Getting hearing aids... peripherally related to cycling

[azfiddle]

I found out yesterday my hearing has declined significantly enough that I need to get hearing aids. I can live with that- but had a heart-stopping moment of sticker shock when the audiologist said the ball park estimate was around $4000. Insurance has a $2500 deductible.

So- anyone have experience with hearing aids? I am wondering about shopping around to get something less expensive, maybe trying Costco.

Secondly- what about wearing them on rides? Yes or no?

I probably won't get onto this until July when the new fiscal year means I have money from our flexible spending account.

Thanks for any insights.

[Eden]

I wonder if the wind noise would be unbearable if you wore them riding? I can't really hear people talk much anyway, or at least it all sounds like Charlie Brown adults, when riding. Traffic OTOH is louder and lower pitched, so I don't feel like I've got problems there.

[malkin]

New digital aids are way better than the ones 10 or 20 years ago.
Maybe you can plan a bunch of major health stuff for the same year. I'm always annoyed when we manage to meet our deductible about 5 minutes before the new plan year begins.

I need to see an audiologist too, but I managed to lose the paper referral my primary care doc gave me. *eye roll*

[hikeandbike]

I have had my hearing aids since last year. The wind noise on the bicycle is actually reduced when I
wear them. The latest technology is amazing. I have Octicon brand and also bought the streamer that
goes with it. My cell phone is routed thru the hearing aids which is very nice. Getting used to hearing
every little sound again is the biggest hurdle--I didn't know our fridge was so loud. They last a long time
and the newer-smaller technology is worth spending a few extra bucks for in my opinion.

[azfiddle]

I just got my results from the audiologist in the mail, and several folks have recommended that I check out Costco for a more reasonable price. I will have to wait until July when the new fiscal year rolls around to take advantage of our flexible spending account (which is just about wiped out for this year).

Thanks for the input.

[CyborgQueen]

I have Cochlear implants for both ears, but only wear one for rides. Due to comfort reasons from the helmet's Roc-loc being tight around the magnets. For rides, I always wear my left one so I can hear the traffic and people saying on your left. I can't really carry a conversation anyways, so voices don't bother me. From my experience, it will take a while for your ears to get used to something foreign on them. Get double stick tape and put it on the hearing aids and stick it on the side of your head. I did this when I was a kid while I did gymnastics. They stay on. The helmet straps can accidentally "flick" the aids off, especially if you're not used to it. I'vehad that happened to me several times. Do this for a while until you feel comfortable with them.

How bad is your hearing? You probably can get away with cheaper versions, but they won't last you as long. Digital ones, you can have a couple programs for specific situations. One for everyday, one for riding (noise reduction due to wind), one for restaurant setting.

Know what's the really stupid thing is? Insurance companies are more than willing to pay a $40k or more for CI surgery, but won't pay for hearing aids.

Good luck and enjoy the newfound sounds. I know I did when I heard crickets for the first time at 29. ;)

[Dogmama]

AZFiddle - bummer. My hearing sucks too - from years of barking dogs and teaching spin.

DH has hearing aids and he says the difference between the cheap ones and the $4K ones (his were $5K) is amazing. He never wore the cheap ones because the background noises were so bad.

Being a musician, I would think that you should have the better ones. It's like getting a bike - if you buy a cheapo, beer can aluminum frame with pot metal components, you won't ride it. (Trying to put this into terms we can all understand!)

[azfiddle]

Thanks- I think I will have more coverage than I thought...I'm going to make a call this week to find out my choices.