Digital aids need repair too often

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RBHourly

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For the last several months I have been wearing only one hearing aid (left) because the right quit. That's nothing new to me because I have had these aids repaired many times (GN Resound). Finally, I put in my 13 year old analogue Phonak Mini-Ds (both ears) and now I feel like these old ones are better (I hear 'esses' more clearly) than the digitals. I can't figure that out. I can take the GN Resounds back and have them repaired again, or----keep wearing the Phonak Mini-Ds . I can't find any info on them, though. These are ITC and my hearing loss is "moderate to profound" in both ears.

I just registered here on this site so I am brand new, but I'm old at the same time! Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
Just to add....I can't afford a new pair and my insurance won't pay for it. If I buy new, it will take several months to save for them, and this is while I am still working.
Thanks again for any ideas or advice.
 
Are the ReSound also canal aids?

BTE need less repair.
 
There are lots of options-- some are mentioned elsewhere on this site. For me I'm utilizing VR (since I'm out of work anyway currently...). Mine are 9 years old and starting to fall apart a bit. Amazingly I have not had to repair them all that often with the exception of the battery door on my left hearing aid. I have no idea why it's disintegrating (2nd time now).

Like you, I try to make 'em last. I'd try my analog ones but a) I don't even know if I have any anymore- the last analogs I had were the Oticon P380s (I think that's right). Went to Phonak then Widex.. now back to Oticon lol.

I tried to do a loan kind of thing when I got the Widex ones but taking out a loan isn't the brightest idea because their interest rate was ridiculous...
 
Bottesini, yes the Resounds are canal aids. I was thinking I might get BTE, but because of the severity of my hearing loss 13 years ago, I was told by all of the hearing docs that I couldn't be benefitted by BTEs. Maybe the technology has improved--- I haven't been looking since I got the Resounds in 2007.

DeafDucky, I was so lucky to find this site so I am going to check all around about other hearing aids. I've only had two sets in 13 years --- the analogue Phonaks Mini-Ds and the Resounds (digitals). I got the Resounds through Vocational Rehab in another state for next to nothing, but I was told they were lower line of all the models. Like you, I've had to glue my Phonaks just to keep them from cracking all apart! But they are still working and not stopped, where the Resounds have conked out several times in the last 7 years, three times within the first 4 years.

Just so say it, I'm glad I found a place where I can talk about this stuff. Thanks!
 
BTE hearing aids are WAY more powerful then the ITE hearing aids. ITE hearing aids are no way near as powerful as a BTE hearing aid anyway. For someone who is profound in the high frequencies, its unusual that you are using the ITE hearing aids.

BTE hearing aids have always been more powerful them ITE hearing aids. I'm profoundly deaf and have been for my whole life, I've never been able to fit into ITE hearing aids.
 
With the technology like it is now, I think more and more moderate-severe people or those who once wore ITE are now wearing BTEs. Have a friend who used to wear ITEs but she switched to BTEs either by the time she graduated or not long after- her loss isn't as bad as mine if I remember right- more in the moderate-severe range.

Seems to me now more audios are recommending BTEs over ITEs because of the repair issues AND because more power/technology can be fit into a BTE to work with the different frequency losses.
 
Costco sells HA's for MUCH less than what you can get at most clinics. Two Phonacs cost less than one from my old clinic!! Not sure how much you are paying in repairs but those add up too.
 
I love Costco but I feel queasy about buying something that is going to enhance my life and that requires a great deal of fine tuning. I'd almost rather save up my money and get the best I possibly can and make it last a lot longer (8-12 years) if I can.
 
BTEs are better than that (I would go with the Naida since I have the same loss as you)
VR can help you get new hearing aids.
 
Thanks, all, to my questions. I didn't know that BTE are much more powerful than they were 13 years ago when I got my Phonak ITE. I have been wearing the Phonaks for about three days now (after wearing ReSounds for 5 years, then one stopped working and the other is fading out). I know that without meters/measurements, it is very relative to me, but I feel that these old Phonak Mini-Ds are actually better than the ReSounds. The ReSounds I got through VR, but that was in another State and I'm not sure if I can get a replacement pair in this State. I'm interested in BTE if they can work better than these old Phonaks, and I can't see how they wouldn't after all the improvements in technology. As I've said, I really depend on HA for my job.
 
About Costco

HOH-ME said:
Costco sells HA's for MUCH less than what you can get at most clinics. Two Phonacs cost less than one from my old clinic!! Not sure how much you are paying in repairs but those add up too.
Click to expand...

