I might as well get to part 2 of my whinge fest. After complaining about my foot the other day, it is time to go the opposite end of my body and whine about my ears. Not only have I been having multiple 'orthotic' sessions, but I am also undergoing myriad audiology appointments.
To wit: on Wednesday I went back to see my audiologist after having adjustments done on Tuesday, because said adjustments made things worse. In trying to squelch the vibrato effect that I was getting in high frequencies, we ended up making it harder for me to hear.
When I hear higher frequency sounds like the beeping that one gets in the car to alert one to this or that, it is like the two hearing aids are out of phase. Along with another effect of one ear seeming to fade in and out a bit, I was worried if the right hearing aid was defective. After all, it is a big investment, so one wants to know these things.
As I have said the Tuesday adjustments didn't work out, so I was back in on Wednesday getting the devices reset.
Despite my concerns, I do hear better with the new hearing aids. For example: I can run the tv at a lower volume, which makes life better for Sue. I like that they are bluetooth capable; if I listen to the tv on my own, I can mute the volume but still hear it clearly in my ears. Not that I often watch tv on my own, but it's nice to have the option.
Bluetooth works well with the ipod too. The other day, I was working in the basement while listening to my ipod, which was two stories above me: not that I had intended to leave the ipod upstairs, but I had forgotten to carry it down with me.
So, the aids are good except for the two caveats that I have mentioned, so to be sure, I have asked to try out devices from a different manufacturer. At ~$3000, which is my cost after government subsidy of $1000, I want to be as sure as possible about the investment. What a pity that the hearing aids are only guaranteed for 3 years; if I get 5 years out of them I am doing well.
By the way: at $3000/$4000, I am getting basic devices. For another grand I can go up a level, and for two more thousand I could do even better. My first car in 1971 cost about the same as these basic hearing aids. Sigh.
Someone said these are the golden years. Gold for the cost of health issues maybe. I've realized that age is all about adjustment, adapting as you go forward because what other choice do you have? All I can do is control how I approach it. I think you are doing that too. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteIf you continue like this, you might end up like the bionic man!!
ReplyDeleteThat prices is disgusting My 80 year old aunt has had hearing aids for 20 years and never payed that much for them and she uses the tiny ear bud ones and has only had to replace them once so far . Hope they can fit you with good ones that dont cost and arm or a leg good lord !
ReplyDeleteI have long suspected that both prescription lenses and hearing aids are subject to gross profiteering. There is no way they can cost as much as a phone let alone $4k.
ReplyDeleteblue tooth - that's cool! but yikes on the cost...
ReplyDeleteAt least you can tune in more interesting options than your first car radio. Hope you get it all resolved soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope you're not planning to be at the cottage anytime soon. I understand the road to/from G.A. was washed out by Thursday's rain and is still closed.
Those blue tooth options are a big plus. The price is, of course, outrageous. You may want to check our other insurance options. We do tend to fall apart one part at a time which I guess is better than everything going on the blink all at once. My ear problem these days is itching. They are dry and I have to wipe the canal with a cortisone every few days!
ReplyDeleteAC, where are you going for service? I am about to become one of the many weeping over the cost of hearing aids, and am looking for recommendations and all that.
ReplyDeleteOld age. sigh.
Ah the joys of approaching the so called "golden years". If we move to Canada under President Trump and gain citizenship how many years before we're eligible for what were told is your "horrible socialized medicine...:)
ReplyDeleteWow- I had no idea that hearing aids cost that much! I hope you get yours to working soon- I would be really upset at that price to not have a working product. Hope your feet are better soon, also!
ReplyDeleteYikes! I hope you can get 5 years out of your investment. Being able to hear is so important. Vibrato at high frequency sounds like hell.
ReplyDeleteWe checked aids out, as hubby has a chronic 30% hearing loss. They won't work for his issues at this point. I am getting tired of the volume he needs, though.
ReplyDeleteYou should read my Huge Penguin story!
Only 5 years??? Oh my gosh! My husband is applying for hearing aids this month too and is not looking forward to the adjustments.
ReplyDelete