Hearing aids
 

A serious ear infection years ago has finally resulted in the need for a little help in my left ear. I went to a "Certified Audiologist". They must have the same tough educational requirements as a real estate agent. (I am a real estate agent). This "certified audiologist" seemed more like a used car salesman in a cheap suit. He tried to convince me my hearing is worse than it is and that I actually need two $2900 hearing aids. On top of this he could not seem to program correctly the test pieces he had in my ears. I soon got tired of his BS and decided to try another route, anything else had to be better. I found that you can buy hearing aids without going to one of these bozos. (My apologies to anyone in the business who actually has ethics). There is a brand called "Simplicity" that you can get at Sears and Walmart for about $400 each. And they have a 90 trial. I gave it a try. I have been wearing it for about 2 weeks now and am very impressed.
They are an over the ear type with a small unit.

http://www.dennisarner.com/pics/simp...ring%20aid.jpg

I recommend them to anyone who is curious if they can get some help with early hearing loss without needing to take out a loan.

My impression of the hearing aid industry is a lot like my take on the dental industry. Pay too much for too little because insurance companies are involved.
I'm not wearing them yet and probably need to be assessed.

Dealt with these issues with my MIL and mother, a terrible business and when they go into the nursing home these things disappear like candy, hell of a black-market. I don't think the Cadillacs work any better than the VW but I'm not using them either.

Hope you experience proves more successful.

About 9 years ago I dated an audiologist for about 9 months. She moved to Aus because we have (had) a shortage of them.

She originated from Canada. Nice enough lady but she was somewhat eccentric. :rolleyes:

Anyways... She worked hard and seemed happy with her job but wasn't getting paid a lot considering her qualifications.

One thing she did say that often people would come to her office very reluctant to use a hearing aid but once they did they wouldn't be without it.
It's a very technical job. She has to asses, select and adjust hearing aids specific to her clients and they're very expensive compared to any other electronic gadget.

Insurance was not available when my son got his hearing aids. The state of NC is one of a few that now offer it to state employees.

We go to UNC for all hearing issues, and have had no high pressure sales. We have to have ear molds made every few months and they are $75 each.