Why I Only Recommend PREMIUM Hearing Aid Technology Levels
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- Why I Only Recommend PREMIUM Hearing Aid Technology Levels. Doctor Cliff Olson, Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Anthem Arizona, discusses why he only recommends the best hearing aids for his patients.
Website: www.DrCliffAuD.com
Clinic Website: www.AppliedHearingAZ.com
If you’ve spent some time researching hearing aids, then you have probably noticed that almost every hearing aid manufacturer offers several different levels of hearing aid technology. The higher the technology, the more features the devices have, and the more money you will ultimately spend on those devices.
Here are some of those features that make premium level hearing aids better:
1. Better noise reduction - Hearing aid manufacturers spend millions of dollars researching ways improve Signal to Noise Ratio by just a few Decibels. Even these few decibels can mean the difference between you understanding a friend in a noisy restaurant, and you asking “what” all of the time and having to read their lips. The higher the tech level, the better they will perform in background noise.
2. More automatic features - Premium level hearing aids have the ability to automatically adjust to your environment. They constantly survey the environment and put you into better program settings than you could select on your own. No more need for a push button so you can do it yourself.
3. More Adjustment Handles - The more advanced the hearing aid, the better it can be customized to your hearing loss. These adjustment handles are like a piano keyboard. The more keys the better. Imagine if you reduced the amount of keys to 5 and tried to play a song. Not having enough adjustment handles can prevent you from exactly matching your hearing loss prescription. Some of the best hearing aids offer up to 20 adjustment handles while the lower level ones can have as little as 3.
Now these are all great reasons to recommend ONLY premium level hearing aids, but the Main reason I recommend premium level technology is that it ensures that you don't leave any benefit on the table. With lower level technology, you will always wonder if you are hearing your best. With premium hearing aids, you never have to wonder.
Naturally, there are some people who will say "of course you only recommend the premium technology, that is how you make the most money". The truth is, premium technology costs a clinic more than lower level technology, and often results in a lower profit margin. However, it is worth it to ensure that you can hear your best.
The way I see it, the only reason people come to me to maximize their hearing ability. I can try and do this handcuffed by a device that takes this control out of my hands, or I can use a product that allows me to achieve their maximum potential. If you are only looking to gain back part of your hearing, you’re probably wasting your money by coming to me.
Do I fit some patients with technology levels below premium?
Of course I do. Sometimes a patient’s residual hearing is so bad they won’t even perceive the benefits of a Premium level device, but these hearing losses are few and far between. Typically these are individuals who really need a Cochlear Implant, but don’t qualify for medical reasons.
All this being said, paying for Premium level technology would be a waste if you don’t have Real Ear Measurement performed on them to ensure proper programming of the devices. Check out my Real Ear Measurement video here: • The Most Important HEA...
At the end of the day, if you want to hear your best, you should always select premium hearing aid technology. But only if your hearing care provider follows best practices like Real Ear Measurement, because otherwise, you are just flushing that extra money you spent right down the toilet.
Thanks to you, I have just cancelled an appointment with one audiologist and made an appointment with another who follows best practices, uses REM and doesn't lock their hearing aids. Without your videos, I wouldn't never have known to ask such questions. Thanks again so much for this channel!
Thank you so very much for all of these videos. I am trying to navigate for my special needs son who is 58 and needs hearing aids. Your advice is priceless.
I'm about to start a job as a Hearing Instrumentation Specialist. This is gold!
Same here! Dr. Cliff is such a great resource to help us have a great client-centered mindset with our future patients!
Good info about buying premium aids, especially if your hearing is really bad, you won't be able to use the advanced technology anyway, and will be wasting $$. Doc Cliff's videos and his presentations are awesome!
