Hearing aids for audiophiles or musicians?


Got diagnosed with hearing loss and tinnitus a few years back due to a medical condition. Given options of surgery to removed the calcifying bone and replace it with a titanium "bone" (50/50) or hearing aids. Told at time that the loss would be gradual at a undefined rate of decline. Held off due to perception it "wasnt that bad"and fear of surgery as well as being told that no hearing aids existed that would help in listening to music. Now due to a couple of recent events and my wife's "urging/nagging" as she has grown tired of repeating things, I have decided I should try the hearing aid approach. I recalled reading some threads on others in the late 60s having similar issues and references to better quality aids that were used by audiophiles and musicians. However, search of the threads hasnt surfaced those responses. So, since most of us are apparently older does anyone have similar issues and have found successful solutions? Realized that buying some new gear maybe was not going to solve some of my hearing as it was more a problem with the "user" and I might be better off putting the dollars into the final link in the chain. ENTs out here in Hawaii dont seem to be up on the latest so I am open to travel to see a Dr too.

joekapahulu

That's odd, there were a number of threads on Audiogon on this topic. 

I did some research and the Widex Moments kept coming up as a recommendation for musicians and audiophiles. My audiologist also recommended them. I got them a little over a year ago and have been very happy with the results. There are different settings, including one for Music, and all of the various settings can be further customized. My music listening has been greatly improved, and the HAs have helped a lot with my tinnitus (although there is no guarantee that your tinnitus will improve).   

Note, however, that the technology in this area is moving rapidly. Widex just announced a new line with more advanced tech, and I am sure there are other brands doing the same.

Widex is reportedly quite good.  Business associate running a high end stereo shop swears by them, about 7K.  
Financed hearing aids through Costco for a musician friend who swears by them and Costco’s service.  Believe those were 2K.  Honolulu has Costco.  They are not Widex.

@Celtic66  Yeah, I spoke to the folks at Costco. Because my issue is driven by an actual disorder medically and not "normal age related loss", they were leary about discussing anything. They recommended I work with the ENT Dr and see what he tells me and if he recommends HAs then they will see what they can help with. They said point blank that I would be more likely to need something much higher end than they sold to get real quality sound in the case of Music. Got the same response at Sams Club. I am just going to wait and see what comes out of the Drs visit. It has been 3 years since the initial diagnosis and only recently that it has become clear that my loss has accelerated and the frequency of tinnitus occurring is more often.  Appreciate your response and everyone elses.

@joekapahulu  - hi there - The models that Costco sells are the previous top-of-the-line models that they've since upgraded in some way with the current models.  I've got Jabra ones and am delighted with how music is with them.

Not every Costco or Sam's Club hearing aid center has the most informed audiologists, and I would go with what a regular audiologist suggests (unless they're just trying to make a sale) over what the people at Costco or Sam's Club would tell you.

I got Widex in-ear hearing aids 4 or 5 years ago, and I didn't much like them for my headphone listening; could just be an issue with the audiologist's programming; that was the best she was able to come up with.

But it's all so subjective what people think sounds good to them.