VA - Hearing Aids Help

[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.