I paid $499 for Bose Hearphones a week ago. I have significant "cookie bite" hearing impairment. I now have speech recognition superior to my $3,800 BTE hearing aids that I got about 4 years ago. I've noticed that the noise dampening feature of my hearing aids is superior for the mall and restaurants, but I also experience speech dampening and the dampening effect does not really very help with speech recognition. They always sound artificial or tinny, like an old 1960s portable transistor radio and in order to understand speech, they are set quite loud. The Hearphones, while not perfect, have much better fidelity and give a more natural sound at a much lower volume. I can hear conversation in a restaurant or at the mall with greater comfort, clarity and more comfort. They are an order of magnitude better when listening to music! Obviously people can see you are wearing the Hearphones, but I'm turning 70 next month and don't mind if people know that I'm hearing impaired. In one of your other videos you tipped me off to the Bose devices. For me, the Bose Hearphones are great. Thank you.
Mr. Olson do you have / know anything about Lucid hearing aids? Sams club sell in my area North Carolina. Thanks for what you do for us.
This is really good information. I really appreciate your candidness about the limitations of the study. I'm sure your clinic is very busy, but perhaps a few ideas regarding future study either at your clinic or for another research facility. 1.) In addressing the limitation of the single blind study. Perhaps one audiologist could perform and RECD measure before ordering hearing aids, and have the aids preprogrammed to NL2 targets in a test box prior to the fitting. No labels on the hearing aids. Then have a second audiologist deliver the trial aids to the patient. It's not ideal as the second audiologist would not be able to do further fine tuning, but still pretty good. Especially if the patient has some limited volume control or some minor base and treble adjustments available via an app.
2.) A larger test group
3.) It would be interesting to compare between other levels of technology such as stand to advanced or basic to standard
4.) Also, are these results consistent between hearing aid manufacturers.
What I'm suggesting is a huge expansion to the study, but the results could have large implications.
Thanks. Love your channel.
Have you considered doing a video on frequency lowering, which a lot of premium hearing aids offer? I could be wrong, that many lower performance HA also have this feature, but I find it a very interesting topic! :)
I would like to make an analogy for premium vs. low cost technology with regard to hearing aids. Since technology is how you get your optimum fit of a hearing aid, I would like to compare them to computers since I sold computers for 4 years part time at an old CompUSA. Essentially, we had what I call the 1 year, 3 year and 5 year computer. The 1 year computer cost $1,000, The 3 year computer cost $3000 and the 5 year cost $4500. How does this relate to hearing aids? Essentially you are paying for technology and this is how a hearing aid is programmed. If you want maximum performance you have to pay the maximum performance price. The next consideration is financing. If you have to pay for it over time you want it to last technologically speaking at least until you pay it off before you have to go back for a new hearing aid. I would rather go through the financing process 1 time for a 3 year life hearing aid than go through financing 3 times for 3 1 year life hearing aids. I am not a expert at hearing aids so I would say if you have better experience than this for your hearing aid purchase please let me know. Based on my technology experience, I would bet this is the same for hearing aids since they are basically special purpose computers. The last thing is that if you buy a premium level hearing aid you will, at the very least, have a thoroughbred race horse level hearing aid for the 1st year, a medium level horse the second year and an everyday work horse the third year. If you go with the 1 year computer plan you will have three everyday work horses for three years. The time frame you get for a hearing aid may be different than my analogy of computers compared to horses but you get the idea. Pay the piper now or pay the piper later and if you pay now you hear better too. Now which would you rather do? I do not know Doctor Cliff but I appreciate his advice from where I am in Nashville TN. I do not sell hearing aids and have no interest in hearing aid companies. This is just one person's opinion. I hope this helps someone making an evaluation of hearing aids. Sorry to be so long winded but I type fast so I can be.
Its like having either clear glasses that don’t change to sunglasses or having transitional lenses when it comes to hearing aids, programs, and technology levels, etc.. Although for me as a musician, i need a good music program whether manual or automatic. Which its both in my hearing aids,.. I generally do not have trouble in noise or anything so for me The advanced technology in the phonak L70 is perfect for me
Thank you for your time and vids. They are very helpful in this bewildering and costly market. Last week you recommended EARGO and today you recommend going top shelf in selection. I like the conveniences of EARGO but wonder if I am short selling myself. My loss is in the higher freqs. Was the EARGO vid based on budget restraints? Also, is there any other way to identify a provider with good practices besides Yelp or Google? Thank you again.
