Hearing Aids are just one form of Hearing Devices. We will look at some of the selections, sources and why you might need one or some other choice like the P.A.E.S.A. I discussed on TED Podcast Extras. Give you sources on articles and if this is covered by things like Medicare, Medicaid, VA etc... Hearing Aids are electroacoustic devices designed to amplify sound for the wearer, with the aim of making speech more intelligible, and correct impaired hearing as measured by Audiometry or Audiology. History shows ear trumpets in the 17th century. First hearing aids were external ones that directed sounds in front of the ear and blocked all other noises. The apparatus would fit behind or in the ear. Modern ones began with the creation of the telephone, and the first electric ones were created in 1898. By the late 20th century, digital hearing aids were commercially available. The invention of the carbon microphone, transmitters, digital signal processing chip or DSP, and the development of computer technology helped transform the hearing aids to there present form. Present day ones can come as behind the ear, in the ear, in the canal, eyeglass models, bone induction, even disposable. Only about a quarter of the people who need them, get them and about 40% have insurance that will pay for them. Most are very expensive. They can range from $300 for devices like the P.A.E.S.A. to $10,000 with average at most hearing centers around $7500. Insurance and cost is probably one reason people don't get them. Average age for you to need them is 45 and over. Based on information they cost about $250 to make then sold to an audiologist retailer for $1,000. Manufacturers spend $75 per model on R&D and $250 on marketing and then chalk up $425 in profit. The retailers mark up the price $2,000 plus before you even see the price tag. Six manufactures control 95% of the market. Government data says about 13,000 retailers selling average 16 per month. Costco has gone after the hearing aid market with much reduced pricing. They also offer free hearing tests, and have their own Kirkland branded devices as well as the premium Phonak brand. If you are in need of a hearing solution, I would check with them first whether you be a Costco member or not. Their Audiologists are paid by wage NOT commission so they will only recommend what you need. They also have state of the art testing equipment. You can check out some of my links available at ElderDivide.net or Subscribe to the podcast Newsletters to find more information. Hearing loss has been linked to Dementia also, see articles on it. For regular hearing loss you will enjoy things much better after getting them. NO more turning up the TV, having someone repeat what they said or hearing things that could affect your health and safety. Assistance is available for your purchases if needed or maybe free. Check out resource links. Hearing aids and most hearing tests are NOT covered by Medicare. Medicaid often covers hearing aids, but each state's requirements differs. Veterans get covered if their hearing loss is military service connected or linked to a medical condition treated at a VA hospital. Federal employees have coverage on some of their plans. Affordable Care Act even has this added in some states. Medicare/Medicaid is also available in other countries US, China, Australia and Canada, each having it's own system. Another thing to consider is that you will need a supply of batteries. They usually only last 4-7 days and are NOT rechargeable. These vary in sizes and costs. Costco is a great source for these even if your not a customer of their hearing aids. They run about $9 for 40. Other retailers charge twice as much or more for just a dozen or less. Batteries have different model numbers and sizes but they all have a universal color code tab for them like Red, Yellow, Orange, Brown and Blue. I have listed a cross reference in the Resources links.
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