Re: question about HA

[Guest guest]

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!