Hi Carl. For some individuals with Mild to Moderate levels of hearing loss, the benefit provided by Eargo may be satisfactory. Online hearing aids can be good enough to meet the needs of some users, but if you want to maximize performance, having an Audiologist fit you using Best Practices is the best way to go. I did make a video that has a Hearing Care Provider Checklist that you can follow to find a great provider near you. Check it out here: ruclips.net/video/F6ci4wSACd0/видео.html
Hearing aid user here. The last point he made, about channels and like an equalizer. Low mids and high, this is my biggest regret. I cant stand my hearing aids because i cant adjust amplification inside those broad broad frequency catagories. I love music and use to produce my friends stuff casually. I now isolate and use asl primarily because my hearing aids currently dont have enough channels. It’s the kinda thing where now im trying to save up for a tad better hearing aid tech to have more channels. I shouldn’t have bought the first ones. Basically. Again just one persons ideas. Every body is different every person is different. Though its something to consider? Im also young and under 25 i seriously wish i thought ahead to what my changes may be in the future so i could have a device that can grow and change as i do .
So I just got diagnosed with CAPD and I’ve been recommend hearing aids and I was wondering if I absolutely have to get the premium hearing aids? I can afford the advanced ones but I have an active lifestyle and my doc is really pushing for me to have the premium but that’s an extra 1300 and I wanted to know if you think it actually makes a diff on CAPD with no hearing loss?
Dr. Cliff,
I retired from the US Air Force after 26+ years, (8 in Rantoul Illinois). Spending that much time around jet engines I have a moderate hearing loss in both ears, mostly in the higher ranges. The VA has provided me with hearing aids for the past 15 or so years.
When it’s time to get new aids, about every 5-years, I go into the local VA medical center Audio department. I’m put in the “booth”, a bunch of electronic tones and some verbal words are made and I now have my audiogram. At that time, I pick out the style I would like, go home, return in about 3-5 weeks and given my new aids in a box and I go home. Never has anyone had me put in the aids and then run more testing. Currently I have a set of GN Resound Linx 3D Mini RIC. They are OK, but I am just not pleased with them or the AV here in Seattle. The Resound App is worthless. I’ve been back to the A and contacted Resound directly and both say the aids are doing what they should and the ap is great. So, I’m looking for an audiologist in the Seattle area. I’ll buy my own aids. It’s worth it. Maybe I can once again enjoy classical music.
Any suggestions?
Thanks for your time
You need to go back to the VA and complain to the pa
Patient advocate! All of the VA Hospitals I've been in have done real ear measurements. Balboa, La west, Sepulveda, Reno, los Vegas, Wichita and N Little Rock.
You should get Lively to sponsor you next. I’d love to get an inside look at their process and how they use video chat.
CAN YOU REVIEW NURAPHONES? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THAT TO PEOPLE WITH HEARING LOSS?
Quick question. My Audiologist is quoting a $3,000 price difference for a pair of Odicon hearing aids with basic technology vs premium. Your video sounded like I should expect much closer price. what’s up?
Looks like there is a thousand dollar difference between entry level and premium level technology. I totally agree with you. But in our neighborhood money is not plentiful. Folks are still only making $12 a hour in a professional setting. Always look forward to your Vids.
Totally understand Jim. If it comes down to an affordability issue, using lower-end technology is a must.
We're so lucky in Norway, we can pick top of the line hearing aids with no costs for the patient.
Wish we had that problem here. 😬
Spend 2 years in Vietnam so now I'm some for free. Great bargain, eh? But they are taking good care of me. When I came home and processing out I complained of great hearing loss in my right ear (firing side). They told me "it'll come back pretty soon"
Lucky, lucky, lucky!!! Been wearing aids for 40 years and have spent thousands on them.
Those "Free" hearing aids are paid for with your tax money. There is no such thing as a "Free Lunch".
@@gregsettle9725 Well yes, I believe this system is good so we can provide the best hearing health care for every citizen, regardless of their income. And in general free healthcare.
