Any advice about hearing aids?

[rhetoric]

I have a father-in-law who has finally realized that he's missing out -- can't follow conversations, is missing important details, and can't hear his wife (which I'm thinking is a plus, but...).   He's in his mid 70s.  So he got his hearing tested and was quoted some obscene amount of cash (10K!!!) AND he was told medicaid won't help and so he just thinks he can't afford it.

Anyway, what are his options?  I know that aids can be expensive, but 10K?  Is there a more reasonable number?  On-line resources?  How do you match hearing aid to your type of hearing loss?  I see used hearing aids all over fleabay -- is this a reasonable option?  Would love to give him a  bit of better news.

[Mettler1]

 $10K is way too much! Ask other people in your area that wear hearing aids about a good dealer. I have worn hearing aids fo 15 yrs. Last set about 2 yrs ago cost about $2500 + 100 for hearing test. For that kind of money they should adjust the aids for your hearing.  I would say a price for decent aids will run from 2500 to 4000$. Again find people who are happy with their aid dealer. When you find a good one and tell them your financial situation they will usually try to fit you with a hearing aid in your price range. STAY AWAY from advertised cheapies as they will do the bait and switch!!

  I don't think I would buy from "fleabay" as you hearing has to be tested and your new aid adjusted to your loss of hearing. Also to avoid noise feedback. Some types of aids require a molded ear piece.
  A good hearing will help you hear better and if you get a bad aid you probably wouldn't wear it. The key to a good hearing aid is a reputable dealer!!

[rhetoric]

That's good to hear!  Thanks for the feedback.

Paul (who former had nearly 200 posts on the old sight!)

[JetJock]

I've worn them for years. Unless he's nearly deaf, there's no way he needs electronic ears that expensive.

Do NOT buy from some online seller or eBay. He needs to shop around, find a good audiologist and get his hearing tested and some recommendations. The audiologist will also sell them, but that doesn't mean he has to buy them there.

Costco sells aids, complete with an audiologist available and I imagine Wally World does too.

Assuming he just has normal hearing loss from age, he can probably get what he needs for $1,000 to $2,000 per aid. The main thing is finding a good audiologist not one whose main function is selling aids. If he lives in a small town, take him on a shopping trip someplace urban.

Also, tell him it's worth it.

[DaveO]

 i had one about 20  years ago . I think it was about 500 bucks .
I didnt like it at all Sound was so artifical and never could tell dirrection of sound .Certain sounds seem close up but are far away .Bottom line I couldnt get use to it.
I might be ready to try another one Hope its better than the last.

[JetJock]

i had one about 20  years ago . I think it was about 500 bucks .
I didnt like it at all Sound was so artifical and never could tell dirrection of sound .Certain sounds seem close up but are far away .Bottom line I couldnt get use to it.
I might be ready to try another one Hope its better than the last.

They're much better. Digital now, which means there's software that can be adjusted to get the sound the way you want it to be. They can be set up a lot of different ways and with multiple scenarios to match your needs (music, loud surroundings, etc.)

Also, you probably gave up on them too soon. Like most things, there's an adjustment period.

[Boxer]

I wear hearing aids that I got through Costco.
Hearing tests and follow up tweaking of the hearing aids is free.
When I started looking in to options and talking to people who
wore them Costco moved to the top of the list.
I paid $1,800 2 years ago and they have worked perfectly. 
Several weeks ago I stopped by and talked to the audiologist about
upgrading to Blue Tooth and she recommended a pair that was $1,400
and required a $160 option.  The technology is changing quickly
Costco doesn't pay a commission to their audiologist and the hearing
test is free.  They're a good place to start your search for hearing aids
and find out what type of hearing aid he needs and what his options are.

[stevewfl]

i had one about 20  years ago . I think it was about 500 bucks .
I didnt like it at all Sound was so artifical and never could tell dirrection of sound .Certain sounds seem close up but are far away .Bottom line I couldnt get use to it.
I might be ready to try another one Hope its better than the last.

I have to suspect they've improved the technology considerably

[blue14]

Huh, what?

[JetJock]

Huh, what?

Amusing . . . not.

Those of us who wear hearing aids find this kind of "joke" not so funny. You wear glasses? Wanna be called "four eyes"? Same deal.

Before you suggest that I chill out, all of us who wear electronic ears have heard this joke before. It wasn't that funny the first time either. And I'm not defensive about my hearing as I've lived with it for decades. Doesn't mean I like it that way.

[Pokey]

My Mom needs a hearing aid of some sort, she is is denial unfortunately.

[Boxer]

My Mom needs a hearing aid of some sort, she is is denial unfortunately.

I have several friends and relatives that could enjoy life a little more if they used
them but the stigma of hearing aids trumps quality of life. 

[Mettler1]

 A lady friend was talking to me over coffee one day. I nodded my head. She said, "You didn't hear a word I said,did you?"

   I sheepishly said "no".  Then why don't you get hearing aids? Glad she said that,it pushed me in the right direction!!