VA - Hearing Aids Help

[pianoman9701]

I finally need to get some. What kinds should I research? Which ones can I use with shooting? Which ones in damp conditions? What are the best for charge length and quick charging? What other questions do I need to consider? Thanks all. 

[Hilltop123]

Tagging along

[wadu1]

Are you asking for aids or protection with audio?

[h20hunter]

Wife has had them for years...  I'll ask for a 1st hand opinion and post later.

[Buckjunkie]

I finally need to get some. What kinds should I research? Which ones can I use with shooting? Which ones in damp conditions? What are the best for charge length and quick charging? What other questions do I need to consider? Thanks all. 

I just got hearing aids for the first time one year ago. I went to an audiologist and they prescribed fancy $6,000 aids. I shopped around and settled on the Costco brand for $1,500. They are a game changer. I don’t shoot at the range with them, but haven’t had any issues shooting at game. They told me there was a feature that dampened loud noises, but I can’t really say I have noticed anything.

Not so good in wind as they crackle, but the phone app gives you full control. I have saved settings for various environments, such as hunting, restaurants etc.

[Moose Master]

Just starting out with mine.  2nd week.  Mine are linked with my phone and have not used all the different settings yet.  As I  learn more I will try to go shooting in December.  Mine do have a outdoors setting which is supposed to cancel out loud sound but I haven't used it yet.  Not much help to your immediate problems for purchase but asked lots of questions and be ready for stickers shock.

[Rainier10]

I have had AGX7 hearing aids for over three years and love them. They Bluetooth to my phone so phone calls ring in my ears. I can also listen to iTunes from my phone to the hearing aids. They don’t amplify noise over so many decibels but they also aren’t hearing protection. I wear ear muffs when shooting. You can’t swim with them but light rain is fine. They come with a plug in box that dehumidifies them every night.

They are expensive but when you spread the cost out over the last 3 years it is worth $50 a week to be able to hear my wife and daughters.

[tbrady]

I finally need to get some. What kinds should I research? Which ones can I use with shooting? Which ones in damp conditions? What are the best for charge length and quick charging? What other questions do I need to consider? Thanks all. 

I just got hearing aids for the first time one year ago. I went to an audiologist and they prescribed fancy $6,000 aids. I shopped around and settled on the Costco brand for $1,500. They are a game changer. I don’t shoot at the range with them, but haven’t had any issues shooting at game. They told me there was a feature that dampened loud noises, but I can’t really say I have noticed anything.

Not so good in wind as they crackle, but the phone app gives you full control. I have saved settings for various environments, such as hunting, restaurants etc.

I've had a few pairs and you just can't beat costco.  I got a set for around 1500 which were every bit as good as a 5k set before.  Not only that but you get a replacement insurance for 3 years or something like that.  My dad lost one of his and they replaced it for free.

As far as rain and stuff goes, if I wear a hood or some other hat that covers my ears it is fine.  They can stand getting a little wet.  And if you use costco and they get screwed up you just take them back.  The main  downside with costco is depending on the location it can sometimes takes weeks/months to get an appt.

[wadu1]

If it’s hearing aids you need get Phonak brand. Since you are a VET get them thru them. The VA gives you Phonak brands, batteries for life, repair for life and free replacement every 5 years. Just to let you know, my ENT said not to get the rechargeable ones. One they don’t hold up as well and fiddling with the little wax plugs.
If this COVID BS ever ends I’ll help you thru the VA process.

[mnb300]

I have had Oticon ITC hearing aids for a couple of years now and love it. it does crackle in the wind, I have not tried shooting with it, per my audiologist it does not shut off during loud sound it just doesn't amplify higher Db sound. he said just turn it off and use it as an ear plug when shooting. the Batteries last 5 days and I buy it from Amazon for $25 per 120. I made a mistake of going in the shower a couple of times with it, I just open the battery compartment and let it dry.

[2MANY]

Dumb question but does Costco do the whole hearing test and all??


What?
Did you say something??

[KFhunter]

ENT wants to drill a hole in my skull and implant bone conducting hearing aids

Then I guess I get a magnetic "puck" that sticks to the outside of my head.