Thanks, Dr. Cliff, for this thought-provoking video. For the consumer to sort out whether his or her new hearing aids have been properly adjusted, for optimum results... Might it help to take the hearing test a second time, in the soundproof booth, AFTER the hearing aids are fitted and adjusted? In my case, I would also want the word recognition test (WRT), since speech recognition is my biggest issue. And I might need to get the test from an independent, third party. Has anyone tried that? ...to verify if hearing aids have been properly adjusted? Do any audiologists do that? As I have mentioned in other posts, I have tried two different brands of hearing aids, Signia and Starkey, at the $2,000 level. Those hearing aids made it possible for me to hear crickets and the rustling of papers and wrappers. However, speech recognition was worse. I had to remove the hearing aids to get better understanding of spoken American English. Might REM and-or more expensive hearing aids overcome whatever is going wrong? And... after I get hearing aids fitted and adjusted, should I repeat the hearing test and WRT, in the sound proof booth? Or might that be misleading?
You are referring to Functional Gain Testing (WRTs in a Sound Booth). This doesn't really help us understand if the devices are programmed correctly. And Yes, I do believe that better hearing aids programmed better, using REMs, would provide a better outcome.
I would hope they would be trying to increase the signal to noise ratio, and not reduce it. :D
Cliff, what are your thoughts on the research completed by Cox, et.al. in regards to this conversation. I think you need to proceed cautiously when your recommendations are based on manufacturers claims.
Here is a bit of the Cox research: "Conclusion: Modern hearing aids from major manufacturers are remarkably sophisticated devices which can yield substantially improved speech understanding and quality of life for older adults with uncomplicated, adult-onset, mild to moderate, sensorineural hearing loss. However, it cannot be assumed that more technologically sophisticated premium devices will provide greater benefits in daily life than less sophisticated basic devices. The combined laboratory and real-world outcomes in our research are consistent with the conclusion that when hearing aids are programmed, fit and fine-tuned using best-practice protocols, wearers similar to our participants will obtain essentially equivalent improvement in speech understanding and quality of life whether they use basic-level or premium-level feature technology. Because basic-level technology is less costly, benefit per unit cost would be higher for these devices. Therefore, it would be expected that patients will find them to have higher value than premium-level hearing aids. However, it is important for practitioners to keep in mind that the knowledge and skills required to program, fit, and fine-tune modern hearing aids are highly specialized. Professional services that follow best-practice protocols are time-consuming, but they are essential to securing an optimal outcome for each patient, no matter which feature level is recommended."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4224118/
Also, research has shown, when dealing with gradually sloping hearing loss (such as the majority of our patients that more programming handles does not equal better fit. Can't find the source at the moment but in the early days of digital (Kuk with Widex if I'm remembering correctly) showed great benefit when going from 1 channel to 2. Some increased from 2 to 3 and then from 3 to 4 but little improvement in benefit above 4 channels. So, for example, if comparing a 12 channel instrument to a 20 channel instrument, in most cases you can get the exact same real ear results. Of course when your dealing with unusual hearing loss configurations, more channels may be justified.
Just my .02. Keep up the good work. Your videos are incredibly valuable!
Hi Jim. I am familiar with the Cox study. I don't make recommendations based on the manufacturers claims, I make recommendations based on research and clinical experiences. I used to recommend lower levels of technology primarily based on research data, until I saw increased return rates. I just wan't able to manipulate the devices in a way that could achieve the level of performance that my patients expect. Perhaps this speaks to my abilities as an audiologist, or perhaps it is the technology. Do you only fit basic level technology on Mild to Moderate hearing losses?
@@DrCliffAuD, every patient presents unique needs and lifestyle so my recommendations vary. If I looked at the data closely, I'm sure I'd find that the majority are fit with mid level, followed by entry level, and then premium level. Communication demands and needs and budget drive the patient decision. For the record, my return rate is far below the industry average. I suspect that is to with with extensive pre-selection and post-fit patient counseling regarding expectation and motivation and technology.
Jim, I was going to write a similar comment, but cite the 2016 study in Ear & Hearing by the same group of researchers: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4998844/
The conclusion of this paper was that "his research does not provide any scientific basis for routinely recommending higher-priced premium-feature HA technologies over basic-feature technologies for typical older HA candidates."
