be paired with the hearing aides.

He hasn't asked, "what did you say?" to me in hours. I've intentionally spoken quietly to test him. It's all good!

One thing to keep in mind, hearing aides go through batteries quickly. Every week to 10 days is not unusual. Costco sells them for .17 each. They are often 1.00 each at drug stores.

Good luck!

Oh WOW! Fingers crossed it continues. I’m going tomorrow to pick up sunglasses. I might have time to check it out, at least the test. Thanks for the report.

I, also, had a positive experience at Costco with my hearing aids altho I need to get them checked again.

I have an appointment the beginning of September for the hearing test at Costco and a follow-on appointment in case HAs are needed so I don't have to wait as long for the HA appt as for the test.

Well, I got my ReSound hearing aids this afternoon. I saw the ENT last week and have the typical drop-off bilaterally in higher frequencies. No organic problem although he did mention that there was a genetic component to my hearing loss pattern. Regardless, I was a little shocked when I first put them in (and they weren't yet calibrated) with all the sounds I immediately heard. Very weird. But then we worked for awhile and tweaked things here and there, and then I learned how to do things on the app on my phone. That's a really nice feature.

So I've had them in for maybe 2 hours; not long. I went to Home Depot right afterwards and since then I've just been sitting out on my deck reading. And I have to say, there's lots of noise/sounds I've been missing-more than I ever realized. But oh-the bird song that I can hear again!! I was missing all that high pitched stuff, which I had realized, but I didn't know how much I was missing.

The next big test will be next week when both daughters and all 4 grandchildren get here. We'll see if they notice anything different (ha.) Plus I'm curious to see how I tolerate the feel of the domes in my ears over time. Things in my ear canals have always bugged me but I assume I will build up a tolerance to that.