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First tagged “inspirational” by Michael D. Subrizi
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It may help if you could get him to discuss why he doesn't want a hearing aid. They make almost invisible ones cheaper now if he's vain about it. Perhaps he doesn't want to spend the money or doesn't have insurance that would cover it. In the end there may be nothing that will convince him to get one, but good luck with your efforts hun.

My best advice is to stay away from gimmicky ads in the paper and coupon deals…seek out a recommendation from an audiologist after a thorough hearing exam. Not all hearing aid dispensers are audiologists so make sure you are seeing a hearing health care professional (ie. an audiologist) not a salesperson. You can ask your primary care physician who they recommend, or ask your insurance company who is on your plan.

If cost is a concern, seek out the best hearing aid you can afford as they will last about 5 years on average. Sound quality is proportionate to cost, and matching you up with a hearing aid successfully means getting features that will work well for how you plan to use it. Ask about payment plans, use your health care spending account if you have one, and see if you qualify for any discounts through your health insurance (although they are rarely covered.)

Miracle Ear is a company that manufactures hearing aids and has a chain of franchise dispensaries that deal with their product exclusively.

As far as the technology of their devices goes, they are fairly compatible with other brands. However, they tend to charge more, as they need to recoup the money for their advertising.

I've had several patients that have had bad experiences with Miracle Ear products and Dispensers. But then again, if they were happy, they wouldn't be coming to see us. Still, it is an important investment she is making, and she needs to not only consider the cost and convenience, but also the service and professional support she will receive.

I strongly recommend that she consult a few Audiologists rather than Hearing Aid Dispensers in the area, to shop around for the product and service. Especially if she has never worn hearing aids before, it is important that she fully understand the options available to her; and to have someone that will explain to her what to expect, how to adapt to hearing all the sounds she's been missing, and how to get the most from her investment. For example, if both of her ears hear about equally, she would do much better if she had amplification for both ears.

No matter where she purchases, she should get a trial period that is AT LEAST 30 days long, during which she has the option to return the aid(s) with no questions asked (most places do have some portion of the cost that is not refunded). Make sure she goes in for at least one follow-up visit during that trial period and that she gets all her questions answered promptly and professionally.

If at all possible, have someone accompany her to these visits — it's a lot of information, and the some of my patients can seem intimidated by the process. Unfortunately, some seniors can be easily influenced or will simply just want to keep it simple and just stay with the first person they talk to. She's spending a lot of money and these devices need to help her for the next five years or so — it's better not to make a hasty decision.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to click on my name/avatar and the on Contact hearkat and send me a note.

LOL…I believe the product you are inquiring about is the Bell and Howell Sonic Earz. It's about 15 bucks.

Here are more links on the Pendred syndrome:

Here are a couple more links on the Montini syndrome:

I hope this is of some help. The Mondini dysplasia is common…the Pendred syndrome is not…therefore, the newpapers have listed the wrong diagnosis you received.

I would ask the doctor if this is possible
with you to have the mondini dysplasia…if
he saw this on your tests he has done.

Being fit with new hearing aids is a process and does take a few visits to ensure the hearing aids have been adjusted properly. There is also an adjustment period for the hearing aid wearer to get used to hearing with their new hearing aids.

Also testing called Real-ear verification is an absolute must in the hearing aid fitting process. This allows the audiologist or hearing aid specialist to visibly see how well the hearing aids are amplifying once fit on the patient. If the Beltone office she went to does not have real-ear verification, then that is very disappointing and I would recommend going to another office.

For more information on digital hearing aids and how they can be fine-tuned visit: http://www.healthyhearing.com/guides/guide-to-hearing-aids/hearing-aids-basics