Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Hi - both my boys wear Phonak HA. My younger son, Sam, is 9 (profound) and started out with the Phonak Pico Fortes when he was little, then moved on to Phonak Novo Fortes which are analog programmables and now has Phonak Supero 411s which are digital programmables. They've been wonderful for him - he heard things he hadn't heard before (like the noise the toilet makes after it flushes - it's sort of a high pitched whiney noise) and his speech is much clearer. My older son is Tom who's 11-1/2. he has a severe/profound loss and wears Phonak Claro 311s. he's had his Claros for 3 years now and loves them. Both sets of aids have been pretty robust given they're on two really active boys.... We paid $3,000 for the claros 3 years ago; $3200 for the Superos a year ago. That included the fitting fee our audiologist charges. hope this helps! Barbara --- You wrote: Sorry haven't posted in awhile , but here is my question...... Has or is anyone useing or used to use widex or phonak HA? If so How well did you like the way they worked? Also ( if you don't mind , but if you do then don't worry about it) how much did you pay for them if you payed anything on them? I'm looking for different HA's for my 9 month old, that are a little cheaper then $ 5000. They have to be progamable and digtal. I hope my questions sound right. Thanks mom to 9 month old mild-mod. in right ear, sereve - profound in left ear --- end of quote --- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Hi - both my boys wear Phonak HA. My younger son, Sam, is 9 (profound) and started out with the Phonak Pico Fortes when he was little, then moved on to Phonak Novo Fortes which are analog programmables and now has Phonak Supero 411s which are digital programmables. They've been wonderful for him - he heard things he hadn't heard before (like the noise the toilet makes after it flushes - it's sort of a high pitched whiney noise) and his speech is much clearer. My older son is Tom who's 11-1/2. he has a severe/profound loss and wears Phonak Claro 311s. he's had his Claros for 3 years now and loves them. Both sets of aids have been pretty robust given they're on two really active boys.... We paid $3,000 for the claros 3 years ago; $3200 for the Superos a year ago. That included the fitting fee our audiologist charges. hope this helps! Barbara --- You wrote: Sorry haven't posted in awhile , but here is my question...... Has or is anyone useing or used to use widex or phonak HA? If so How well did you like the way they worked? Also ( if you don't mind , but if you do then don't worry about it) how much did you pay for them if you payed anything on them? I'm looking for different HA's for my 9 month old, that are a little cheaper then $ 5000. They have to be progamable and digtal. I hope my questions sound right. Thanks mom to 9 month old mild-mod. in right ear, sereve - profound in left ear --- end of quote --- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Hi - both my boys wear Phonak HA. My younger son, Sam, is 9 (profound) and started out with the Phonak Pico Fortes when he was little, then moved on to Phonak Novo Fortes which are analog programmables and now has Phonak Supero 411s which are digital programmables. They've been wonderful for him - he heard things he hadn't heard before (like the noise the toilet makes after it flushes - it's sort of a high pitched whiney noise) and his speech is much clearer. My older son is Tom who's 11-1/2. he has a severe/profound loss and wears Phonak Claro 311s. he's had his Claros for 3 years now and loves them. Both sets of aids have been pretty robust given they're on two really active boys.... We paid $3,000 for the claros 3 years ago; $3200 for the Superos a year ago. That included the fitting fee our audiologist charges. hope this helps! Barbara --- You wrote: Sorry haven't posted in awhile , but here is my question...... Has or is anyone useing or used to use widex or phonak HA? If so How well did you like the way they worked? Also ( if you don't mind , but if you do then don't worry about it) how much did you pay for them if you payed anything on them? I'm looking for different HA's for my 9 month old, that are a little cheaper then $ 5000. They have to be progamable and digtal. I hope my questions sound right. Thanks mom to 9 month old mild-mod. in right ear, sereve - profound in left ear --- end of quote --- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Hi, , we have used both the Phonak Novo Forte and the Widex Senso P38 for my son (severe to profound HOH). We started with the Phonak's when he was born, and switched to the digitals when he was 3 1/2. Both are good, quality aids; the Phonaks spent time in the shop because Ben would dash