I asked him about directional sound, but it wouldn't allow me to pinpoint where a sound is coming from.


I instead plunked down nearly 300 bux for walkers bone conducting head phones.  They suck, low quality and any wind whatsoever forget about it!

Gonna test with a beanie over the headset to help block wind noise - and hold them tighter to my head.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[2MANY]

I bought Sport Ear hearing aids thinking they would help me hear the elk bugles that my wife's ears can hear.
They suck in my opinion and make direction even harder.

I do need to get hearing aids.
I can't hear.

Now I need to work on my desire to hear what others have to say as well. lol

[storyteller]

I have worn hearing aids for over 5 years now, first ones were phonak, replaceable batteries, now I have signia which is the old siemens brand.   They are rechargable, did not like to charge them every night at first but  now it is ok.   
Note, both brands use wax traps, I dont think you can get away from that , it prevents you from having to go to the supplier to clean the wax out of them, if the traps were not there.   When the traps plug up, you cannot hear out of them.

No hearing aid will ever be as good as your original hearing.   People will hear things that you will not be able to hear, the downside of lost hearing ability.

[bracer40]

I finally need to get some. What kinds should I research? Which ones can I use with shooting? Which ones in damp conditions? What are the best for charge length and quick charging? What other questions do I need to consider? Thanks all. 

I just got hearing aids for the first time one year ago. I went to an audiologist and they prescribed fancy $6,000 aids. I shopped around and settled on the Costco brand for $1,500. They are a game changer. I don’t shoot at the range with them, but haven’t had any issues shooting at game. They told me there was a feature that dampened loud noises, but I can’t really say I have noticed anything.

Not so good in wind as they crackle, but the phone app gives you full control. I have saved settings for various environments, such as hunting, restaurants etc.

I've had a few pairs and you just can't beat costco.  I got a set for around 1500 which were every bit as good as a 5k set before.  Not only that but you get a replacement insurance for 3 years or something like that.  My dad lost one of his and they replaced it for free.

As far as rain and stuff goes, if I wear a hood or some other hat that covers my ears it is fine.  They can stand getting a little wet.  And if you use costco and they get screwed up you just take them back.  The main  downside with costco is depending on the location it can sometimes takes weeks/months to get an appt.

Definitely tagging along. Hunting with my son, it became very clear I needed to get fit with aids (just for hunting, I’m fine not hearing every request/statement from some around me😜)
If he hadn’t been with me, I would never have had the opportunity to get on several bulls only he heard. I was also saddened that I couldn’t hear the wolves he commented on for nearly an hour (tho, I did hear the bull advertising below camp right thru the wolf howls)

[timberfaller]

Pianoman,

Depends on what frequency you have lost.  Your Audiologist should have explained it to you.  What mine told me some time ago when I realized something wasn't right and after the first test he did on me. The frequency that I lost hearing aid will not help! You only have two.  So I left his office and went about my life, at the time I was under L&I care    A couple of years later I get a letter from L&I stating they will pay for behind the ear hearing aids and battery's for life  Guess they didn't read Doc's report very well.  Went back to the Doc, showed him the letter and he just laughed.  We went ahead anyways,  order digital aids(latest and greatest)four channel to boot!  Got them fitted and programed based on his questions.  He asked me if I was a "shooter" and I said you betcha!  He said not with these on, only off and out of my ears.

I did hear noises when I walked out of the building that I hadn't heard in a long time BUT it was quickly over.  As soon as someone started talking to me, everything went south.  Walked into a store and wow, it was like walking into a wind tunnel, nothing but a loud howling!!  I've gone back and had re-programming done, nothing has worked, just as the Doc said it wouldn't.

Long story, but the point of it is,  I have one of the most expensive pair of aids sitting on top of my dresser that are useless to me, so find out which frequency you've lost before you buy.  Best way I can describe my hearing is, IT IS not a volume problem!  You speak louder to me, its only gets worse for me.  I know you are talking to me but what I can't make out is certain "words".  Just as the Doc told me it would be like.   The way he explained it was, "you will not make out the consonant sounds and it would be a good idea to learn to read lips".

