General Questions

[RHB]

Greetings,

I have had a hearing test and need help in the 3000 + range. Must have used too many noisy tools. The audiologist recommended a Phonak Micro Eleva 3200 open design. The price for two aids was a little steep. Do the Hearingplanet or AHearingAid.com really offer a discount or is it a com on to sell something different?

How long to batteries last in theis aid?

Is there anyplace or way to get a discount?

Thanks for your help! :)

[kat]

The Micro Eleva's are a great choice for high frequency hearing losses, although they are not cheap.

Although it may be tempting to try one of the internet sellers, they have to rely on local audi's/hearing aid dispensers who are paid very very little to program/fit the hearing aids when they are received. Thus, you may not get the personalized attention and follow up adjustments you really need, without paying more for these services.

I have found very few positive comments on any forums about the 2 mentioned companies, which I think is a bit odd, since they sell so many hearing aids.

Makes you wonder.

As far as battery life, they should last around 140 hrs of use and they will indicate when they are low.

Another option would be the Sonic Innovations Ion (about the same price but smaller).

Hope this helps you out.

[ZCT]

Farm Bureau offer a program for their customers called American Hearing Benefits. It saves people 40-60% off typical prices. It's a very neat program with a lot of benefits.

http://www.americanhearingbenefits.com/index.html

[klem]

I am an audiologist and am somewhat familiar with American Hearing Benefits. From what I understand they are actually a component of Starkey Hearing Instruments. I just checked out their site, and see that they offer 40% to 60% off "manufacturers suggested retail". This is very important. Most audiologists or dispensers sell hearing aids well below suggested retail. We recently had a local dispenser offering a certain percentage off suggested retail, and as it turns out individuals were paying significantly more during the sale than they were prior to the sale. Word of caution be careful if the offer says discount off "manufacturers suggested retail" you may be able to find better prices somewhere else.