I purchased from Costco Canada in early 2023 Rexton brand ITE, in the ear, hearing aids. They are controlled via bluetooth and the mobile app supports a music mode. I always use the HAs for music and currently cut the treble and volume from default level by one.
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.
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Thanks to all for input. Saw ENT and had new test and surprisingly the deterioration was very minimal (maybe just the frequencies my wife's voice uses?). Anyway, the audiologist suggested that there has been lots of improvement in HAs ability to address music in the last few years with sw apps. So that was encouraging. I also spoke to the another person at Costco and got a more detailed explanation of things there. Interestingly they sell some major brands but under different names...e.g. Sennheiser is Phonak, other names are well known too. Suggested I come in and do the test with them, which is required, and see what they can offer. They do have a return policy which helps. Also spoke to a friend who is a musician and wears one and he got his from Costco, a Jabra which he likes. Now have to see where this all goes. Mahalo. |
@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.
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@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. |
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. |
Thanks all for feedback. Found a site that is all about HAs and there is a long string on "audiophile hearing aids" that is very interesting and offers some more input. Have another ENT appointment coming up and one of my questions is can he project how much more loss I can anticipate with this condition as well as probability it will move to my other ear. It is supposedly a more common condition with women but I guess I got "lucky" :-( I also need to get more info on the surgical approach even though it gives me the willies to think about it. |
Most any good hearing aid brands have multiple programs, and usually one of them is 'music', that you can work with your audiologist on EQ'ing to get the best sound for you. Like other audio gear, different people will prefer different things. I've worn hearing aids for over 20 years, and the difference it makes between listening to music without them in and with them in is immense. I'll never listen to music without hearing aids again. |
I've researched quite a bit but never pulled the trigger on Widex which seems the most promising. My Signia are great for general use. But for music, not so much. |