Beltone

Tetue · ‎08-05-2014

Any experiences with this company? They are offering free hearing tests where I live for a few days and I am thinking about going for one. Any personal info would be greatly appreciated! TIA!

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

Be advised that Beltone has "hearing specialists". They have to pass a certification test, but they are nowhere near on the same level as an audiologist (who goes to college and earns a degree in audiology). If you decide to go for the test, watch out for the pressure sale job....the usual price is..., but for today only we'll discount them for you to.... Also, take notice if your test is at a desk/table or if you go into a soundproof room. I'm under the impression that Beltone bought Miracle Ear. My dad got sucked into the Miracle Ear many, many years ago. The sales rep, I mean hearing specialist, came to the house and did the hearing test at the kitchen table!!! My dad fell for it and had nothing but trouble with the Miracle Ear aides. It was money down the drain for him, but he learned his lesson and then went to an audiologist from then on.

violann · ‎03-10-2010

If you are looking for an audiologist, look for someone who has the credential ASHA AUD-CCC after their name. A comprehensive audiological evaluation requires much more thgan listening for sounds.

Colonel Meow · ‎05-25-2014

I don't have any positive things to say about this company, although I admit that my opinion is all based on second-hand accounts. When I previously did social work in the community, many of my clients complained that they were "taken on a ride" by this company. They felt that Beltone tried to milk their insurance by recommending unwanted/unnecessary services. In many cases, the insurance companies refused to pay for these bogus charges, which left my clients holding the bag for services that were never needed in the first place.

Colonel Meow · ‎05-25-2014

On 8/5/2014 Colonel Meow said:
I don't have any positive things to say about this company, although I admit that my opinion is all based on second-hand accounts. When I previously did social work in the community, many of my clients complained that they were "taken on a ride" by this company. They felt that Beltone tried to milk their insurance by recommending unwanted/unnecessary services. In many cases, the insurance companies refused to pay for these bogus charges, which left my clients holding the bag for services that were never needed in the first place.

ETA: Again, these are all second hand accounts, and I am unable to provide any more specifics than already provided.

Suz614 · ‎12-23-2010

As an audiologist with over 20 years experience, I have to agree with the above posts. Each state is different in terms of requirements for dispensing hearing aids, but you can dispense after 6 months of training with a licensed dispenser and passing a state test. An audiologist must (as of 2007) have their doctoral degree as well as pass a state examination and be credentialed. Having said all of this, many dispensers are sales people and the sale is the bottom line (unfortunately some audiologists can be like this as well). A true professional will offer rehabilitative services along with appropriately fit devices. Beltone, in my experience, offers their label/brand of hearing aids. In the many experiences my patients have had, they have found their devices to be sub-par for the most part.

Just be a savvy consumer, comparative shop and ask many questions. Do they offer free trial periods with hearing aids, do they offer different manufacturers' brands, what accessories are included, do they conduct real ear measurements, etc?

I work in a hospital and we offer free hearing screenings to the community at no cost. Reach out to your local hospitals/medical centers to see if they do the same.

Tetue · ‎08-05-2014

Thank you all for your input. I also did some research online and found many negative reviews so I think I will pass on the free test.

Suz614, I have ringing in my ears which has been going on for a couple of months now and also some sharp pain in both ears along with itching every now and then. From what I have read there is not a lot that can be done for the ringing but I'm wondering if it's worth a doctor visit or not? I really hate to go if all they are going to say is sorry I can't help you. What do you think as a professional?

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

On 8/5/2014 Tetue said:
Thank you all for your input. I also did some research online and found many negative reviews so I think I will pass on the free test.

Suz614, I have ringing in my ears which has been going on for a couple of months now and also some sharp pain in both ears along with itching every now and then. From what I have read there is not a lot that can be done for the ringing but I'm wondering if it's worth a doctor visit or not? I really hate to go if all they are going to say is sorry I can't help you. What do you think as a professional?

Tetue - I'm jumping in because I also have tinnitus (ringing in the ears). There is no cure, but there are things you can do. In addition to the tinnitus, I have a high frequency hearing loss. I wear hearing aids in both ears, started about 5 yrs. ago. Aside from helping to distinguish and amplify sounds, the aids help to mask the ringing. There are also some supplements out there that help with circulation in the ears and take the edge off the ringing (not remove it altogether). The thing is, if you get hearing aids, you have to wear them religiously. And, if you need them but don't get them, you could end up with even more troubles. My audiologist shared with me that they're are finding that there is a correlation between hearing loss that goes unaided and dementia. I hope you will consider seeing a professional audiologist for a hearing test and evaluation.

Tetue · ‎08-05-2014

Thank you so much, JeanLouiseFinch! You understand where I am coming from. This is so frustrating and depressing and I am getting to the point that I am tried of dealing with it but I will take your advice and see an audiologist. Thank you for giving me some hope that something can be done to make things better.

Suz614 · ‎12-23-2010

I am concerned about the pain (otalgia) you are experiencing and would suggest going to see an otolaryngologist (ENT - Ears, Nose & Throat doctor). Many ENTs have audiologists that work for them, so you can get a hearing test with them. A complete audiologic evaluation will assess your outer, middle and inner ear system. This will not be accomplished by a free hearing screening.

JeanLouise is spot on with her advice. Wearing hearing aids can mask the tinnitus you hear, but again my concern is the pain and the possible cause of the tinnitus. So, get a consult with an ENT or at the very least your internist to possibly diagnose the cause of your symptoms for proper treatment.

I have been working on educating the community regarding the link between hearing loss and cognitive issues. At the very least, deprivation in hearing can affect one's ability to discriminate conversational speech (word recognition ability). So hearing aids can aid in masking symptoms, not cure them.

Best of luck to you!