So Cliff, when you say you make recommendations based on research, what research are you referring to? The peer-reviewed evidence on routine recommendation (for which it seems you are advocating) seems pretty clear. There is some research validating specific features in hearing aids, e.g. openurl.ingenta.com/content/xref?genre=article&issn=1050-0545&volume=24&issue=6&spage=474
but this would support a patient-centered approach to recommendation of technology level, i.e. if the patient could benefit from that particular technology.
Of course, the conclusions of these studies are based on average group data collected after a short period of use with basic and premium hearing aids. Logically, there must have been some participants who did in fact do better with premium than with basic tech. And who knows how performance might vary in the long run. What I tell patients is that "there is no research that shows that people consistently do better with more expensive hearing aids. However, the chances that you would do worse are very slim, and there is a reasonable chance you might do better. If you don't want to risk missing out on the extra possible benefit, and $500 more is not going to have an adverse impact on your finances, I would consider getting the premium model." I think that is a fair characterization. Some patients choose premium, some don't, and I sleep well at night knowing that most are not missing out on much if they did not get premium.
Thanks so much for all your advice. I've had disabling Meniere's Disease (MM) since 2003 (no usable hearing in my left ear, some hearing loss to my right) and my neurotologist in NYC suggested that I consult with his audiologist to see if there are options to help my hearing. It's agony to try and hear at parties, gatherings, etc. My audiologist has suggested the Phonak BiCROS hearing aid and transmitter (V5221). My big concern is that without any hearing aid, my right ear is incredibly sensitive to sound (especially high sounds)...in fact, I have a professional ear plug for that ear for certain situations. Will real ear measurement help to control this issue? I have constant tinnitus in the MM affected ear (left)...any chance that can be toned down? Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. While I've seen a youtube video by patient who has given a thumbs up for the Phonak BiCROS. he doesn't have Meniere's disease and doesn't deal with some of those issues, i.e., distortion of sound, etc. I look forward to and appreciate your comments. Thanks! Regards, Karen
Watch my video about Hyperacusis if you have an over-sensitivity to sound in your right ear.
Hi Karen, will you please let me know how you go with the hearing aids ? I know someone who has MD and getting hearings.
So, here's the latest update. On February 25th I was fitted with a Signia Pure Charge and Go hearing aid for my right ear and the BiCROS transmitter for my left. Everything seemed to be going great and when I went to my next appointment with my audiologist she informed me that Signia came out with an updated version on a new platform and suggested that I return them for this new version since I was within the 45-day trial period. So, on March 16th I did return them and now with all this Coronavirus stuff going on and me living in the belly of the Beast in New York, I have no idea when my audiologist will receive the new devices or when I will be able to be fitted. I knew returning them was a gamble, but felt it best to try out this new platform so that I would have something to compare the other devices with. Sure hope I made the right decision....tho it's a bit too late for that. I am happy to report that sounds in my right ear sounded more normal and not over the top with the hearing device. Stay safe and well peeps!
In addition to my last post, even though you are not a research audiologist, you would gain a lot of respect among them with the use of positive and negative control groups. This goes for any area of research.
For example maybe find some way of covering the exterior of the negative control group's existing hearing (like re-casing in a different color) and not applying any changes from real ear measure. So nothing changed but still go through the motions of REM and other fitting protocols just for show and consistency. Ideally you should find that patients have no preference over what you told them was the first set and what was the second set. This would imply that you should have a third response alternative for patients in that they saw no improvement.
For a positive control perhaps fit basic hearing aids maybe programmed to a flat loss without REM applied, and compare to premium with REM applied. You would still run REM, just not apply the results to the basic aids.
Again, I'm sure you have a very busy clinic. Maybe an idea for a future extended study for someone's PhD audiology capstone project.
i know this will be a random question, but i would like to know if the Phonak remote app is accessible with the iPhone voiceover feature and the only way for me to find out is to see if you have any co-workers who would be willing to turn on voiceover and pair it to the phonak remote app and observe what voiceover reads and if i can adjust volume by flicking one finger up or down. i really would appreciate this. I want to know if this app is accessible for me to use as a blind user.
That is really a fantastic question. I will see if I can get an answer for this.
Doctor Cliff, AuD thanks, this will be helpful because i will be getting fitted with the phonak marvel hearing aid.
