OT....OTC Hearing Aids

Dawgbite

Heisman
Nov 1, 2011
9,657
10,782
113
Try the Apple Ibuds with the hearing enhancement. They don’t really claim to be hearing aids but they do help. I’ve tried several OTC aids and I like the Ibuds as well as any. Relatively cheap, I think I got mine for $200 on sale, and if they don’t work for aids at least you have a good set of ear buds. My only complaint is that they don’t have a volume control for ambient noise. Sometimes the filtering and sound enhancements aren’t enough and I wish I could just turn the volume up a little.Actually they do claim a hearing aid function. I just looked them up on Amazon, $199.
 
Last edited:

Pilgrimdawg

All-Conference
Aug 30, 2018
1,783
2,298
113
$400 won’t get you much. Those are mostly just sound magnified aids. A quality pair of hearing aids can be paired to your phone and can be adjusted to your specific needs, with multiple options. I use one setting when in a loud restaurant for example and a different setting when talk in to my grandkids. They aren’t perfect but they do help a lot. You can adjust the bass, treble, and various noise filters at a moments notice depending your current needs. Expect to spend between $2K and $6K for them. Mine are from Re-Sound and were $4K about 5 years ago. For you younger folks, always wear hearing protection when shooting and don’t even consider going to Davis Wade stadium without ear plugs. You will find later in life that it’s not worth it. . Don’t waste your money on that cheap stuff. Go ahead and go to a good hearing doctor and do it right the first time.
 

karlchilders.sixpack

All-Conference
Jun 5, 2008
20,878
4,720
113
Try the Apple Ibuds with the hearing enhancement. They don’t really claim to be hearing aids but they do help. I’ve tried several OTC aids and I like the Ibuds as well as any. Relatively cheap, I think I got mine for $200 on sale, and if they don’t work for aids at least you have a good set of ear buds. My only complaint is that they don’t have a volume control for ambient noise. Sometimes the filtering and sound enhancements aren’t enough and I wish I could just turn the volume up a little.Actually they do claim a hearing aid function. I just looked them up on Amazon, $199.
Does it pair with Android? I don't have an iPhone.
 

Bulldog Bruce

All-American
Nov 1, 2007
5,138
6,240
113
My wife has been going through hearing loss for years. We tried a few of the lower cost hearing aids and never could find something she was happy with. This year we went to Costco for a real hearing aid that has adjustable setups for different environments. The app is on her phone and Costco setup 3 base environments and each of those can be modified a bit on the app. They put you through the tests and find the best fit for the person. They help with adjustments over the first year. It was about $1,800 and with the club joining fees. She has been very happy with them.
 

The Peeper

Heisman
Feb 26, 2008
16,437
12,001
113
I've had tinnitus and the ringing from it since I was probably 12 years old or more (over 50 years ago). I can say I've almost gotten accustomed to it since I've had it that long. Now though, hearing in restaurants is so hard, so many sounds with voices, music, plates and utensils banging, chairs sliding, etc etc etc. I could definitely use something but I just haven't looked into it
 

Mr. Echols

Redshirt
Feb 21, 2023
5
8
3
I went through this about a year ago and, unless you are on Medicaid, there is no insurance that pays for hearing aids that I know of. For real hearing aids, that is, hearing aids that are programed for your hearing actual deficiencies, you really have two options. One is to go to Costco and, I think, Sam's is getting into the hearing aid business and get your hearing checked and buy from them. That's about $1800, or go to an Audiologist and have them check your hearing and buy form them and that's about $3200. I did the latter but would do Costco if I had it to do all over again. I did the hearing aids that hang on your ears and are "hidden" behind your ears because they have Bluetooth and can connect with your phone. The ones that go in your ear canal, don't have bluetooth. I'm 64 so I don't care if people see my hearing aids, if you are younger, you might be a little more self consious.
 

was21

Senior
May 29, 2007
9,990
621
113
Only advice I have is to make sure you get a set with a good money back guarantee. Had to go thru a set or two before we found some that worked good for my Mother. That's been a few years ago so I can't remember the brand.
I ordered Eargo hearing aids that did not require an audiologist review. As a result they were totally useless since they were strictly for low to moderate hearing loss. I then had my hearing tested by an audiologist and it was determined that I actually have moderate to severe hearing loss. She recommended hearing aids after asking me questions related to my lifestyle which is essentially an introvert with little social interaction. The ones I have now dramatically improved my hearing.
 

was21

Senior
May 29, 2007
9,990
621
113
$400 won’t get you much. Those are mostly just sound magnified aids. A quality pair of hearing aids can be paired to your phone and can be adjusted to your specific needs, with multiple options. I use one setting when in a loud restaurant for example and a different setting when talk in to my grandkids. They aren’t perfect but they do help a lot. You can adjust the bass, treble, and various noise filters at a moments notice depending your current needs. Expect to spend between $2K and $6K for them. Mine are from Re-Sound and were $4K about 5 years ago. For you younger folks, always wear hearing protection when shooting and don’t even consider going to Davis Wade stadium without ear plugs. You will find later in life that it’s not worth it. . Don’t waste your money on that cheap stuff. Go ahead and go to a good hearing doctor and do it right the first time.
Good advice. Mine cost less than $2,500 but nothing out of pocket because of my health insurance that pays up to that amount. There's a phone app that does what you describe. Mine are Starkey. They're not perfect but certainly adequate for the money. I have an android phone.
 

Hotdiggydawg

Redshirt
Aug 23, 2012
75
9
8
If you are employed you can get them free through the Department of Rehab in most cases. I think you may have to reimburse them some if you do not stay employed for two years after.

Also get the rechargeable aids as the new child proof batteries are almost impossible to open
 

Pilgrimdawg

All-Conference
Aug 30, 2018
1,783
2,298
113
I went through this about a year ago and, unless you are on Medicaid, there is no insurance that pays for hearing aids that I know of. For real hearing aids, that is, hearing aids that are programed for your hearing actual deficiencies, you really have two options. One is to go to Costco and, I think, Sam's is getting into the hearing aid business and get your hearing checked and buy from them. That's about $1800, or go to an Audiologist and have them check your hearing and buy form them and that's about $3200. I did the latter but would do Costco if I had it to do all over again. I did the hearing aids that hang on your ears and are "hidden" behind your ears because they have Bluetooth and can connect with your phone. The ones that go in your ear canal, don't have bluetooth. I'm 64 so I don't care if people see my hearing aids, if you are younger, you might be a little more self consious.
If you served in the military, the VA might cover the cost if you go through them. They covered them for my Dad about 30 years ago. I don’t have any idea on current rules regarding coverage from them.
 

aTotal360

Heisman
Nov 12, 2009
22,397
15,938
113
From Ear Trumpets to Modern Hearing Aids: Tools That Help People Hear - UR  Community Cares
 
Feb 18, 2025
229
264
43
I've had tinnitus and the ringing from it since I was probably 12 years old or more (over 50 years ago). I can say I've almost gotten accustomed to it since I've had it that long. Now though, hearing in restaurants is so hard, so many sounds with voices, music, plates and utensils banging, chairs sliding, etc etc etc. I could definitely use something but I just haven't looked into it

Seriously, the next time in a noisy restaurant try put a piece of paper napkin in each ear. If your hearing is like mine and you have trouble with background noise, this little trick has done wonders for me. It helps muffle the background noise so much it's almost like the people's voices at your table are amplified.
 

Del B Vista

Sophomore
Dec 9, 2010
174
100
43
We took a tour earlier this summer with a bunch of folks we didn't know, and a bunch of them said they loved the Costco hearing aids.
 
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