them to the floor and break off the switch. He seems to get better quality hearing with the Widex Sensos, but I think it's because they're digital (the Novo Fortes were only programmable). Still, we really like his Widex Sensos right now. Unfortunately, the price on both was high: Phonaks were $1250 apiece, Widex $2500 apiece. Good luck! Stefanie mom to Ben, 5, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 8, mild loss, unaided on 3/1/04 4:26 PM, Woodhull at babysoft20022001@... wrote: > Hi all, > > Sorry haven't posted in awhile , but here is my question...... > > Has or is anyone useing or used to use widex or phonak HA? If so How well did > you like the way they worked? Also ( if you don't mind , but if you do then > don't worry about it) how much did you pay for them if you payed anything on > them? > > I'm looking for different HA's for my 9 month old, that are a little cheaper > then $ 5000. > They have to be progamable and digtal. I hope my questions sound right. > > Thanks mom to 9 month old mild-mod. in right ear, sereve - > profound in left ear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Hi, , we have used both the Phonak Novo Forte and the Widex Senso P38 for my son (severe to profound HOH). We started with the Phonak's when he was born, and switched to the digitals when he was 3 1/2. Both are good, quality aids; the Phonaks spent time in the shop because Ben would dash them to the floor and break off the switch. He seems to get better quality hearing with the Widex Sensos, but I think it's because they're digital (the Novo Fortes were only programmable). Still, we really like his Widex Sensos right now. Unfortunately, the price on both was high: Phonaks were $1250 apiece, Widex $2500 apiece. Good luck! Stefanie mom to Ben, 5, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 8, mild loss, unaided on 3/1/04 4:26 PM, Woodhull at babysoft20022001@... wrote: > Hi all, > > Sorry haven't posted in awhile , but here is my question...... > > Has or is anyone useing or used to use widex or phonak HA? If so How well did > you like the way they worked? Also ( if you don't mind , but if you do then > don't worry about it) how much did you pay for them if you payed anything on > them? > > I'm looking for different HA's for my 9 month old, that are a little cheaper > then $ 5000. > They have to be progamable and digtal. I hope my questions sound right. > > Thanks mom to 9 month old mild-mod. in right ear, sereve - > profound in left ear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Hi, , we have used both the Phonak Novo Forte and the Widex Senso P38 for my son (severe to profound HOH). We started with the Phonak's when he was born, and switched to the digitals when he was 3 1/2. Both are good, quality aids; the Phonaks spent time in the shop because Ben would dash them to the floor and break off the switch. He seems to get better quality hearing with the Widex Sensos, but I think it's because they're digital (the Novo Fortes were only programmable). Still, we really like his Widex Sensos right now. Unfortunately, the price on both was high: Phonaks were $1250 apiece, Widex $2500 apiece. Good luck! Stefanie mom to Ben, 5, severe to profound HOH, and Isabella, 8, mild loss, unaided on 3/1/04 4:26 PM, Woodhull at babysoft20022001@... wrote: > Hi all, > > Sorry haven't posted in awhile , but here is my question...... > > Has or is anyone useing or used to use widex or phonak HA? If so How well did > you like the way they worked? Also ( if you don't mind , but if you do then > don't worry about it) how much did you pay for them if you payed anything on > them? > > I'm looking for different HA's for my 9 month old, that are a little cheaper > then $ 5000. > They have to be progamable and digtal. I hope my questions sound right. > > Thanks mom to 9 month old mild-mod. in right ear, sereve - > profound in left ear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 I said Physical Therapy & really meant Occupational Therapy... sorry. On Monday, March 1, 2004, at 03:52 PM, Design Department wrote: > > Subject: Re: question about HA > Reply-To: Listen-Up > > Have you checked into your state's Children's Rehabilitation Services > for funding? > My son wears digital programable aids & they have done the trick for > us. Since she is getting aided so early hopefully the speech delay will > not be as significant for he as it was for Ian ... Ian was 2 when we > found out he was mild/moderate in right ear and severe/profound in left > ear.... his speech has improved greatly over the past 1-1/2 yr; we > have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 I said Physical Therapy & really meant Occupational Therapy... sorry. On Monday, March 1, 2004, at 03:52 PM, Design Department wrote: > > Subject: Re: question about HA > Reply-To: Listen-Up > > Have you checked into your state's Children's Rehabilitation Services > for funding? > My son wears digital programable aids & they have done the trick for > us. Since she is getting aided so early hopefully the speech delay will > not be as significant for he as it was for Ian ... Ian was 2 when we > found out he was mild/moderate in right ear and severe/profound in left > ear.... his speech has improved greatly over the past 1-1/2 yr; we > have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 I said Physical Therapy & really meant Occupational Therapy... sorry. On Monday, March 1, 2004, at 03:52 PM, Design Department wrote: > > Subject: Re: question about HA > Reply-To: Listen-Up > > Have you checked into your state's Children's Rehabilitation Services > for funding? > My son wears digital programable aids & they have done the trick for > us. Since she is getting aided so early hopefully the speech delay will > not be as significant for he as it was for Ian ... Ian was 2 when we > found out he was mild/moderate in right ear and severe/profound in left > ear.... his speech has improved greatly over the past 1-1/2 yr; we > have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 , My daughter wears Widex Senso hearing aids. They are digital. She got them in March 2001. She wears them every single day, from wake up to bath time/bed time. We have had no troubles with them as of yet (I guess I better knock on some wood). I believe Widex has some new ones out, the Senso Divas. But I think it is based on their level of loss. My daughter has moderate severe sloping to severe loss. I think we paid around $3495.00 for them in 2001. Best of luck to you. Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 , My daughter wears Widex Senso hearing aids. They are digital. She got them in March 2001. She wears them every single day, from wake up to bath time/bed time. We have had no troubles with them as of yet (I guess I better knock on some wood). I believe Widex has some new ones out, the Senso Divas. But I think it is based on their level of loss. My daughter has moderate severe sloping to severe loss. I think we paid around $3495.00 for them in 2001. Best of luck to you. Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 , My daughter wears Widex Senso hearing aids. They are digital. She got them in March 2001. She wears them every single day, from wake up to bath time/bed time. We have had no troubles with them as of yet (I guess I better knock on some wood). I believe Widex has some new ones out, the Senso Divas. But I think it is based on their level of loss. My daughter has moderate severe sloping to severe loss. I think we paid around $3495.00 for them in 2001. Best of luck to you. Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 My daughter has a moderate loss and has the new Widex Senso Divas. We paid about $4,400 for 2, plus $50 for molds. 1 year loss/replacement and 2 year repair warranty was included. I later paid another $480 to extend the warranty for 3 full years of coverage. My daughter is only 2 1/2, but seems to be doing very well. The HA are very sensitive to moisture --we had to sent them in for repair 3 times, I think. Then, I got a dry and store (9 mo ago) and have not had a problem since. Jessie did very well in a speech perception test w/ the aids in. I am sometimes amazed at what she can hear. I have been very happy w/ our choice. Hope this helps. H. Re: question about HA , My daughter wears Widex Senso hearing aids. They are digital. She got them in March 2001. She wears them every single day, from wake up to bath time/bed time. We have had no troubles with them as of yet (I guess I better knock on some wood). I believe Widex has some new ones out, the Senso Divas. But I think it is based on their level of loss. My daughter has moderate severe sloping to severe loss. I think we paid around $3495.00 for them in 2001. Best of luck to you. Robin All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 My daughter has a moderate loss and has the new Widex Senso Divas. We paid about $4,400 for 2, plus $50 for molds. 