From: arl_123234@hotmail.com   
      
   On 01/29/2014 12:20 AM, Salmon Egg wrote:   
   > I now need hearing aids. Getting is even crazier than seeing an   
   > optometrist to get glasses. Blaming proprietary information, I have not   
   > been able to find out any detail about just what digital hearing aids   
   > can do. I have no list telling me what the algorithms can do. so that I   
   > can ask for a particular program. It should not be that complicated.   
   >   
      
   Hello, and I initially tried to do the same thing for my 96-year old   
   father.  He had a pair of 6-year old Widex aids that didn't match his   
   current level of hearing.  At first I thought we would have to replace   
   them and, being an EE, I began a search for the type of info you desire.   
     What I found was a dearth of technical info online except for a few   
   spec sheets and user's manuals from some manufacturers.  (I think they   
   treat their mantech they way Coca-Cola guards their original formula.)   
   I've seen the module in my father's in-ear appliance and it's incredibly   
   tiny.   
      
   I found out my father's Widex aids were capable of being reprogrammed   
   and since they were in good operating order I had this performed by an   
   audiologist who used a PC with appropriate software and an interface   
   which connects through the aid's battery compartment.  The audiologist   
   used an audiogram that my father had done by his ENT doctor's staff   
   audiologist.  The reprogramming fee was a fraction of what new aids   
   would've cost.  (Technological advances after 6 years certainly find   
   their way into hearing aids. but I don't think my dad would have derived   
   any benefit from a newer model, which was also the opinion of the   
   audiologist.)   
      
   The biggest shock, if you haven't gotten it yet, is the price.  Unlike   
   glasses, the hearing aid market is tightly controlled.  Many   
   audiologists, while competent, are also dealers for one or more   
   manufacturers.  That isn't necessarily bad but one should be aware.   
   It's certainly convenient if you're looking for a one-stop type of   
   service.  Most hearing aid dealers will honor a current audiogram   
   performed elsewhere.  A good place to start is with an ENT doctor who   
   has an audiologist on staff  That way you can get your ears examined   
   medically (nerve damage, etc) and then do the hearing test at the same   
   location.  You also want to get possession of the audiogram.   
      
   Finally, I wouldn't scrimp on "cheap" (believe me that's a relative term   
   here) hearing aids.  OTOH, you may not need all the features of a super   
   deluxe model.  Manufacturers such as Widex, Phonak and Siemens all   
   produce a wide range of high-quality models.  Oh, and one other thing -   
   be prepared to change batteries frequently.  Good luck.  Sincerely,   
      
   --   
   J. B. Wood	            e-mail: arl_123234@hotmail.com   
      
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