Hearing aids

AussieNomad · Veteran Member

RE: Hearing aids

Legendts · Senior Member

I have also researched this company and have spoken to one person who used them. His opinion, excellent to deal with, great after sales service and you can adjust them yourself from memory. I will be giving them a go when mine need replacing as their prices are very good. I'm still not happy with my poverty pack set as the sounds are still very tinny, even turning pages of a book is like crumpling alfoil.

Usual disclaimer no association with the company and have only spoken directly to them over the phone on two occasions.

oldbobsbus · Guru

way2gokev wrote:
G'day
Hearing aids suit some people but with my industrial deafness the loss is in the high range and the government subsidised ones are a real pain, mine are still sitting in a drawer used em a couple of times. What it did with my hearing was to increase the low frequency to the extent that walking on gravel sounded like being in a room with ice falling all around you. The hearing services push this and only give you the basic aid and they get around $5000 per set. Then when you complain that your hearing is worse they push the big ticket items.
Like I said it suits some and not others, Guess I will keep saying aye or sorry but only when there are alot of noises or sounds around.
If people would talk whilst facing you I have no problems, lots of noise is the problem. I will not be forking out $10,000 plus, just put up with it.
Just another part of growing old I guess.
Cheers
Kev

Yep same here Kev,

I bought a really good pair from US a few years ago and it seems the local specialists aren't happy to tune them up properly but are happy to get their Gov payment everytime I get them to have a go..

So like you they are in the drawer and if I don't hear what some peeps say then so be it, those that know me know they only have to speak clearly and not mumble..

If I thought there was some really good aids out there and someone to tune them up I would buy them..

Carista · Member

Currently trialling Bernafon hearing aids from Allied hearing. Have profound to severe loss in the left ear & mild to severe in the right ear. The left one does nothing to help at all.The right one has helped but sounds tinny. Not sure if I will purchase them or not. Price $3000 with govt. rebate. Hubby says he can't notice any difference in the number of times he has to repeat himself

Very frustrating for all...don't know what to do & I have 3 days free trial left.

Carista

Legendts · Senior Member

Have you checked out Blamey Saunders as their best set is $3400 for a pair. I really like the idea of being able to tune them yourself. I will be looking at getting a pair after our trip away this year. Worth a phone call and as my wife goes to the Peter Mac in Melbourne I called in and had a discussion with them. Definitely no sales push. Sorry if I sound like an ad for them but they were a lot different to other hearing aid places I've been to.

Carista · Member

No not yet, not sure if we have Blamey Saunders in our Area. Will look into it thanks.

chaslib · Senior Member

I have had a set of Resound aids for about 5 years now ... Awful expensive at $7000, I got them while I was still working, however i would not spend that much now we live on our superannuation. they are small and fit behind the ears with the little clear plastic tube thing which sits in the ear canal - they are really not noticeable .. They are held in Place by a small piece of plastic tube that fits into the shape of the ear. It comes with a volume control which i carry in my pocket, so I can switch anyone off with the flick of a switch .... I also have a control that connects to the TV somehow and amplifies the sound through a little speaker that sits next to me. I get calls every 6 months from the clinic and they adjust the settings, clean the aids and give me a card of batteries for my trouble. I have less than 25% hearing in Each ear and the aids have made life a lot easier. I only wear them when in company or watching TV as I am terrified of loosing them ... They are covered under our insurance and I get a small bit back on private health, but not nearly enough to replace a lost set.

hako · Guru

3 weeks ago I got fitted with a pair of Siemens Pure micon hearing aids under the Government program - they cost $3750 and I got $2600 back from my health insurer (CUA). The mob that I went through was "Australian Hearing" who are all over the place. The audiologist was a nice bloke...no sales pressure...very thorough in his testing and assessment of my hearing....suggested different types of aids and to what degree they would help me ...settled on top dearest @3700 and very happy. He rang me back 10 days later to see how they were going and just today had an appointment with him to do the hearing test again and find out what improvement there has been over the 3 weeks with the hearing aids. This time he tested me on 20 words that I could not understand before the aids were fitted - this time I got 17 out of 20 correct which the audiologist was very pleased with. They also make sure the plug thing that goes in the ear is correctly sized and cause no discomfort and that you can change batteries etc.
The bit of hearing I was lacking was the higher notes - the aid supplied only amplifies that part of the audible spectrum so it basically 'sharpens' what I hear. Apparently this is the normal type of age related hearing loss.
They are virtually invisible when wearing and after a short time you do not realise they are there. I can understand hiss, this, kiss, bliss etc ----they do not all sound the same.
For an extra $41.75 you get batteries/service/spares etc for a year.

