I was not given the option as to which brand of HA I was getting but I also had not researched the different brands or options either. I just knew my hearing was changing by the day and needed something flexible and fast. My insurance co paid $400.00 and that was it. I had to cover the rest. It was expensive but also offered me the ability to hear what I had been missing. After 4 months and due to my unexpected worsening hearing and the aid not being powerful enough, my Audi contacted the company to discuss exchanging the HA for a more powerful one. They covered the entire cost of the change, ear molds and stuff from a digital ITC to a digital BTE with no additional insurance assistance or $$$ from me. Maybe they took the guts out of the ITC, modified it and put it in a BTE with more power. I don't really know but it worked. Unfortunately after another 5 months of continued worsening hearing I was given the option of receiving a CI which I have had for 2 years now. I am having my second CI activated this Friday and am looking forward to the experience again.
After my CI activation, my Audiologist contacted the HA company, explained my hearing loss situation and the company and Dr. Office offered to refund the amount I paid for the HA. I sure don't think this is normal and believe I am one of the lucky ones.
My thoughts, if your audiologist and office is willing to work with you on the programming to make sure you are able to benefit as much as you possibly can and if they have the technical support from the company, then go with what they offer. Ask them how they will support you if you run into difficulty using the product or it quits working. They may be getting better technical and sales support from the company they are "selecting" for you and in turn, may be able to offer services similar to what I have received.
Ultimately, I hope you are able to get the benefit and features you are wanting from the aid.
Steve