This has gotten my attention! Can I go to a Costco and even try out HAs? I'm not up on what's new in getting HAs. My last pair was through VR about 7 years ago.
 
NaidaUP said:
BTE hearing aids are WAY more powerful then the ITE hearing aids. ITE hearing aids are no way near as powerful as a BTE hearing aid anyway. For someone who is profound in the high frequencies, its unusual that you are using the ITE hearing aids.

BTE hearing aids have always been more powerful them ITE hearing aids. I'm profoundly deaf and have been for my whole life, I've never been able to fit into ITE hearing aids.
Click to expand...

I can't wear ITE hearing aides either , they're not strong for me. I am profound in the high frequencies too.
 
You should be able to talk to VR in your current state to see if you can get the services- as long as your previous VR case was closed.

Don't see why not...:)
 
DeafDucky said:
You should be able to talk to VR in your current state to see if you can get the services- as long as your previous VR case was closed.

Don't see why not...:)
Click to expand...


Good idea, DeafDucky! Can't hurt, but as much as this State has cut a lot of benefits, I go into this venture with some doubt. But, I'll let them tell me 'no' instead of me telling me 'no'!
 
DeafDucky said:
I love Costco but I feel queasy about buying something that is going to enhance my life and that requires a great deal of fine tuning. I'd almost rather save up my money and get the best I possibly can and make it last a lot longer (8-12 years) if I can.
Click to expand...

The HA's are rebranded Phonak Naida Q's sold by licensed audiologist..why would it make you queasy?
 
RBHourly said:
Good idea, DeafDucky! Can't hurt, but as much as this State has cut a lot of benefits, I go into this venture with some doubt. But, I'll let them tell me 'no' instead of me telling me 'no'!
Click to expand...

Don't rule out Costco if the state doesn't work out. They stand behind their product and would let you have a trial run to see which works best. They'd also save you $$$ so that's got to be better than paying for something you really can't afford via a clinic or private hearing aid dispenser.

Laura
 
Lau2046 said:
Don't rule out Costco if the state doesn't work out. They stand behind their product and would let you have a trial run to see which works best. They'd also save you $$$ so that's got to be better than paying for something you really can't afford via a clinic or private hearing aid dispenser.

Laura
Click to expand...

I will not rule out Costco, so thank you for that info about their store protocol. I did find a number for my local VR and see what happens. As I remember from the state where I got my latest pair of HRs, I was told I would get "entry" level equipment. I asked that if I could put in more money, could I get a higher model, but was told, no, that was not possible with that state's VR. Let's see....
 
I'll remember to ask about that too- finally got an appointment for tomorrow for hearing test/evaluation. See what they say and what I can get. The pair I have now WAS one of the top brands at the time- Oticon Sumo DM though just basic stuff- M/mt/T.. no additional programs. Able to have FM boots (those I bought on my own anyway years later).

I did get a look at my friend's bluetooth set up. Not sure I can stand or deal with a lanyard/loop thingie.. I hate things like that on me (I tolerate ties...lol).

I'm not sure- I guess I am not used to seeing places like Costco, WalMart etc providing services like hearing aids and glasses. I grew up at a time where that was not happening- you went to a specialized place or person who dealt solely with that. I know that Costco etcetera probably do hire appropriate folks but I'd rather have someone who has a high enough degree- AudD , PhD or MA.. that's just me though. If the person knows their shit shouldn't really matter where they work but I don't necessarily have the confidence in Costco or WalMart to provide high quality service...
 
DeafDucky said:
I'll remember to ask about that too- finally got an appointment for tomorrow for hearing test/evaluation. See what they say and what I can get. The pair I have now WAS one of the top brands at the time- Oticon Sumo DM though just basic stuff- M/mt/T.. no additional programs. Able to have FM boots (those I bought on my own anyway years later).

I did get a look at my friend's bluetooth set up. Not sure I can stand or deal with a lanyard/loop thingie.. I hate things like that on me (I tolerate ties...lol).

I'm not sure- I guess I am not used to seeing places like Costco, WalMart etc providing services like hearing aids and glasses. I grew up at a time where that was not happening- you went to a specialized place or person who dealt solely with that. I know that Costco etcetera probably do hire appropriate folks but I'd rather have someone who has a high enough degree- AudD , PhD or MA.. that's just me though. If the person knows their shit shouldn't really matter where they work but I don't necessarily have the confidence in Costco or WalMart to provide high quality service...
Click to expand...

To each his own but the audiologists at Costco are AudD's....
 
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