What really bugs me is, its like I hear to much!  If I am sitting in a room and someone is talking and a fan comes on, it blows out the person talking.  You add another sound and it gets worse!!  At gatherings indoors, it come to the point where I need to leave, "the noise" is more then I can handle.  I call it the Charlie Brown's teacher effect!

I wore ear plugs and some times it was ear plugs plus muff's,  still lost part of my hearing.  Doc said it wouldn't have mattered, chain saws and diesel engine noise is responsible for the loss.  25 years took its toll!

[pianoman9701]

Are you asking for aids or protection with audio?

Hearing aids with loud, sharp noise cancelation.

[pianoman9701]

If it’s hearing aids you need get Phonak brand. Since you are a VET get them thru them. The VA gives you Phonak brands, batteries for life, repair for life and free replacement every 5 years. Just to let you know, my ENT said not to get the rechargeable ones. One they don’t hold up as well and fiddling with the little wax plugs.
If this COVID BS ever ends I’ll help you thru the VA process.

I'll check into this. I just received vet disability, so I think I qualify. Thanks WADU!

Thanks everyone who's replying. I called COSTCO last week and the appointments are out to mid-January.

[tbrady]

Dumb question but does Costco do the whole hearing test and all??


What?
Did you say something??

Costco did a more thorough hearing test than my prior dr did.  Not only that but they will let you try out different brands and walk around the store.  I spent an hour trying out a couple of different pairs, making phone calls etc in a noisy environment.

My dad tried getting some through the VA but for some reason that didn't work out, I don't remember the details but for some reason he wasn't eligible even though he is vet.

[pianoman9701]

I've requested a copy of my VA hearing test. It was more complete than any I've ever taken. Audiologists and COSTCO have all said that they can use that test if it's less than a year old.

[wadu1]

I've requested a copy of my VA hearing test. It was more complete than any I've ever taken. Audiologists and COSTCO have all said that they can use that test if it's less than a year old.

,
If the VA did a test, why not get them from the VA? Try for a 10% disability and get some cash for cigars

[pianoman9701]

I've requested a copy of my VA hearing test. It was more complete than any I've ever taken. Audiologists and COSTCO have all said that they can use that test if it's less than a year old.

,
If the VA did a test, why not get them from the VA? Try for a 10% disability and get some cash for cigars

I have 10%. I've got a call in to them regarding the aids to see if I qualify for the freebies.

[usmc74]

I've requested a copy of my VA hearing test. It was more complete than any I've ever taken. Audiologists and COSTCO have all said that they can use that test if it's less than a year old.

,
If the VA did a test, why not get them from the VA? Try for a 10% disability and get some cash for cigars

I have 10%. I've got a call in to them regarding the aids to see if I qualify for the freebies.

Yes you do.  I got them free with my 10%.  My buddy who doesn't have a rating got his for $50 copay.

Now get a copy of your service connected rating and apply to the state for 50% off hunting/fishing license (if over 65)

[pianoman9701]

I'm 62 but will be looking forward to the discount. Thanks Devil Dog. Increasing deafness has its benefits I guess. 

[usmc74]

Something I discovered this year, when hunting you can turn up the volume to hear more sounds.

[Slenk]

Well guys I came in to this late. I have worn hearing aids since 2002 . Have had several different pair. They are all crap compared to your own good hearing . I got a L& I claim . Get hearing aids , batteries ,& maintenance for life. 20 years as a boiler fireman did not do me any good. Right now I have the most powerful aid that are made . Still can't hear very well , don't wear hearing aids when you are target shooting!

[Fidelk]

If it’s hearing aids you need get Phonak brand. Since you are a VET get them thru them. The VA gives you Phonak brands, batteries for life, repair for life and free replacement every 5 years. Just to let you know, my ENT said not to get the rechargeable ones. One they don’t hold up as well and fiddling with the little wax plugs.
If this COVID BS ever ends I’ll help you thru the VA process.

I'll check into this. I just received vet disability, so I think I qualify. Thanks WADU!

Thanks everyone who's replying. I called COSTCO last week and the appointments are out to mid-January.

At least a few years ago, if you live more than 40 miles away from a VA center, you could apply to go directly to your local audiologist and bypass he VA. That local audiologist should be able to guide you through the paperwork process.