1 year loss/replacement and 2 year repair warranty was included. I later paid another $480 to extend the warranty for 3 full years of coverage. My daughter is only 2 1/2, but seems to be doing very well. The HA are very sensitive to moisture --we had to sent them in for repair 3 times, I think. Then, I got a dry and store (9 mo ago) and have not had a problem since. Jessie did very well in a speech perception test w/ the aids in. I am sometimes amazed at what she can hear. I have been very happy w/ our choice. Hope this helps. H. Re: question about HA , My daughter wears Widex Senso hearing aids. They are digital. She got them in March 2001. She wears them every single day, from wake up to bath time/bed time. We have had no troubles with them as of yet (I guess I better knock on some wood). I believe Widex has some new ones out, the Senso Divas. But I think it is based on their level of loss. My daughter has moderate severe sloping to severe loss. I think we paid around $3495.00 for them in 2001. Best of luck to you. Robin All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Both my boys are on their second pair of Phonaks, first digital pair. They've been very reliable for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Both my boys are on their second pair of Phonaks, first digital pair. They've been very reliable for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Both my boys are on their second pair of Phonaks, first digital pair. They've been very reliable for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Ouch! There is quite a range of prices floating out there for the same aids....Anyone have any tips on shopping around? We are happy with our audiologist, but I'm not sure it is worth the hundreds of dollars of differnce when it comes time to buy new aids! Re: question about HA > > > , > > My daughter wears Widex Senso hearing aids. They are digital. She got them in March 2001. She wears them every single day, from wake up to bath time/bed time. We have had no troubles with them as of yet (I guess I better knock on some wood). > > I believe Widex has some new ones out, the Senso Divas. But I think it is based on their level of loss. My daughter has moderate severe sloping to severe loss. > > I think we paid around $3495.00 for them in 2001. > > Best of luck to you. > Robin > > > > All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Ouch! There is quite a range of prices floating out there for the same aids....Anyone have any tips on shopping around? We are happy with our audiologist, but I'm not sure it is worth the hundreds of dollars of differnce when it comes time to buy new aids! Re: question about HA > > > , > > My daughter wears Widex Senso hearing aids. They are digital. She got them in March 2001. She wears them every single day, from wake up to bath time/bed time. We have had no troubles with them as of yet (I guess I better knock on some wood). > > I believe Widex has some new ones out, the Senso Divas. But I think it is based on their level of loss. My daughter has moderate severe sloping to severe loss. > > I think we paid around $3495.00 for them in 2001. > > Best of luck to you. > Robin > > > > All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Ouch! There is quite a range of prices floating out there for the same aids....Anyone have any tips on shopping around? We are happy with our audiologist, but I'm not sure it is worth the hundreds of dollars of differnce when it comes time to buy new aids! Re: question about HA > > > , > > My daughter wears Widex Senso hearing aids. They are digital. She got them in March 2001. She wears them every single day, from wake up to bath time/bed time. We have had no troubles with them as of yet (I guess I better knock on some wood). > > I believe Widex has some new ones out, the Senso Divas. But I think it is based on their level of loss. My daughter has moderate severe sloping to severe loss. > > I think we paid around $3495.00 for them in 2001. > > Best of luck to you. > Robin > > > > All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Actually, I did not think the range was as large as I expected. Don't forget that the $2,200 that was mentioned was for just one, so that would be $4,400 for two. Plus, several different models were discussed and they were bought at different times -- some 3 years ago. Also, some prices include extras like extended warranties, first set of molds etc and some do not. But, I do think that there is definitely some bargaining room. It pays to shop and sometimes the audi that you like will lower the price if he/she knows you are shopping around and want the best price. H. Re: question about HA > > > , > > My daughter wears Widex Senso hearing aids. They are digital. She got them in March 2001. She wears them every single day, from wake up to bath time/bed time. We have had no troubles with them as of yet (I guess I better knock on some wood). > > I believe Widex has some new ones out, the Senso Divas. But I think it is based on their level of loss. My daughter has moderate severe sloping to severe loss. > > I think we paid around $3495.00 for them in 2001. > > Best of luck to you. > Robin > > > > All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Actually, I did not think the range was as large as I expected. Don't forget that the $2,200 that was mentioned was for just one, so