Dr. Cliff. What do u think about Oticon Opn1?
It is a good hearing aid, but it is now a generation old. The OPN S-1 is the newest generation.
@@DrCliffAuD thanks. In Brazil Opn S not available yet.
What are the disadvantages of buying only 1 Premium hearing aid? (Versus two of the entry level)
And why are all hearing aid brands the same price at the same technology level? It makes me think they are all made by the same manufacturer, but that cant be true 🤔.
So then I think it's kind of "price setting" or gives the seller more chance to make money by selling a particular brand, maybe not what a person needs?
I'm from Ireland and am from a small town with 2 practices, I'm looking to get 2 hearing aids, so i went to the two practices and they both recommended the highest price hearing aids , they don't even have the hearing aids at the practices,
So I'm doubtful as how good they are
As I have to buy before I even get to try them out , it's a lot of money to pay someone upfront before I can even have a feel of it , or see how the fit
Anyhow I love your videos , 👌 keep them coming
Hi Sean, see if you can contact me like yourself in Ireland and had the same issues however overcame them
Hi Sean, If you would like a non biased third party review of your audiogram please feel free to reach out. In my practice if I am recommending premium tier devices It is mostly due the presence of and significance of two factors. Factor number one is a high quicksin (speech in noise) score. Factor number two being a major change (15+dBHL) between an octave and inner octave.
So, would someone with a flat hearing lot benefit equally from all tech levels?
Possibly, but this doesn't have anything to do with a flat hearing loss. Individual variations of an ear canal will require customization nonetheless.
Why dont you have an Instragram???????????????
I have livio 2400
I’ve always noticed premium always seems to have the best sound quality
Advanced is also just as good too if you’re getting it’s not more than a moderate loss
How often should I get REM on my Hearing Aids?
As often as required. If changes are made to your earmold/dome, your hearing levels have changed, or had a surgical procedure in your ear canal.
Dr. Cliff, does wearing hearing aids full time diminish or ruin the remainder of natural hearing a person has left?
No it does not. Assuming the MPO of the hearing aid is kept in check.
@@DrCliffAuD What is MPO?
@@dearchunwah maximum power output
@@dearchunwah maximum power output
@UCpikvbsbLd6tMcuN7AEJ-1A could you do a video discussing client hearing aid candidacy (configuration & severity v. perceived benefit), and why some clients who are coming from old technology will try new premium technology and claim no difference between the two?
So what hearing aid do you recommend
Whichever one meets your specific needs and wants the best and is fit by a hearing care professional who follows best practices.
REDUCE the signal-to-noise ratio???? I would want to INCREASE it!
Wish I could get my phonak p90R adjusted right been up there 4 times in a week to get them set and going back on the 11th I'm not impressed with them
*What exactly is "Real Ear measurement"?*
My audiologist quoted me 1000.00 usd per technology level for my unitron blu's. 2800 for level 3, 3800 level 5, 4800 level 7, 5800 for level 9 😒
I'm thinking about buying an octicon open s is there a significant difference between the 1, 2 ,3 . Are the 1's worth the money
,
State Department of Rehabilitative Services won’t pay for the highest level hearing aids
If only insurance companies understood this. I'm lucky to get something covered, but definitely notice the differences. I just cannot afford the difference in cost, so now what?
You go with what your insurance company offers. When I found out my insurance company didn't cover the things I needed, I switched insurance companies.
In the Phonak brand, what models would be classified as premium, middle level and bargain basement models.
I know it's been awhile, but I'd still like to give you an answer! Any hearing aid model can be made basic, advanced, or premium, the only thing that changes is the amount of features on the internal chip that are unlocked. For Phonak, the most recent model is called the Paradise, and you can get a Paradise 30, 50, 70, or 90. They all look identical, the only difference is the programming
I'm 99% deaf, so I have what you recommend low level technology hearing aids. Surprisingly I can watch TV, use a phone and have conversations with very little problems. Background noise is a problem, and will remain one even with other devices.