[MooseStock]

Costco is really tough to beat...I have had the Kirkland for 4 years and just got a new set because of a subsidy I needed to use before I retire...the new kirklands...made by phonak I believe are awesome...they are Bluetooth and you download an app on your phone to adjust...now I use the old set for the woods and fishing. Costco's warranty is enhanced too...3 years now...replace them even if you lose them...also the batteries are super cheap at Costco...You can't go wrong with them...I fought getting them for several years and I was crazy...should have got them years earlier after 40 years of driving Truck and working in the woods...Good Luck....Les

[usmc74]

I made a new posting about the reduced fee for service connected disabled vets.

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=255569.new#new

[pianoman9701]

If it’s hearing aids you need get Phonak brand. Since you are a VET get them thru them. The VA gives you Phonak brands, batteries for life, repair for life and free replacement every 5 years. Just to let you know, my ENT said not to get the rechargeable ones. One they don’t hold up as well and fiddling with the little wax plugs.
If this COVID BS ever ends I’ll help you thru the VA process.

I'll check into this. I just received vet disability, so I think I qualify. Thanks WADU!

Thanks everyone who's replying. I called COSTCO last week and the appointments are out to mid-January.

At least a few years ago, if you live more than 40 miles away from a VA center, you could apply to go directly to your local audiologist and bypass he VA. That local audiologist should be able to guide you through the paperwork process.

We have a VA complex right here in Vancouver. Thanks.

[Crunchy]

I am currently at 10% also, going through the claims process right now on a few other things.  I stopped at the VA hospital last week.  I was told I get some form of healthcare, free or significantly discounted hearing aids, as well as prescriptions and glasses.  Getting the run around on my other claims.  Somehow they lost my medical records linked to my back injury....

Also, some counties give discounts on your property taxes if you are a disabled VET which I am working on now.

[wadu1]

I am currently at 10% also, going through the claims process right now on a few other things.  I stopped at the VA hospital last week.  I was told I get some form of healthcare, free or significantly discounted hearing aids, as well as prescriptions and glasses.  Getting the run around on my other claims.  Somehow they lost my medical records linked to my back injury....

Also, some counties give discounts on your property taxes if you are a disabled VET which I am working on now.

At 10% you should get free hearing aids, and eye care and glasses. Just go to the hearing center at American Lake and request them. Same with the eye center, that may take a month or so to get an appointment. If you are going to the main help desk as you drive in, they are useless most don't know what they are doing. I took my dad in to get aids, the desk said he did not qualify because he does not have a DD-214. He's a WWll Vet they used WD-53's the VA help desk had no clue, it took 2.5 years.
Good luck   

[msg]

I have had hearing aids for the last 6 or 7 years. I am on my third set. Left one set at a buddy's house and he put them in the mail in a small white envelope. Going through metal rollers at PO destroyed them. Grandsons dog ate set two. Now have the Starkey Livio's . Rechargeable, I know where to find them every morning and don't have to deal with batteries any more. Bluetooth, phone rings in your head. Just have to remember where you set your phone down, It is somewhere close. Control settings on top of each one, volume on one side. Normal, crowd, auditorium, mute on the other. You can also adjust through the Thrive Hearing app. This set is by far the best but I believe they were all from Starkey. All paid for by employer and you do qualify for a new set every 5 years. It's hard to believe how much noise I make going through the woods wearing these. They are not perfect but are a great improvement.  Many years ago my partner shot a bull across a canyon at about 250 yards. There was a creek in the bottom. He said when the wind blew the creek quiet he heard it break a branch and that is how he spotted it. I'm like, what did you just say!

[rainshadow1]

Following... my ears are great, eyes doing funny stuff, but ears are fine.

Wife, on the other hand... Disabled Navy due to a car crash and messed up neck vertebra, but her ears are obviously poor. (Of course it couldn't have had ANYTHING to do with loading bombs on the flight deck, but I digress...)

She may need to follow suit, so I'll read your experiences....

[gutsnthegrass]

I have been thinking about hearing aids for awhile now.  I have worked in really noisy environments for roughly 25 years.  I know I have lost hearing, and have constant ringing in my ears also.  I'm sure that the hearing aids wont help with the ringing, but will the ringing be an issue with hearing improvement with the aids?