that would be $4,400 for two. Plus, several different models were discussed and they were bought at different times -- some 3 years ago. Also, some prices include extras like extended warranties, first set of molds etc and some do not. But, I do think that there is definitely some bargaining room. It pays to shop and sometimes the audi that you like will lower the price if he/she knows you are shopping around and want the best price. H. Re: question about HA > > > , > > My daughter wears Widex Senso hearing aids. They are digital. She got them in March 2001. She wears them every single day, from wake up to bath time/bed time. We have had no troubles with them as of yet (I guess I better knock on some wood). > > I believe Widex has some new ones out, the Senso Divas. But I think it is based on their level of loss. My daughter has moderate severe sloping to severe loss. > > I think we paid around $3495.00 for them in 2001. > > Best of luck to you. > Robin > > > > All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 Actually, I did not think the range was as large as I expected. Don't forget that the $2,200 that was mentioned was for just one, so that would be $4,400 for two. Plus, several different models were discussed and they were bought at different times -- some 3 years ago. Also, some prices include extras like extended warranties, first set of molds etc and some do not. But, I do think that there is definitely some bargaining room. It pays to shop and sometimes the audi that you like will lower the price if he/she knows you are shopping around and want the best price. H. Re: question about HA > > > , > > My daughter wears Widex Senso hearing aids. They are digital. She got them in March 2001. She wears them every single day, from wake up to bath time/bed time. We have had no troubles with them as of yet (I guess I better knock on some wood). > > I believe Widex has some new ones out, the Senso Divas. But I think it is based on their level of loss. My daughter has moderate severe sloping to severe loss. > > I think we paid around $3495.00 for them in 2001. > > Best of luck to you. > Robin > > > > All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright restrictions. > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 and - Hadley used the Phonak Sonofortes for 18 months, until she was 2 and switched to digitals (Siemens Trianos). We went with Phonak because of the repair record and high durability (and the fact that for Hadley's severe loss, Phonak was the only aid available at the time that fit on her head!). We had one repair in 18 months, which was to replace a faulty microphone. One of the control knobs did break early on (the off/tcoil/mike switch), because the aid dropped on the floor in just the right way to snap it off. We did not repair it because we always used the remote (and had actually turned the switch function off so Hadley couldn't accidentally turn off the aids). Price is absolutely something to consider, but also keep in mind the following: 1. Different audiologists charge different prices for the same aid because the contract may be dramatically different. What is the warranty for repairs and replacement? Are the cost of evaluations covered? Is your first set of molds included with the price (and how many times can you remake that mold before you have to pay for it again?). You may realize that the low price doesn't cover these necessities and that you wind up paying more out of pocket over time. 2. We went with programmable analogs for Hadley in 2002 because that was all that was available. Hearing aid manufacturers have responded to the increased availability of newborn hearing screening and have produced quality digital hearing aids that are durable and appropriate for infant and toddler use. The quality of digital over analog is, in our experience, incredible (I know there are articles about how digital aids aren't a requirement, but our family disagrees with that statement from our experience). Hadley received her first set of digital aids at 2 years of age, and what a HUGE difference it made. She is currently wearing her old Phonaks right now (ear infection and the lower power of the old aids make wearing molds bearable), and she is having lots of trouble hearing me, localizing and interpreting speech; it's only a very mild infection, so I know her hearing hasn't changed so dramatically. 3. Hadley maxxed out her first set of aids in 18 months, about 18 months earlier than the audiologist had anticipated. Hadley is a power junkie with the aids and just wants and needs more and more and more (her hearing loss has remained stable at a severe bilateral loss). So, in 18 months time, we purchased a $3400 set, $1100 waterproof aid, and $5200 digital aids. That doesn't even include batteries, new molds, Dry & Store, and other maintenance materials. Had digital aids been an option for us in 2002, we would have saved ourselves a pretty penny! 