Here are some facts and costs about the new style hearing aids.

VERY SMALL TYPE: CONFORMA
Manufactured by Sonic Innovations. Basically the guts are inside a shell the size of a pencil eraser. This is put into a spongy material, which prevents the aid from falling out of your ear. The spongy material comes in 4 sizes. Usually the sponge must be replaced once a week, or when it becomes soiled. Cost is around $1,500 to $1,800. The spongy stuff is around $15 for a package of eight. The dispenser will program the aid for your loss.
VALUE: In my opinion, for that money a BTE is best. Distance will still degrade the signal. A noisy environment will degrade what you hear. But with a BTE AND telecoils, ALD's can be used which will overcome distance and bring clear sound to you.

WEBSITE: http://www.sonicinnovations.com/conforma/conf_compare.html

In my opinion, the information on this website may be misleading. For example, many hearing aids can be repaired on the spot. Many dispensers give loaners. Earmolds can be made with soft material including the shell for In-The-Ear hearing aids. Custom made shells and earmolds are the best.

DISPOSABLE TYPE: SONGBIRD
Manufactured by Songbird Hearing. Costs $39. Good for about 40 days. Nothing to replace. Manufacturer advertises it for those who have never had an aid. It is a stepping stone towards accepting your hearing loss. VALUE: In my opinion, the cost is a good way to begin. But hiding your hearing loss? Why? It will work great for up to ten feet provided there is no one else talking and no other noise in the room. I suggest you spend $150 on an ALD that will work alone and (when you are ready) with a hearing aid that uses telecoils. Not only that, it is versatile enough to use with the VCR, TV, radio and telephone.

WARRANTY: They say if it fails to "perform as promised we'll replace it free." Ask them what they promise. Ask them about a full refund. A trial period? Ask them to use the phone at their office, to see how well it works for you. Then ask them if you can try it on your phone before deciding. Finally, walk around in a noisy city to see if loud sounds are disturbing. They claim that there is no big financial commitment. Yet, hearing loss ought not be taken lightly!

WEBSITE: http://www.songbirdhearing.com/

On this website is a telephone Tone Test. It's a toll free number: 1 888 684 6659. I took the test with my hearing aid. I barely heard the tones. Without my aids I heard nothing. If you don't hear the tones you probably need hearing help. Is Songbird the way to go? You decide.

IN GENERAL:

Ask what type of loss and what level of loss this works best for.
Always ask about the manufacturer warranty.
Ask about a trial period.
Ask about repairs
Ask about tune-ups.
Ask about telecoils.

To learn more about telecoils go to:
http://www.hearing-loss-help-co.com/20_reasons_for_telecoils

To learn of more suggestions for purchasing hearing aids, go to:
http://www.hearing-loss-help-co.com/purchasing_a_hearing_aid
Curtis Dickinson
Hearing Loss Help Co.
Improving Your Life--Considerably
http://WWW.Hearing-Loss-Help-Co.com

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