This info does not speak about the latest rage in hearing aids; wifi enabled. I just got my first pair but strongly avoided the wifi technology for health reasons. Not enough research has been done on the health effects of wifi but the preliminary results are not good for humans. Now they are designing hearing aids that talk to each other with signals traveling right through your head (brain). No Thanks.

One of the biggest concerns when choosing the right hearing aid is the patient's dexterity. Being able to unwrap tiny batteries and insert them into hearing aids is complicated for those with arthritis, neuropathy or carpal tunnel. Rechargeable aids provides an answer. We must also remember that patients with severe hearing loss often mimic dementia and should be one of the first things to consider.

I am on SSI is there anyone can help me? On the doctor visit when diagnosis I was told there hearing aids are $1600. If I could do even a payment plan would be able to purchase the aide. Even nicer if there was a discount.

Much has been said about the high cost of hearing aids. I too had this concern but was referred by a friend to Costco where I found excellent hearing
technology available at a very reasonable cost. They sell many brands but I purchased my pair of Kirkland Premium 7, programmable, digital hearing aids for $1,735. They come with a generous 6 month trial period and other common benefits. I requested that they "turn off" the wi-fi features which allows the two devices to "talk" to each other for sound directional capability and other features. I personally do not want to add more electromagnetic radiation going through my brain to what is already in the environment. That is just my personal decision and others may be willing to pass on this for the benefits offered. My Costco technician was very capable, informative, and professional. I am in my 2nd week wearing them and all is going as well as can be expected. I expect to fully accommodate to them in time, perhaps a month or two. My Blue Cross/Medicare insurance contributes $450. towards the purchase price.

Here are some charities that may help you if you cannot afford hearing aids.
foundationforsightandsound.org
hearingcharities.org
You can also get help from the Dept of health in the US.

Bought a used hearing aid on Ebay from Hearo and have not had any problems with it. The first audiologist we called would not program it - wanted us to buy the very expensive ones that he sold. The second audiologist, whom we had dealt with before, did program it and now services it. Saved about $500.

We are in the same situation as AKLARUE. We need hearing aids for my mom and we are unable to afford them. What do we do? I am so frustrated and at ends of the rope not knowing what to do. I have not found any agencies or other that will help out.

I ONLY HAVE ONE COMMENT. MY FRIEND NEEDS HEARING AIDS. KEEPING THEM CLEAN WAS A PROBLEM FOR BOTH OF US. I PURCHASED A DEVICE THAT YOU PLUG IN AND PUT THE HEARING AIDS IN AT NIGHT. WALLA! IN THE MORNING THEY ARE CLEAN AND READY TO WEAR. NOT ONLY THAT - BUT THEN YOU KNOW WHERE THE HECK THEY ARE ALL THE TIME. SO, I SUGGEST USERS TO SEARCH FOR THIS PRODUCT BECAUSE IT IS A SAFE PLACE FOR THEM AND YOU ALWAYS KNOW WHERE THEY ARE AT AS WELL THEY ARE CLEAN.

I'd also recommend consulting your local university or medical school, which may have an audiology department and offer hearing aids at lower cost as long as you are willing to have students present during your testing.

Hearing aids are still expensive, but each time I get new ones (every 4-5 years; I'm on my 4th pair) both the size and the cost have gone down. I started out with Widex in the canal, $5000; now I have a pair of small Unitron behind-the-ear for $1200. My Medicare Advantage plan pays 25% of cost up to $1000. I don't know why older people resist hearing aids so much--I want to hear my granddaughters and my female friends (men aren't that much of a problem, as I have high frequency hearing loss). Medicare should step in with more support for both hearing aids and eyeglasses, they are both cruicial for an older person's quality of life.

Liberty Hearing aids at Sams Clubs have affordable hearing aids and a free test.
They also have 0% financing for 24 months. We were at the one in Medford NY
nice and professional

"Work environments with loud or constant noise from machines and equipment should wear appropriate ear protection to prevent hearing loss that can occur over time. If you are listening songs at high volume then it can damage your ears. So you should keep checking your hearing efficiency time by time.
Reference: hiddenhearing

I found a couple other sources to check out for hearing aids:
Sertoma is a non-profit that helps people with hearing problems
Starkey Hearing Foundation provides hearing aids for people with limited incomes
Better Hearing Institute has information on groups offering financial assistance for hearing aids.

There are some states that have programs offering assistive listening devices for people who are at a low income. They probably don't have hearing aids available but you might qualify for a personal amplifier or amplified phone. Contact either a deaf and hard of hearing center or independent living center in your state.
Another helpful resource that may point you in the right direction is your local HLAA (Hearing Loss of America Association) chapter.
I'm sorry to hear about your son. I don't have any recommendations except to find out if a state program is available to assist you. Good luck.

I desperately am in need of hearing aids, but have no finances to pay for anything. What does an 81 yr old," below poverty level " lady do then ???

I'm also giving a son and his wife shelter and free living in my house. They are literally homeless , jobless and have no insurance. He has 'stage 4' throat cancer, and we moved them here from Florida. So far, we can't even find help from any of the many hospitals here to admit him for a throat biopsy. He is very ill, emaciated and can't speak in a normal voice either. As his Mother, I am willing to do what I can for moral support, etc. We Mothers are lionesses when our children are threatened and ignored. I really need help to cope with this situation as well as my hearing loss.

I tried a hearing aid for a day. It made sounds nice and loud but I couldn't understand the words any better. I was told that in time the words would become more understandable. Is that true? Or is it a sales gimmic? They are very expensive and I was afraid to spend that much money when I was so unsure. Thanks for any advice that anyone could give me. Dane

I appreciate the information about hearing aids and the latest technology. I know that Bluetooth is becoming a big deal now but can you mention t-coils?

In Europe, t-coils are common but in the US a lot of hearing aid users don't know what a t-coil is.There is a lot of assistive technology that rely on t-coils but the consumer isn't educated about them.