4. No matter what you decide to purchase for aids, don't skimp on the maintenance materials. A Dry & Store will save you bucks on repairs and irritation on moisture issues. Super Seals may give you the peace of mind about your baby playing with the aids. Good straps will help keep them on the head and comfortable. Save your receipts for tax time. 5. I loved having the remote when Hadley was a baby and am glad we had aids that came with one. I miss it now but, as she's 2 1/2, she's becoming more responsible and less reliant on me, so it is not a necessity. Good luck! Kerry Re: question about HA Ouch! There is quite a range of prices floating out there for the same aids....Anyone have any tips on shopping around? We are happy with our audiologist, but I'm not sure it is worth the hundreds of dollars of differnce when it comes time to buy new aids! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2004 Report Share Posted March 1, 2004 and - Hadley used the Phonak Sonofortes for 18 months, until she was 2 and switched to digitals (Siemens Trianos). We went with Phonak because of the repair record and high durability (and the fact that for Hadley's severe loss, Phonak was the only aid available at the time that fit on her head!). We had one repair in 18 months, which was to replace a faulty microphone. One of the control knobs did break early on (the off/tcoil/mike switch), because the aid dropped on the floor in just the right way to snap it off. We did not repair it because we always used the remote (and had actually turned the switch function off so Hadley couldn't accidentally turn off the aids). Price is absolutely something to consider, but also keep in mind the following: 1. Different audiologists charge different prices for the same aid because the contract may be dramatically different. What is the warranty for repairs and replacement? Are the cost of evaluations covered? Is your first set of molds included with the price (and how many times can you remake that mold before you have to pay for it again?). You may realize that the low price doesn't cover these necessities and that you wind up paying more out of pocket over time. 2. We went with programmable analogs for Hadley in 2002 because that was all that was available. Hearing aid manufacturers have responded to the increased availability of newborn hearing screening and have produced quality digital hearing aids that are durable and appropriate for infant and toddler use. The quality of digital over analog is, in our experience, incredible (I know there are articles about how digital aids aren't a requirement, but our family disagrees with that statement from our experience). Hadley received her first set of digital aids at 2 years of age, and what a HUGE difference it made. She is currently wearing her old Phonaks right now (ear infection and the lower power of the old aids make wearing molds bearable), and she is having lots of trouble hearing me, localizing and interpreting speech; it's only a very mild infection, so I know her hearing hasn't changed so dramatically. 3. Hadley maxxed out her first set of aids in 18 months, about 18 months earlier than the audiologist had anticipated. Hadley is a power junkie with the aids and just wants and needs more and more and more (her hearing loss has remained stable at a severe bilateral loss). So, in 18 months time, we purchased a $3400 set, $1100 waterproof aid, and $5200 digital aids. That doesn't even include batteries, new molds, Dry & Store, and other maintenance materials. Had digital aids been an option for us in 2002, we would have saved ourselves a pretty penny! 4. No matter what you decide to purchase for aids, don't skimp on the maintenance materials. A Dry & Store will save you bucks on repairs and irritation on moisture issues. Super Seals may give you the peace of mind about your baby playing with the aids. Good straps will help keep them on the head and comfortable. Save your receipts for tax time. 5. I loved having the remote when Hadley was a baby and am glad we had aids that came with one. I miss it now but, as she's 2 1/2, she's becoming more responsible and less reliant on me, so it is not a necessity. Good luck! Kerry Re: question about HA Ouch! There is quite a range of prices floating out there for the same aids....Anyone have any tips on shopping around? We are happy with our audiologist, but I'm not sure it is worth the hundreds of dollars of differnce when it comes time to buy new aids! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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