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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,165
Registered: ‎05-09-2010

Re: QVC Hearing Aids

[ Edited ]

Brand, while important, is much less critical than fit. It isn't like buying a car or a refrigerator.  The skill level and training of audiologists are paramount. And, yes, I agree that it is shameful that MC does not  usually cover the cost of hearing aids.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,571
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:

@shoesnbags wrote:

@JeanLouiseFinch 

Are your hearing aids Widex brand?  I remember someone on this board recommending Widex 6 years ago when I was about to buy my first hearing aids.  I got the Widex and have been very happy with them.  

 

My only complaint is that hearing aids in general have only a 5-7 year life span after we pay an arm and a leg for them.  And no Medicare coverage, even though Medicare pays for other things, such as the soon to be included weight loss drugs.  I'd be lost without my hearing aids but hate the cost.


Yes, @shoesnbags, I wear Widex.


@JeanLouiseFinch 

I thought it was you! Thanks for the great recommendation years ago - I couldn't have been happier with that choice.  Did you stay with Widex? I'm nosy because I'm now at the point of needing to replace this original pair. 

"Breathe in, breathe out, move on." Jimmy Buffett
Honored Contributor
Posts: 26,467
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

Re: QVC Hearing Aids

[ Edited ]

 


@shoesnbags wrote:

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:

@shoesnbags wrote:

@JeanLouiseFinch 

Are your hearing aids Widex brand?  I remember someone on this board recommending Widex 6 years ago when I was about to buy my first hearing aids.  I got the Widex and have been very happy with them.  

 

My only complaint is that hearing aids in general have only a 5-7 year life span after we pay an arm and a leg for them.  And no Medicare coverage, even though Medicare pays for other things, such as the soon to be included weight loss drugs.  I'd be lost without my hearing aids but hate the cost.


Yes, @shoesnbags, I wear Widex.


@JeanLouiseFinch 

I thought it was you! Thanks for the great recommendation years ago - I couldn't have been happier with that choice.  Did you stay with Widex? I'm nosy because I'm now at the point of needing to replace this original pair. 


It's my pleasure, @shoesnbags.  I'm so glad they've served you well.  Yes, I'm a brand loyalist.  I trust my audiologist and that's what he's always recommended, based on following their technological progress and improvements.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 40,708
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

Re: QVC Hearing Aids

[ Edited ]

My Medicare Advantage plan will pay for part of the purchase of certain hearing aids. Even with their offers, the hearing aid brands they give discounts for are all too expensive for what I need...hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Some are a couple thousand to 10K a pair.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,674
Registered: ‎06-09-2010

I wear hearing aids but they are Phonak. They come with a recharging case. I tried Widex but didn't work for me. My medicare advantage plan paid $3,000 for hearing aids and this covered the full costs. I was thankful for that benefit. I go to an audiologist for my hearing needs, just like I go to an ophthalmologist for eye care. 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,571
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:

 


@shoesnbags wrote:

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:

@shoesnbags wrote:

@JeanLouiseFinch 

Are your hearing aids Widex brand?  I remember someone on this board recommending Widex 6 years ago when I was about to buy my first hearing aids.  I got the Widex and have been very happy with them.  

 

My only complaint is that hearing aids in general have only a 5-7 year life span after we pay an arm and a leg for them.  And no Medicare coverage, even though Medicare pays for other things, such as the soon to be included weight loss drugs.  I'd be lost without my hearing aids but hate the cost.


Yes, @shoesnbags, I wear Widex.


@JeanLouiseFinch 

I thought it was you! Thanks for the great recommendation years ago - I couldn't have been happier with that choice.  Did you stay with Widex? I'm nosy because I'm now at the point of needing to replace this original pair. 


It's my pleasure, @shoesnbags.  I so glad they've served you well.  Yes, I'm a brand loyalist.  I trust my audiologist and that's what he's always recommended, based on following their technological progress and improvements.


@JeanLouiseFinch That's good to hear because I'm definitely leaning toward staying with Widex.  I feel better staying with something I know works for me.  Thanks for your reply. 

"Breathe in, breathe out, move on." Jimmy Buffett
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,571
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@Q-Checker wrote:

Brand, while important, is much less critical than fit. It isn't like buying a car or a refrigerator.  The skill level and training of audiologists are paramount. And, yes, I agree that it is shameful that MC does not  usually cover the cost of hearing aids.


@Q-Checker My hearing aids are the over the ear type, so the only thing that goes in the ear is a little wire with a rubber tip. Not really any fitting involved to that. And the brand does matter to me because different brands vary in features and sound quality, as well as durability. But I agree with you that a qualified audiologist is most important. 

"Breathe in, breathe out, move on." Jimmy Buffett
Honored Contributor
Posts: 26,467
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

Re: QVC Hearing Aids

[ Edited ]

@Q-Checker wrote:

Brand, while important, is much less critical than fit. It isn't like buying a car or a refrigerator.  The skill level and training of audiologists are paramount. And, yes, I agree that it is shameful that MC does not  usually cover the cost of hearing aids.


I have to disagree with you on this one @Q-Checker .  IMO brand does matter because innovation and technology are not equal across the board.  Nor are hearing aids a one size fits all type thing.  The are made appropriate to those with mild, severe, or profound loss and a professional audiologist will diagnose via an extensive hearing exam and recommend according to the patient's needs before the fine tuning adjustments are made.  

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,165
Registered: ‎05-09-2010

Glad you are seeing an audiologist. Most likely, the part that goes behind your ear will be adjusted to be compatible with your exact hearing loss and needs. Btw,for the record, I am not an audiologist but have a graduate degree in a related field and an interest in hearing aid technology.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,941
Registered: ‎12-13-2020

@SilleeMee wrote:

My Medicare Advantage plan will pay for part of the purchase of certain hearing aids. Even with their offers, the hearing aid brands they give discounts for are all too expensive for what I need...hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Some are a couple thousand to 10K a pair.


 

 

@SilleeMee  One of my cousins has hearing aids and they cost her $10,000 about four years ago. I was shocked but that was the price. And now she needs a new pair. What a shame that some people have to spend so much. She is 72 and single and worked her whole life. Just not fair to me.