Unfortunately, many people do not want to admit they cannot hear. As the hearing loss progresses, they may become depressed and withdraw simply because they cannot hear or understand what is being said. People may believe you are confused, uncooperative or unresponsive, not realizing that you simply cannot hear. Some of the signs of hearing loss include difficulty hearing when talking on the phone, inability to follow a conversation when there are two or more people talking, constantly asking people to repeat what they said or believing that other people are constantly mumbling. You may find yourself turning up the television to the point others complain or be unable to hear in areas with a lot of background noise. You may especially have trouble hearing women and children due to the pitch of their voice.

Known as presbycusis, age-related hearing loss comes on gradually. It may be hereditary as it seems to run in families. It is believed that changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve may be responsible for presbycusis. Not only does it make it difficult for you to hear, but very loud sounds may also be intolerable. Usually, age-related hearing loss occurs equally in both ears, and it may be gradual. In fact, it may be so gradual, you may be unaware you ae actually losing your hearing. In most cases, hearing loss is a natural progression as you age. However, it can also be caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.

One way to deal with age-related hearing loss is through hearing aids. These are small devices placed in your ear that amplify the sound using a three-part system. A hearing aid works by using a microphone to receive the sound and convert it to a digital signal. An amplifier then increases the strength of that digital sound, and a speaker sends the sound into the ear, helping you to hear clearly. Hearing aids can be customized specifically for your needs. Your doctor will conduct a hearing test to determine what your specific degree and pattern of hearing loss may be. The hearing aid will then be programmed to meet those needs.

Original Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids. You are responsible for paying 100 percent of the cost of your hearing aids if you only have Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) do offer hearing benefits. Medigap plans also do not cover the cost of hearing aids. However, it is possible to purchase an add-on plan for hearing aids that may also cover vision and dental costs. If you have coverage under Medicare Advantage or an add-on plan, it may also cover the cost of your hearing examination. Some private insurances also cover the cost of hearing aids. You can usually review your policy to determine if hearing aids and the examination are covered by your insurance company.

Hearing aids can be very expensive. The costs can range from $1,000 to over $6,000 for each ear depending on the type of aid you need. In most cases, you will need to have two devices, one for each ear. The purchase price usually includes the examination, consultation, initial fitting and follow-up adjustments. It may also cover routine cleanings and they should come with a warranty that covers all repairs. Some even include a replacement policy if you lose one of the devices. If your hearing aid has batteries, the cost may include a supply of replacement batteries as well. The variety in pricing is based on the differences in technology.

In some cases, hearing aid specialists will bundle services because hearing issues can change over time. In addition, like all electronics, hearing aids can break and it you may have many questions as you get used to wearing them. However, because the costs are significant, some companies may offer unbundled options which allows you to pick and choose the services you want upfront. You could choose a longer warranty as well as replacement for loss or damage but forego the cleaning or adjustment services. It is very important to ask your hearing aid specialist what is included in the purchase price so you do not have any unexpected expenses later.

There are two main types of hearing aids – analog and digital. Analog hearing aids convert sound into electrical signals and amplify them. These are usually less expensive and have volume controls that are easy to operate. Digital hearing aids work similar to a computer, converting sound to numerical codes before amplifying them. Because the code recognizes sound and pitch, it is easier to adjust the volume, making them easier to manage in a loud restaurant, a stadium or your living room. Many actually adjust automatically. Digital hearing aids are more expensive than analog, but the results are better, they are smaller and they are more powerful. Digital hearing aids may also allow you to adjust them using a smartphone app.

