Over-the-counter devices hold their own against costly hearing aids

[rangerrebew]

Over-the-counter devices hold their own against costly hearing aids
July 28, 2017 by Michelle Andrews, Kaiser Health News

Hearing aids that can cost more than $2,000 apiece are only slightly more effective than some over-the-counter sound-amplification devices that sell for just a few hundred dollars, according to a recent study.

The study bolsters legislation pending in Congress, which would have the Food and Drug Administration set regulations for cheaper over-the-counter products and is designed to make the devices more widely accessible and safer. Consumers with mild to moderate hearing loss would be able to purchase the devices without a prescription and without a medical exam, knowing they meet federal safety standards.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-07-over-the-counter-devices-costly-aids.html

[GtHawk]

Cost is a deciding factor for many consumers. Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids, nor do most private health insurance plans.

Well, I guess I will see, cost is certainly a factor for me, I have severe hearing loss and was told the system I would need runs around five to seven grand a couple of years ago. I am on Medicare and have an Advantage plan with Anthem and my hearing benefits went up to three thousand this year. Need to see an Audiologist soon and will see how the article stacks up.

[Wingnut]

Cost is a deciding factor for many consumers. Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids, nor do most private health insurance plans.

Well, I guess I will see, cost is certainly a factor for me, I have severe hearing loss and was told the system I would need runs around five to seven grand a couple of years ago. I am on Medicare and have an Advantage plan with Anthem and my hearing benefits went up to three thousand this year. Need to see an Audiologist soon and will see how the article stacks up.

@GtHawk   Please report back.  Mrs Wing is in need of new HA's.  But after paying 5k 5 years ago... they can stuff it next go a round.

[GtHawk]

@GtHawk   Please report back.  Mrs Wing is in need of new HA's.  But after paying 5k 5 years ago... they can stuff it next go a round.

Will do, but if the cost exceeds my benefit I'll be saying Eh so much people will think I'm Canadian.

[Wingnut]

Will do, but if the cost exceeds my benefit I'll be saying Eh so much people will think I'm Canadian.

I wonder if the Canuck socialized med care covers hearing aids, eh?  :)

[endicom]

Cost is a deciding factor for many consumers. Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids, nor do most private health insurance plans.

Claim it's part of your sex change.

[truth_seeker]

Seriously, what about Canada and Mexico?

I have heard that many who go to Mexico for dental work are satisfied, and pay only a fraction of US prices.

[GtHawk]

Claim it's part of your sex change.

The only sex chage I'v ever considered is Blond for Brunette or Redhead.

[goatprairie]

I'm curious about these devices they advertise on tv to hear tv better.  I wonder how close they are to actual hearing aids. I don't have severe hearing problems, but I do have diminished hearing in one ear.
Meanwhile my wife, who is only five years youngers, still has super hearing and is bothered by noise I think is normal.

[GtHawk]

I'm curious about these devices they advertise on tv to hear tv better.  I wonder how close they are to actual hearing aids. I don't have severe hearing problems, but I do have diminished hearing in one ear.
Meanwhile my wife, who is only five years youngers, still has super hearing and is bothered by noise I think is normal.

I don't think they really can compete past a certain level, they are after all only amplifiers, while a fitted hearing aid is also tuned to compesate for frequency loss. I would say that if you have not had significant loss of certain frequencies but a general reduction acrosss the spectrums one of the over the counter devices may help. I know that for myself simple amplification is not the answer, louder garble is still garble, only much more irritating.