What do you think about the study done by Robyn Cox et al showing no appreciable difference between Premium and basic technology in double blind studies? Impact of Hearing Aid Technology on Outcomes in Daily Life I
The Patients’ Perspective
Cox, Robyn M.; Johnson, Jani A.; Xu, Jingjing
Ear and Hearing: July/August 2016 - Volume 37 - Issue 4 - p e224-e237
doi: 10.1097/AUD.000000000000027
I believe that either there has not been a good enough way to evaluate the differences between Premium and Basic technology, or that they offer minimal performance differences. I am also of the belief that if Premium technology does prove to be better than basic technology in future studies, I will be very happy that I didn't put people in lower technology levels. Unless future studies show that Basic technology is BETTER than Premium, I will be happy that I fit almost all of my patients in devices that give them what I believe to be the highest probability of success. Over the past 10 months, I have done 5 comparisons between Premium and Basic devices, thanks to Phonak Trial aids, without patients knowing which one they were wearing. 5 out of 5 preferred the Premium version. I wish I would have actually conducted a formal study on it.
@@DrCliffAuD Dr. Cliff, how did you compare those Premium and Basic devices? What are "Phonak Trial aids"? Might it help the comparison by taking the hearing test a second time, in the soundproof booth, AFTER the each brand of hearing aids are fitted and adjusted? And include in the testing, the word recognition test (WRT) as well as the beeps at different volumes and frequencies.
@@DrCliffAuD and if future studies continue to prove no difference would you feel bad for making costly recommendations to your patients which have no basis in evidence?
@@naouri86 Nope. I recommend the highest level due to the potential that performance would be better. All of my patients are aware of this and are willing to pay for the potential. I tell them about the Cox study and what they found.
❤️
What are the best hearing aides for profound and severe hearing loss.
It is a long list but my preferred are: The ReSound ENZO, Phonak Naida, Oticon Dynamo,
And phonak has chronic electrical / re charging problems .
not everybody can afford premium technology, My friend had a set of new hearing aids for $7000 and he lost them in 1 year. Now he went to Costco.
Should I be concerned that my audiologist would not tell me the brand of premium HA she was recommending for $6700?
Can you help veterans?
If they privately pay for my services. I've tried to be accepted into the Veteran's Choice program and have been declined.
@@DrCliffAuD how recently? As I understand it the bill has been overhauled significantly in the last month or so. If you want to try to work through with me I'd be happy to try first steps through my program.
@@drymariner My application is active. Meaning they can reach out to me anytime when the need arises for my services.
Applied Hearing takes Aetna, that's all I need to know... 😜😜😜
😂 LOL
How can you tell for sure, if your hearing aid professional is using real ear measurements? They say they do, but always add a qualifier, such as, I’m not going to set them all the way because it would overwhelm the brain!
Most patients do take several weeks to be able to tolerate their full prescription. It does not mean that REMs shouldn't be completed though. Have them show and explain what they are doing. This part of the fitting should not be done without explanation in my opinion. The ones who are faking it or who aren't proficient at it will make this obvious by trying to explain something they don't understand.
Doctor Cliff, AuD thank you
The price to high for premium ha
So the Hearing Aid is only as Good as the Audiologist that Programs them. Seems like a Car Dealer to me. They say all Chevys make that Noise. It's hard to Trust your Audiologist.🐍
I tell all my patients that regardless of if they decide to purchase from my clinic this. The brand or tier you purchase it is far less important then the person that is serving you. It is absolutely critical you make sure the provider preforms and understands Real Ear Measures and takes the time to manually fit the prescription and then counsels you on adaptation. Since your username is Walleye Fish I am assuming you live in or are close to Minnesota. Please feel free to look me up and come see me if I am close enough. If I am not close enough I could potentially point you in the right direction towards someone who can give you the care you deserve.
You make the most money on the PREMIUM Hearing Aids you sell. That's the bottom line. Your bottom line. Making incredible money off the people dealing with hear loss.
If you want to call me and talk about my pricing, I will tell you my profit between Premium and other levels. You will see that I make less money on Premium.
@@DrCliffAuD wow really? How’s that possible? Maybe less premium buyers?
this doesn't help at all, I need to hear from people already using these hearing aids
How about this one ?
More profit lol
Just sayin