[msg]

That would be a good question for an audiologist. I know they set them up based on your hearing test, I don't know if they would be able to tone that down. I used to have that as a youngster working in a very noisy pulp mill environment. I noticed it most going to bed after graveyard. That part went away but the overall damage did not.

[Fidelk]

I have been thinking about hearing aids for awhile now.  I have worked in really noisy environments for roughly 25 years.  I know I have lost hearing, and have constant ringing in my ears also.  I'm sure that the hearing aids wont help with the ringing, but will the ringing be an issue with hearing improvement with the aids?

The ringing is tinnitus. Mine is in the left ear and occurred on a hunt where an ear plug had fallen out and my ear was close to a blast from a rifle with a muzzle brake. They make hearing aids that can be programmed to help with tinnitus (I only wear one in my left ear.....from Oticon). Unless the hearing aids are programmed for tinnitus, it could interfere with hearing improvement. My audiologist has tinnitus and is very up to date on treating it: peninsulahearing.com with offices in Poulsbo and Port Townsend.

[wadu1]

I have been thinking about hearing aids for awhile now.  I have worked in really noisy environments for roughly 25 years.  I know I have lost hearing, and have constant ringing in my ears also.  I'm sure that the hearing aids wont help with the ringing, but will the ringing be an issue with hearing improvement with the aids?

The ringing is tinnitus. Mine is in the left ear and occurred on a hunt where an ear plug had fallen out and my ear was close to a blast from a rifle with a muzzle brake. They make hearing aids that can be programmed to help with tinnitus (I only wear one in my left ear.....from Oticon). Unless the hearing aids are programmed for tinnitus, it could interfere with hearing improvement. My audiologist has tinnitus and is very up to date on treating it: peninsulahearing.com with offices in Poulsbo and Port Townsend.

My VA aids are programmed for tinnitus. It’s not bad when I have in/on but I can really tell the difference when out.

[pianoman9701]

I was told today that I qualify for VA hearing aids. I have to get signed up for a VA healthcare account. Because of COVID, this is going to take some time, but free is free.

[Crunchy]

It only takes 15 minutes.  Bring your va disabilty rating letter and dd214.

[pianoman9701]

I signed up just now and will find out about status within a week. 

[pianoman9701]

I don't know what the VA was like before, but two days after applying for medical, I got a call that I've been accepted and will get my card info and temporary card within 15 days. I'm very impressed. Thanks President Trump. 

[CJ1962]

You have already received lots of good info.  A couple of things to consider.  My hearing aids only pair with an Iphone.  Mine are from Starkey with the Thrive app.  I really like being able to take phone calls or listen to podcast through them.  Other's may work with Android phones but make sure.

Also mine are the over the ear kind with the microphone on top.  If you wear glasses or a hat they can cause static especially when you are chewing something.  If I wear sunglasses with a hat I have to slide the sunglasses up and on the outside of my hat otherwise it's uncomfortable on my ears.

Also for some reason I am way less stealthy with them then without them.  I'm not sure why

[pianoman9701]

I have an IPhone and I do wear glasses. Thanks for the tips!

[Rainier10]

I was on sensory overload when I got mine.  I had to take them out at lunchtime because it was just too much.  I made it until dinner time the second day and day three I made it all day.  There is a ton of sound that I was missing out on.

[wadu1]

I was on sensory overload when I got mine.  I had to take them out at lunchtime because it was just too much.  I made it until dinner time the second day and day three I made it all day.  There is a ton of sound that I was missing out on.

Exactly what happened with me, now I'm thinking how to  make it better.

[usmc74]

I got the Phonak rechargeable from the VA.  The app works on iPhone and Android.  The first time the phone rang "inside my head" was really weird.

[Rainier10]

I got the Phonak rechargeable from the VA.  The app works on iPhone and Android.  The first time the phone rang "inside my head" was really weird.

people freak out when I take calls. “Man those hearing aids are awesome, I can’t even hear the person you are talking to.” They think im on speaker phone not realizing it’s going to my hearing aids and I’m just holding my phone the way you do when it’s on speaker.😂