I was a sceptic at first but now I can see the advantages. I considered the Blamey Saunders deal but I just cannot really see why they cannot get the government program to apply. Also I think that once the aids are setup they should not need fine-tuning - if they did it would be more hassle that it's worth and I'd probably just wear or ditch them. If I lived in Melbourne and could visit Balamey Saunders then it may have been different but the bottom line is that I'm pretty satisfied.
I could have persisted with asking people to repeat their words etc but I think people do get a bit jack of that after a while.
Good Luck.

Carista · Member

So I went ahead & purchased a pair through Allied hearing after trialling for 2 weeks. Audiologist made an adjustment last visit & it has made a subtle difference. A least voices now sound natural. I was advised that it will take 3 months of constant wear until I am getting the best result possible from the hearing aids. They are Bernafon brand.

Annie

aussietraveller · Guru

I also purchased mine from Australian hearing and am happy with the aids they work very well except when in large groups and there are many people talking in these situations I just take them off, with regard to the ongoing supply of batteries etc and servicing I have just received mail offering to continue supply for 12 months if I pay $41.75 like hako but the Government or Taxpayer contributes an additional amount of $180 which I believe makes these very expensive batteries or someone is making good money by handing them out.

WollyandPete · Veteran Member

When I got my hearing aids the first thing i did was chuck in a Led Zeppelin cd in the car player and cranked it up, finally hearing riffs I had not heard since I was a teenager.
Industrial deafness for me, can't sue the boss cos thats me! The Audiologist said to me when he tested me 'are the printing machines very loud? No, not for the last 25 years! they got quieter over time!
Pete

Carista · Member

Hi Dennis I agree... I think people do get tired of having to repeat themselves & that's why I went ahead & bought my hearing aids. I still don't hear everything people are saying but my hearing is a lot better with them in.

Annie.

timjina · Member

In my opinion hearing aids just like reading glasses are a total rip off. My reason for saying this and being so disgusted with the system is as follows...

Just before retiring from work 3 years ago,and knowing we would be caravanning and away from the main cities I decided o invest in a "spare " hearing aid ,just in case one of the others broke down. I looked on Ebay and decided to buy one from America. The brand was Siemens which is the same as my other aids that I paid $8000 for). The price of the back-up one was $ 90 so I thought even if it lasts 12 months the price was O.K. The hearing aid arrived with instructions on fitting and programming and apart from the price was totally identical in appearance to the original expensive ones. I've had it for 3 years now and when I've had to use it, because of one of the others needing work it has performed without a hitch.

I'm now interested in buying a computer programme so I can adjust the hearing aids without going to an Audiologist and all the looking on the computer has lead to brick walls. It seems that Siemens and hearing companies want to have exclusivity over their brands....Most frustrating...I write this to make you aware that there are other options ,so dear friends look around and don't pay over the limit.

Even if on the pension and your aids are free every 5 years , ask if you can have some you can programme at home.

REMEMBER..The Audiologist can't hear what you're hearing. So personal programming should ALWAYS be offered.

Gaylehere · Guru

It is interesting to see how many of you out there have hearing aids as I do too. I've had mine for a year. I have deafness in both ears, tinnitus (ringing in both ears) and I hear sounds differently with each ear. My aids sounds a lot like those of Neilruth. Same company, price for maintenance, next ones up from the government ones but our private health fund paid the difference so no cost to me. Many years ago I was quotes $12,000 and did not have that sort of money so went without. As my husband is now an age pensioner I qualified as his spouse even though I am not of pensionable age. I do have a low income health care card though as my work is only casual. Just putting this in there for those who maybe reading this for information. I have to go to 66 and a half years old before I can claim age pension. I am 60. All music sounds distorted to me. Neilruth do you get the 3 beeps when you put the phone up to your ear and if you move your phone away slightly 1 beep so you know to reposition the phone. This is on the home phone (this will happen too with some mobiles). I didn't to start with and had to put a small magnet on the phone (supplied by Connect Hearing) to pick this up. Batteries last me about a fortnight but come free along with the filters under the $41 maintenance.

Something else to think about. I HAVE LISTED MINE ON OUR HOUSE AND CONTENTS INSURANCE POLICY as they are a mighty expensive thing to replace if you loose them but I can't tell you how much extra we pay for this.

I have to have them for my work for safety. Cheers. Gaylene.

Tony Bev · Guru

I had two sets of hearing aids. One old set for use in the ear, and another more recent set that went behind the ear.
The four hearing aids had great sentimental value, as I had paid for them myself.

Unfortunately due to an accident, of no fault of my own, I ended up with what I would describe as clumsy hands.

After breaking three of the hearing aids, and not being eligible for the free ones, I now obtain them from eBay, at not much more than $20 each.