In addition to different types of hearing aids, there are also different styles of hearing aids. The difference is based on size, placement how well they amplify sound. Canal hearing aids fit inside the ear and are more easily hidden. An in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid fits to your own ear canal while a completely-in-canal (CIC) is smaller and almost hidden in the ear. Both are designed for either mild or moderate hearing loss, but they are very small and can be difficult to remove. This means if you have mobility issues in your hands, these may not be the best option for you. You can also get invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids which are almost impossible for others to see. Some you remove daily but there are those designed to be worn for several months.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids have a hard plastic case that holds the electronics and they fit completely inside your outer ear. These are good for hearing loss ranging from mild to severe. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids have a plastic ear mold that fits inside your ear but there is a hard plastic case behind your ear. You can find what are known as Mini-BTE which fit entirely behind your ear with a small tube that goes into your ear canal. These can help prevent the buildup of ear wax and make your own voice clearer.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) also have components that sit behind the ear with a receiver that sits in the ear or ear canal connected with a tiny wire. Low-frequency sounds enter the ear naturally while high-frequency sounds are amplified with the hearing aid. Some hearing aids have a telephone switch that allows you to quiet background noise. Many people who begin wearing hearing aids complain that they are too intense when they are in a loud room, like a restaurant, theater or auditorium. Direct audio input allows you to connect other components, such as a microphone or FM system. This means you can connect directly to another device, like a television or tablet.

Although there are many brand options, the following were considered the top five by several consumer watchdog agencies, including Forbes and Consumer Reports:

• Phonak Audeo Paradise – This RIC hearing aid has a rechargeable battery and can connect to your smartphone so that you can easily make adjustments. It offers brilliant speech understanding, personalized voice cancelling and crisp, natural sound. Some models offer health data tracking while the Audeo Life is also sweat and waterproof.
• Kirkland Signature 10 – Surprisingly, this is Costco’s brand of hearing aid, offering stereo-quality sound similar to wireless headsets. It connects to any Bluetooth device which allows you to stream media directly to your hearing aid. Adjust the hearing aid simply by tapping on the device. It also allows you to answer your phone and move seamlessly from one environment to another.
• Widex Moment – This CIC device sits inside your ear rather than behind it. Despite its small size, it is powerful and provides pure, natural sound. The device is easily adjusted using the smartphone app. You can get accessories such as the COM-DEX, a hands-free device for streaming and the RC-DEX, a remote control that allows you to change volume and other settings. Reviews indicate that this hearing aid delivers pure, undistorted sound, helping you connect not only with loved ones but the world around you. It offers up to 37 hours of runtime before it needs charging. It’s small sound makes it very discrete as well so that no one will even realize you are wearing a hearing device.
• ReSound One – Ranked highly due to its battery life, the ReSound One also offers wireless audio streaming with iOS and Android. It’s design reduces wind noise and improves spatial hearing. It does require an accessory in order to be used as Bluetooth on a non-smartphone which can be a problem for seniors who still use flip phones. The hearing aids offer better hearing no matter what environment you may be in and also allow you to focus on the person talking to you, not the background noise. The company also offers remote assistance through their ReSound Assistant Live Video Chats. Even if it is windy, you will be able to hear clearly using the ReSound One.
• Starkey AI – If you want a hearing aid that promotes overall good health, the Starkey AI is the best option. This company is a frontrunner in understanding that hearing health is part of overall health. Their smartphone app tracks steps, exercise time, stand time and more, providing a wellness score that can help you remain healthy. There is even a “Find my Hearing Aids” option on the app. Starkey offers a wide range of hearing aids, both rechargeable and with batteries. You can also get wireless remotes, headphones, hearing protection and more. Some of their models also make it easier to hear people when they are muffled, such as when they are wearing masks.

There are many ways that you can save money on your hearing aid purchase. One of the best options is to shop around. When you are talking to providers about hearing aids, ask questions, including what the price covers, the differences between models, whether the hearing aids need batteries or are rechargeable as well as what styles and types are available. You may be able to pay for the hearing aids using a payment, subscription or leasing plan as well. Be sure to ask what the warranty is before purchasing. Sometimes, it is less expensive to purchase hearing aids online rather than direct-to-consumer. In fact, some online companies offer online hearing test options. However, many do not offer fitting or adjustment services. Be sure to check your Medicare Advantage or supplemental plan to see if your hearing aids are covered by insurance. If you are eligible for Medicaid, check state coverage as well or talk to your provider about coverage through local organizations, such as Lions Club or Kiwanis Club. If you are a veteran, your hearing aids may also be covered.

One of the best ways to save money on hearing aids is by signing up for BestSeniorDiscounts.com. Our experts have searched and found some of the best savings available for hearing aids. There is never a registration fee and you can begin saving as soon as you register. You could begin to hear your friends and family more clearly while saving money at the same time. Visit us today and sign up to learn what hearing aids you an get at a very low cost using our discounts.