The Oticon hearing aid is highly regarded by hearing professionals. They feature several varying makes and models made to address differing levels of hearing loss and issues.
There are many manufacturers such as Oticon, GN Resound, Unitron, Phonak, Widex, Starkey, Siemens, Sonic Innovations, Bernafon etc. These are the leading hearing aid manufacturers. The Art of Hearing is one of the audiologists providing these digital hearing aids.
Assuming you are referring to Widex mind 440; Oticon has wireless connectivity. This greatly enhances bin-aural (Two hearing aids, one for each ear) hearing and improves speech perception as well as sound localisation. Widex does not have this capability. Oticon offers Blue Tooth connectivity via an optional add-in piece of equipment called Streamer. Widex does not offer bluetooth. Other than that, both appear to be similar instruments. I currently use Widex Diva and am looking at moving to Oticon Epoq. Many audiologists offer 30-45 days trial period. If you are dissatisfied with your Hearing Aid (HA) then it can be returned for a full refund minus the cost of ear molds (Around $200 for two ears). With the advent of slim tube and receiver in the ear technology it is possible to be fit at the time of your hearing and hearing aid evaluation and many audiologists will permit you to use the instruments in your own home & work situations for a period of time with no charges incurred, even if returned. The new Oticon technology includes the Agil and Agil Pro series which offers changeable receivers for increased loss of hearing eliminating the need to purchase new instruments if your hearing changes beyond the capacity of the instruments you were originally fit with. Widex does not offer this. Choice of a hearing aid is a very personal decision. Be sure to seek out an Audiologist who offers a multiple line of hearing manufacturers. Please avail the trial period fully and try both of the instruments before deciding which one you will buy.
No, an audiologist will fit as well as program your hearing aide.
It depends on the hearing aid dispenser where you are going to purchase it and the "level" of the hearing aid and the state in which you live. I have seen Phonak hearing aids range from $500 to $5000+. When researching the prices of hearing aids, be sure to compare hearing aid dispensers as well. The prices can range between them.
BTE hearing aids are some of the best because of the advanced technology, which allows for a clearer sound. Another well known brand of hearing aids are SimplySoft, but they can be very expensive.
When buying a hearing aid, one should read reviews. Here, one can find out not only how well the hearing aids work but whether or not they are comfortable. This is also the chance to read hearing aids reviews and to figure out how visible and discreet the technology is. After all, people do not want to let on that they have hearing issues.
No, it just makes you hear as well as other human beings.
Digital hearing aids collect sound and change it to digital code (like a computer) offering more specified sound quality - noise is identified as noise/secondary signal and speech is identified as speech/primary signal. These instruments are more expensive but they offer more technological advances to provide greater benefit of listening in more difficult listening situations.
Cheap hearing aids can be purchased from some online stores like Advanced Hearing, DX, Discount Hearing Centers, All Deaf, and Pssthearingaids. Financial assistance can sometimes be arranged to help customers afford the hearing aids they need.
I failed my Hearing Test, despite being, as I thought still able to hear perfectly well. I was advised to be fitted with Hearing Aids. What a difference, once over the stigma; it made me realise how much I was struggling with my hearing. I have now been wearing hearing aids for over a year and can't imagine what it would be like without them.
There are many famous people that wear hearing aids. Some of these people include Whoopi Goldberg, Huey Lewis, Chris Colwill, as well as Pete Townshend.
My grandfather and grandmother wear hearing aids. They are in the upper 80's and can barely hear without them. I believe it is quite typical of older people to wear hearing aids to hear well. Otherwise they are missing out on a lot of conversations.