Posted on May 29, 2018
How can I get a hearing aid when Tricare does not cover them and the VA only covers them on an income-based scale?
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I have had a hearing exam today, they are recommending hearing aids. Tricare does not cover them. VA covers them, but on an income based scale...and I am pretty sure that I am outside the degree that they would pay. Anyone with significant knowledge on this topic? If so, sing out. I need to pick a few brain cells!! Thanks!
It appears that my original "title" wasn't one that was liked, so was changed.... The current title sux. My QUESTION relates more to anyone having good knowledge on the hearing test results (dB in the various ranges) that would lean a person to getting hearing aids.... then the follow on would be good quality hearing aids. (not junk). I already KNOW how to get hearing aids when Tricare won't cover and I make to much for the VA.... I will be buying them out of pocket....and so far, looking like around 5-6k for a pair....could go higher, but could go lower...but then there is the issue with quality. my hearing test results are very similar in both ears within a few dB... 2000-6000 Hz ranges have me between 50-80dB. the low range frees in the 125-1500 range were between 20-35dB Again, thanks for the assist for anyone that has sold info!
It appears that my original "title" wasn't one that was liked, so was changed.... The current title sux. My QUESTION relates more to anyone having good knowledge on the hearing test results (dB in the various ranges) that would lean a person to getting hearing aids.... then the follow on would be good quality hearing aids. (not junk). I already KNOW how to get hearing aids when Tricare won't cover and I make to much for the VA.... I will be buying them out of pocket....and so far, looking like around 5-6k for a pair....could go higher, but could go lower...but then there is the issue with quality. my hearing test results are very similar in both ears within a few dB... 2000-6000 Hz ranges have me between 50-80dB. the low range frees in the 125-1500 range were between 20-35dB Again, thanks for the assist for anyone that has sold info!
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 5
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I used to work for an audiology practice. She dealt with a lot of people in the Cherry Point/Camp Lejune area that were veterans and/or contractors who had theirs paid for by the Department of Labor. Not sure what that actually entails, but if it's service/job related, it might be a possible route.
Oticon > Resound > Siemens > Phonak > Starkey
Stay away from Beltone, they're trash.
Low end of the cost spectrum will likely run around $3k. Mid-range will run probably about $5k. High end will run $7k+.
Treat this just like buying a car. Some places will mark up the prices considerably. The prices I just mentioned are based off of info that's a few years old with a roughly 50% mark up. Shop around a little bit.
Also, once you do find a place and you purchase them, don't be afraid to sit in there for a while to get them adjusted properly. They won't be right the first time. It make take 3 or 4 sittings with adjustments being made to get the levels at each range correct. Be sure to take notes once you start wearing them to bring with you when you get the aids adjusted so you can let the fitter know what's too loud or too quiet and they can make the proper adjustments.
Oticon > Resound > Siemens > Phonak > Starkey
Stay away from Beltone, they're trash.
Low end of the cost spectrum will likely run around $3k. Mid-range will run probably about $5k. High end will run $7k+.
Treat this just like buying a car. Some places will mark up the prices considerably. The prices I just mentioned are based off of info that's a few years old with a roughly 50% mark up. Shop around a little bit.
Also, once you do find a place and you purchase them, don't be afraid to sit in there for a while to get them adjusted properly. They won't be right the first time. It make take 3 or 4 sittings with adjustments being made to get the levels at each range correct. Be sure to take notes once you start wearing them to bring with you when you get the aids adjusted so you can let the fitter know what's too loud or too quiet and they can make the proper adjustments.
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Aaron Tg
Beltone and Resound are identical hardware.
Just google "Who makes Beltone hearing aids"
This supports my comment above that it is all about the practitioner, not the hardware.
Just google "Who makes Beltone hearing aids"
This supports my comment above that it is all about the practitioner, not the hardware.
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First check the Retired At Cost Hearing Aid Program. Not a lot of bases participate but if one is in your area you can save lots of dollars.
I have gotten a pair of hearing aids through that program, but the base near me no longer participates.
Second SHOP. Costs can vary by as much as $1000.
Feel free to message me with any specific questions.
I have gotten a pair of hearing aids through that program, but the base near me no longer participates.
Second SHOP. Costs can vary by as much as $1000.
Feel free to message me with any specific questions.
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Maj Chris Nelson
Would this program (if available) be through the Medical Group on Base?? I have never heard of it...If so, I will check with Fairchild AFB soon!
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Capt (Join to see)
Yes, it would be through the audiology clinic. If you google RACHAP (I may not have this correct) it will show the bases that participate. I got a pair at Offutt AFB and another at the Air Force Academy. I saved over $5.000 But, Offutt lost their audiologist and the new on is NOT participating. Good Luck.
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Maj Chris Nelson
Looks like 2 places in the state of WA...of course, they are both on the coast....I am on the OTHER side of the state...but may be worth my calling them! Thanks for the info!!
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The information you provided is a very small part of the equation.
I would encourage you to find the provider in your area with the best reputation.
The best hearing aid for your neighbor with identical test results may be worthless for your lifestyle, anatomy, features preferences and a dozen other minor topics that come up.
Additionally, if we take 10 pairs of hearing aids, and give them to 10 GOOD providers, they are all going to have slight variations in how they set things up for you and some will get you better results than others.
If you go to get a knee replacement, a tooth filled, or a pair of eyeglasses, do you focus on the company who made the hardware, or do you realize 99% of it is the practitioner?
You can order eyeglasses over the internet, but most people have figured out they get far better results if they meet with someone in person. It is the same way with hearing aids.
I do wish you luck and thank you for your service.
I would encourage you to find the provider in your area with the best reputation.
The best hearing aid for your neighbor with identical test results may be worthless for your lifestyle, anatomy, features preferences and a dozen other minor topics that come up.
Additionally, if we take 10 pairs of hearing aids, and give them to 10 GOOD providers, they are all going to have slight variations in how they set things up for you and some will get you better results than others.
If you go to get a knee replacement, a tooth filled, or a pair of eyeglasses, do you focus on the company who made the hardware, or do you realize 99% of it is the practitioner?
You can order eyeglasses over the internet, but most people have figured out they get far better results if they meet with someone in person. It is the same way with hearing aids.
I do wish you luck and thank you for your service.
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