I look for the ones with X- 168 on them, or JECPP as they appear to be a better copy, of the copied ones

Something like these

Tony Bev · Guru

timjina wrote:
In my opinion hearing aids just like reading glasses are a total rip off. My reason for saying this and being so disgusted with the system is as follows...
Just before retiring from work 3 years ago,and knowing we would be caravanning and away from the main cities I decided o invest in a "spare " hearing aid ,just in case one of the others broke down. I looked on Ebay and decided to buy one from America. The brand was Siemens which is the same as my other aids that I paid $8000 for). The price of the back-up one was $ 90 so I thought even if it lasts 12 months the price was O.K. The hearing aid arrived with instructions on fitting and programming and apart from the price was totally identical in appearance to the original expensive ones. I've had it for 3 years now and when I've had to use it, because of one of the others needing work it has performed without a hitch.
I'm now interested in buying a computer programme so I can adjust the hearing aids without going to an Audiologist and all the looking on the computer has lead to brick walls. It seems that Siemens and hearing companies want to have exclusivity over their brands....Most frustrating...I write this to make you aware that there are other options ,so dear friends look around and don't pay over the limit.
Even if on the pension and your aids are free every 5 years , ask if you can have some you can programme at home.
REMEMBER..The Audiologist can't hear what you're hearing. So personal programming should ALWAYS be offered.

Hello timjina

Would you mind putting up a link to your $90 Siemens from America, as I am interested to try them

hako · Guru

After owning my Siemens for 2 years and generally wearing them every day I really think the hearing aid industry is one of the greatest cons out. They must have their own lobbyists in Canberra as well.
Mine get 'tuned' every 12 months free under the govt system and I get batteries and ear plug things included in the $42 I pay annually but I could buy the same from Ebay for less. The tuneup is free anyway like eyesight tests.
I'd love to crack open a hearing aid and see what is inside. It certainly would not be hi-tech as they are unchanged in design and function from those of 10 years ago.

Regards

timjina · Member

TONY E.
Hi Tony, I haven't got the quick link as this was over 2 tears ago.
However I've just been on EBAY and Siemens Hearing Aids are still advertised on there .. All you do after you're on Ebay is type in hearing aids Siemens and they will pop up
This morning the first one that came up was $117.55 but on scrolling down there is one for $79.00 with free postage.
If you're on the Pension as I am you are entitled to free hearing aids and a renewal every 5 years.
I go through Australian Hearing , they've been fantastic ..nothing is too much bother and they are in all states
My government hearing aids ( which are Siemens) are very good) I do pay $ 45.00 P/A. and that covers any maintenance etc along with free batteries.
My advice is choose a hearing place close to home for you're own future convenience
So all the best my friend hope this is of some help .....
what a wonderful age we live in...Regards Jim

Tony Bev · Guru

timjina wrote:
TONY E.
Hi Tony, I haven't got the quick link as this was over 2 tears ago.
However I've just been on EBAY and Siemens Hearing Aids are still advertised on there .. All you do after you're on Ebay is type in hearing aids Siemens and they will pop up
This morning the first one that came up was $117.55 but on scrolling down there is one for $79.00 with free postage.
If you're on the Pension as I am you are entitled to free hearing aids and a renewal every 5 years.
I go through Australian Hearing , they've been fantastic ..nothing is too much bother and they are in all states
My government hearing aids ( which are Siemens) are very good) I do pay $ 45.00 P/A. and that covers any maintenance etc along with free batteries.
My advice is choose a hearing place close to home for you're own future convenience
So all the best my friend hope this is of some help .....
what a wonderful age we live in...Regards Jim

Hello timjina

Thanks for that information, it is appreciated

Unfortunately I am not allowed to have the pension, so no free hearing aids for me

I usually go mad and treat myself at Christmas time, as I always have a few spare sets lying around.

It is a pity that you did not keep your link, as there are hearing aids, and hearing aids

I find that some eBay resellers have good ones at a low price, while others have not so good ones at a higher price.

Sometimes I will buy one, test it out, and end up throwing it away. When I get a good one, (for my hearing problem), I then buy a few more.

timjina · Member

I think you are reading Ebay wrongly Tony . The Aids advertised there are brand new.
If I were you I would go for the $79 ones as they are programmable just like the ones I purchased.
All the bestIt not only makes a difference in your life but those around you.

Tony Bev · Guru

Hello timjina

Thanks for that info.

I assume you are talking about the Siemens Touching hearing aids, the ones with one trimmer adjustment.
As I am still happy with what I am wearing, (plus I still have two spares), I shall wait until Christmas before getting any more.

If I think that I deserve it, I just may ask Santa to get me a Siemens Lotus 12P hearing aid to try out.
It is a few dollars more than the Touching but has a higher hearing loss range, and has two trim adjusters

Roving-Dutchy · Guru

If I finally need hearing aids would try the Ebay aids at $79 first, as not much to lose if they where not right for me,
Cheers
David

CC Bear · Senior Member

Ok time has come to do something about my hearing problems. Boilermaker by trade and rode bikes in my early days so was expected to go. Can not turn the TV up any higher and the good wife has put her foot firmly dow.

as a trial do I need to get hearing aid for both ears, last night I ordered one of the $79 Siemen clones from the bay. Only one as I hit the buy button with out thinking about getting two. So will one do as a trail. Cheers

aussie_paul · Guru

I wonder about getting hearing aids without a hearing test. Doesn't a hearing test allow the testing operator to program the hearing aid to the strengths and weakness of the patients hearing loss?

