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.

 

[reb]

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

I appreciate the offer. I don't know what you could do, tho. I am having some difficulty with the implementation.

 

[caver]

When my dad was still alive and mom got him to accept going into the local Veterans home they gave him new hearing aids. There was a noticeable improvement in having a conversation with him. I have no idea what they use.

 

[etpm]

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.

I got a pair of the Jabra Enhance Pro in the ear hearing aids from Costco about 2 months ago. They cost $2000.00. They come with a 3 year replacement warranty, so if I lose or damage them within a 3 year window they will be replaced for free. I really like the things. They were adjusted for my particular hearing deficit in each ear. I now can hear stuff I haven't heard for decades. I love the things. I bet you will love yours too.
Eric

 

[5030]

I guess Federal Employees health care is pretty good. I got mine from the audiologist at the hospital, initial fitting and subsequent 2 visits and total cost to me was 50 bucks. I only wear them when I don't want 'selective hearing' as my wife calls it...lol Mine are linked to my cell phone and totally adjustable and rechargeable.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I received my Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids yesterday. I wore them for about 5 hours today. Honestly, I did not notice much improvement to my hearing. They are comfortable and barely visible.

They recommend a consultation with their specialists to help get them fine tuned for my personal needs. I have that scheduled for Monday. The app seems fairly easy to use, and there are a lot of options/adjustments.

There seems to be lots of customer support. I did pay the extra $200 for 3 years of customer support. They also have a 100 day trial period, so if they don't work, I can return them.

 

[etpm]

I received my Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids yesterday. I wore them for about 5 hours today. Honestly, I did not notice much improvement to my hearing. They are comfortable and barely visible.

They recommend a consultation with their specialists to help get them fine tuned for my personal needs. I have that scheduled for Monday. The app seems fairly easy to use, and there are a lot of options/adjustments.

There seems to be lots of customer support. I did pay the extra $200 for 3 years of customer support. They also have a 100 day trial period, so if they don't work, I can return them.

As I wrote in another post I was listening to a piece of music I had heard many times before and with my hearing aids playing the music I heard notes that I had never heard before.
At Costco my hearing aids were adjusted to my hearing loss and to the acoustics of my ears. You should have your hearing adjusted to your ears and your hearing deficits. It makes a huge difference.
Eric

 

[Rollanz]

Jabra (also sold at Costco) are excellent hearing aids and can be purchased online with a 100-day trial period and warranty, free supplies whenever needed and accessible expert Zoom televideo support with an audiologist for orientation and further consultations following that.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Yesterday I had an zoom meeting with a hearing doctor at Jabra. She made an adjustment through the app to my hearing aids.

It made a huge difference. I can hear lots more clearly now. The first thing I noticed was birds chirping outside my window. When I walked out my office, I could hear an engine running off in the distance.

I think I might like these things....

 

[workinonit]

I would never purchase OTCs for 2 grand whan you can get Sharkey or Phonak for 3 grand from a hearing specialist. My Phonak's have changed my life. I can't be productive without them. No way I could still be working without them. I've never run across an OTC that came anywhere close to my Phonaks.

 

[etpm]

I would never purchase OTCs for 2 grand whan you can get Sharkey or Phonak for 3 grand from a hearing specialist. My Phonak's have changed my life. I can't be productive without them. No way I could still be working without them. I've never run across an OTC that came anywhere close to my Phonaks.

My Jabra Enhance Pro in the ear hearing aids were $2000.00 at Costco. I had a hearing test at Costco and when the hearing aids were delivered they were adjusted for my ears and my hearing at the store. I am truly amazed at the difference they make in my hearing. Even though the hearing aids were a custom fit each aid needed to be adjusted for the acoustics of my ear canals and my ears. I can go back any time over the next 3 years and have the aids adjusted for no charge. I can also have the aids replaced for no charge if damaged or lost in the next 3 years. The aids are the type with a rechargeable battery so I don't need to buy batteries.
Eric