Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids

[Complete Turf Care]

Has anyone tried any of the 'over the counter' hearing aids? About a year ago they became available and seem to be at a much lower price than conventional hearing aids from a hearing specialist.

I have tinnitus (ringing in my ears) and it seems to be getting harder to hear people talking to me. I would much prefer to spend $1000 on OTC hearing aids instead of $5000 from a hearing specialist.

 

[oosik]

CTC - there is another post regarding hearing aids on - Rural Living. Might want to check that one out.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

CTC - there is another post regarding hearing aids on - Rural Living. Might want to check that one out.

I did see that thread, but there was no mention of 'over the counter' hearing aids. I will post my question in that thread.

 

[oosik]

Just gotta believe there has to be a "happy medium" - somewhere in that price range.

 

[woody]

My Dad got some OTC aids and at first seamed to like them but after a while said they didn't help with conversation but are great for watching videos with his phone.
My MIL got the 6K pair and bless her she has a terrible time getting them in her ear correctly so they don't really help much and we still have to repeat ourselves. they are both adjustable but Dad says if he puts his on music he hears everything and it is overwhelming

 

[Tinhack]

I'd like a nice pair of adjustable aids. I tried the cheap amplifiers, and they sounded like the old tin-can and string communicators. Real tinny and couldn't adjust them except for sound level. There are better ones, but I hate the behind the ear versions. They look like deer hooves, and I can't imagine being active with those flopping around.

I'd like to find a pair that are in-ear and fully adjustable via a phone app. And something that doesn't come in fruity colors with a big antenna sticking out of it. I'd pay a couple of hundred for something like that.

 

[reb]

I have used 3 sets from Costco. They work for me as well as the over the counter type. I have used probably 4 or 5 (or more) of the over the counter types. The problem seems to be that (at least in Costco) they test for only up to about 8 kilohertz. Normal hearing goes well beyond that. I am working on a hearing aid the goes to about 15 kilohertz. (I am a retired electrical design engineer.)

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I have used 3 sets from Costco. They work for me as well as the over the counter type. I have used probably 4 or 5 (or more) of the over the counter types. The problem seems to be that (at least in Costco) they test for only up to about 8 kilohertz. Normal hearing goes well beyond that. I am working on a hearing aid the goes to about 15 kilohertz. (I am a retired electrical design engineer.)

If you need help testing your design, I’d be happy to help.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

After lots of research and reading reviews, I ordered the Jabra Enhance Select 300. Most reviews had this model rated the highest, including Consumer Reports.

The cost is $1995 for the pair and that includes a 3 year protection plan. I found a $300 discount coupon, so I went ahead and ordered them. Total cost is about $1825 including sales tax.

I will post a review when I get them and have a chance to use them.

 

[oldnslo]

Wish you the best and I hope you find them helpful for your use. I am on my 3rd or 4th pair of conventional aides since my hearing loss is severe in certain frequencies and conventional aides can be tuned for these frequencies. Maybe the better OTC have this option today.