Aussie Paul. smile

timjina · Member

Hi mate the chances are being a boilermaker you were employed by a company. If that's the case I strongly recommend you put a claim in for hearing loss.

But ...go through a lawyer. It wont cost you a cent and you will be remunerated for your loss ( I got back $32,000) plus new hearing aids every 5 years.

My biggest advice to you is select a lawyer closest to you, they advertise in local papers all the time . I made the mistakeof using an interstate lawyer and consequently had to use a hearing place interstate meaning they made trips to ADelaide once a fortnight and if my hearing aids had to be worked on I had to send them interstate.

If I can help with advice in any way my email adress is. timjina@bigpond.com

Hope that is of some help All the best...Jim Cleland

Tony Bev · Guru

CC Bear wrote:
Ok time has come to do something about my hearing problems. Boilermaker by trade and rode bikes in my early days so was expected to go. Can not turn the TV up any higher and the good wife has put her foot firmly dow.
as a trial do I need to get hearing aid for both ears, last night I ordered one of the $79 Siemen clones from the bay. Only one as I hit the buy button with out thinking about getting two. So will one do as a trail. Cheers

Hello CC Bear

You are correct, you are supposed to wear two hearing aids.

I normally buy one hearing aid, if it suits my hearing loss, then I will immediately buy a couple more from the same eBay seller.

If you have a hearing aid in say your right ear, and none in the left, then in an emergency, such as hearing screeching brakes, you will assume that the noise is coming from the right
It will be the right ear which receives the loudest sound.
Your reaction will be to run to the left, which could be where the noise/danger is actually coming from

But... one hearing aid is better than none

From experience the cheap hearing aids from eBay (I have not tried your brand yet), amplify ALL noise.

The secret is to wear the hearing aid with the volume set as low as you can.
This way the background noise is much lower than if you had the hearing aid at full volume

I normally manage to accidentally destroy my hearing aids within one year, long before they have actually worn out

I use zinc air batteries, which are superior to the normal alkaline batteries.

Zinc air batteries have a sealing tab stuck on the back.
When the tap is removed the atmosphere (air) reacts with the zinc.
The batteries last me approximately three weeks, after the sealing tab is removed.
Replacing the sealing tab does not stop the battery wearing out.

I buy 60 batteries at a time for around the $30 mark, I will assume that alkaline batteries will be cheaper.

Tony Bev · Guru

timjina wrote:
Hi mate the chances are being a boilermaker you were employed by a company. If that's the case I strongly recommend you put a claim in for hearing loss.
But ...go through a lawyer. It wont cost you a cent and you will be remunerated for your loss ( I got back $32,000) plus new hearing aids every 5 years.
My biggest advice to you is select a lawyer closest to you, they advertise in local papers all the time . I made the mistakeof using an interstate lawyer and consequently had to use a hearing place interstate meaning they made trips to ADelaide once a fortnight and if my hearing aids had to be worked on I had to send them interstate.
If I can help with advice in any way my email adress is. timjina@bigpond.com
Hope that is of some help All the best...Jim Cleland

Hello timjina

What you say is correct

But... when I was playing around in the employment playground, someone did whisper that advice to me

After thinking it through, my thoughts were that, as I had never tried to cover my hearing loss, and the boss of the day was still willing to employ me, for my expertise, I was happy just to keep playing

I assumed that if people started to make claims for hearing loss, then how long would it be, before some bright spark in management, decided to no longer employ people with hearing loss

I could have been wrong, but that was, and still is, my opinion

Tony Bev · Guru

aussie_paul wrote:
I wonder about getting hearing aids without a hearing test. Doesn't a hearing test allow the testing operator to program the hearing aid to the strengths and weakness of the patients hearing loss?
Aussie Paul.

Hello aussie paul

You are correct in what you say

A hearing test allows the manufacturer to program the hearing aid for your particular type of hearing loss.
I am the first to admit that the tailor made hearing aids are far superior to the cheap eBay ones

But.. not everyone has the benefit of the free Centerling hearing aids, and not everyone who is not a friend of Centerlink, can afford the tailor made hearing aids

In my particular case, (with my clumsy hands, due to burnt nerves)
I accidentally destroyed about $17,000 worth of tailor made hearing aids in a six month period.
In the seven years since then, I would have accidentally destroyed less than $200 worth of eBay hearing aids
I have also wasted about $100 on purchasing eBay hearing aids that were not suitable for me