About Dave Walker, A.C.A. (Audioprosthologist) Expertise I will be happy to attempt to answer any questions concerning hearing loss as related to helping understand the psychological, physical, and trauma associated with fitting and adjusting to hearing instruments. I have been fitting and dispensing hearing instruments for the past 12 years and am a board certified audioprosthologist. I also personally wear hearing instruments and can relate to those with the problem.
Experience Have been wearing hearing aids since 1979. Have worn each style at some point in time. Have been a licensed dispenser since 1984. Am a board certified Audioprosthologist.
Expert: Dave Walker, A.C.A. (Audioprosthologist) - 8/15/2003
Question I had asked this question before and somehow ( not your fault )I couldn't download the answer. my question:
" Please Help- I am about to purchase two hearing aids. I had two examinations- both wanted about $ 6,000 for a pair of digital's. I also was checked at a store type place such as Hear X and they wanted $3,000 for a pair. All used certified/professional audio doctor's.
My question - is a $6,000 pair much better than a $3,000. Is it like buying a Ford or a Cadillac.
Is there a big difference between a Siemens and a Canta hearing aid ? I do want a " CIC " (very vain )Is it much better or difference in going to a hearing doctor who wants $6000 or to a outlet store such as Hear X- How can I compare the different brands. One other question -some aids list 4 channels and some list as many as 16 channels -is there much difference ? - How confusing !
Thanks so much for taking your time in reading this . I know you may not have the time to answer all my question- but please point me in the right direction.
Ken Murphy
kenmurphy@myacc.net
Ph-954-385-7333
Weston, Fl. ( Ft Lauderdale )
Answer Ken: To put it as bluntly as I know how, there is no difference in the two aids. The basic insides of the aids are the same. Each mfg uses the same basic chip, then tweeks it to fit their software and then can come up with 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 or however many "channels". If you have any degee of hearing loss you will not be able to discern that much difference between the channels. If you can tell the difference between an audio cassett tape and a CD then you might benefit from more channels. If not the number makes no difference. The CIC type will cost more than the other types due to the size. I am listing a couple of other web sites that you might want to check out before you decide.
