i bought those cheap $90 dollar ones and they weren't that bad, they helped calm my tinnitus a noticeable amount and with the volume maxed, the amplification is more than enough for me to get by, they don't fit comfortably but they never fall of even during my pe class
This is an extraordinary program. Thanks for making it. I wish a way existed to provide this kind of information to the great number of people who can not afford regualar hearing aids; like prescription glasses provide help to those who can't afford an eye doctor. You should get publicity for the informative, useful and competent work you do....thanks.
Thank you for this very helpful post. It is not easy to find professional, honest reviews of these hearing devices. Many audiologists seem locked in to particular makers and brands and are only critical of anything else. Your honesty and professionalism reaches another level.
Thanks Gary. I try to be as unbiased as possible and view things from different perspectives. Glad you find the information helpful. Just trying to help everyone with hearing loss.
This video came at the right time for me. I lost a otophonix aide in a parking lot while trying to negotiate putting on sunglasses while wearing a face mask and the aide. I saw your complete review of Bose hearphones and was impressed so going to go ahead and try them. I love Bose products and the sound they produce. The neck “thing” is as you said a negative. But maybe the improved focus feature and Bluetooth options will make it worth it. I’m 69 so not so much looks; well a little bit. 😊. Been waiting for Bose hearing aides but still no set date. Thanks for making this video. Hopefully with dentists being allowed to open up again in next week or so in Arizona, audiologists will be included. 🤞🏻
Dr. Cliff, you're a heck of a man/doctor to make something like this for us that need help with our hearing - In my humble opinion, this video shows you care more about the PERSON than you do about trying to squeeze another dollar out of us. It appears that I am going to have to go the "temp" route for now and I truly appreciate you taking the time to compare and make this video for us. God Bless you sir!
Thanks JW. I really glad you see my intent. I truly want individuals with hearing loss to know their options so they can make an educated decision on what is best for them. ❤
One other thought to add to the 5 suggestions.... most of us that have been wearing hearing aids for a while actually has a last pair of hearing aids in the drawer somewhere. Dust them off and put in fresh set of batteries and put those babies back in service!
Hello, I have an auditory processing disorder, mild hearing loss of low frequencies and a 95% word recognition score for my left ear and 100% for my right ear. I rely on facial cues and lip-reading to understand people if there is any type of background noise. During this time of the pandemic, I am really struggling to communicate at the grocery store, coffee shops etc due to people wearing masks and music playing in the background or general white noise from people shopping/talking. I work on a college campus with students and will soon need to be able to interact with students while they are wearing masks. My Audiologist recommended I look into psap devices since my insurance doesn't cover hearing aids. However, she provided no guidance on how to choose a psap device? I don't know if she is really allowed to. I would prefer something a little more low profile than the devices you listed in your video. Do you have any recommendations or guidance on how to choose a psap device for a persons individual needs? Looking at reviews for psap devices most of the people who use them seem to have hearing loss at high frequencies instead of low.
You are really providing an important service especially during Covid, and for folks who can't afford the high cost of some hearing aids. Also it is impressive that you reply personally to so many questions. Thank you!
First, MANY thanks for this video. I am struck as I watch this that, largely because insurance programs including Medicare do not yet fund Hearing Aids. Further and given the COVID-19 pandemic, insurance reform MUST occur, but the medical needs are so great, that I fear what we've gained thus far in championing coverage for Hearing Aids will fall far to the bottom of the list. The video reveals what so many of us know, namely that seniors (and I am one) who can afford properly and professionally fitted hearing solutions are among a subset of seniors who can afford to do so. Most of us, then, look at the five options skilfully presented as ones we could afford. The tragedy is those millions with a hearing deficit for whom an expenditure of $200 is impossible.
Totally agree that some individuals with hearing loss need more affordable options. It is unfortunate to think that a $200 medical expenditure for hearing devices, or any other medical treatment for that matter, would be out of reach for some individuals. There are programs like the Starkey Hear Now program that get individuals actual hearing aids and professional services for free, but there is still an application fee.
Eargo was a disaster for me. I wouldn't recommend them at all. They cannot be repaired only replaced and if you happen to me a month out of warranty as I was, you must pay for a replacement. In my opinion the re-changeability is their greatest weakness. I had problems with their charger and then had the batteries in the units go from 11 hours of charge to 6 hours seemingly overnight and finally die! I also had HUGE issues with feedback and itch from the units. Buyer beware!
Mark, I also had one Eargo Max fail after after about 22 months of daily use. I remembered that I had paid with my MasterCard, which doubled my one year warranty from Eargo. I purchased a replacement from Eargo at $395 and MasterCard reimbursed me. Now witn Eargo's two year warranty, I effectively am good for four years.At that point technology will have improved to the point that a change would be warranted anyway..
Yes, buyer beware with any product you purchase, especially online. Obviously, when it comes to any electronics, it can be hit or miss when it comes to the durability of the particular product you decide to use. Just make sure you get a good warranty and long trial period if you have the option.
@@steveeagon4736 good morning Steve. I am currently using Neo HiFi and have been for about two months. They are a big improvement from your Max unit that I used previously. You will see from notes in your files that I also trialed your orignal Neos. Although a slight improvement versus Max, my audio testing verified that its slight improvement did not justify replacing my Max units. The Neo HiFi was a significant improvement, and I made the switch. I have been tested by four audiologists and also trialed units from Starkey and Phonak and found that for me Eargos were the best option. In fact the last audiologist told me once I became an Eargo user I would unlikely be satisfied by any product she could offer. Max problem was not a maintenance issue. It was an early battery failure; with your two year warranty and credit card doubling of it that should no longer be an issue. My contact information should be in your files. Call me if you want more details.
Steve Eagon the is very generous Steve. I have contacted client care and left a message with them. Hopefully I’ll get a call back. Be sure I will let everyone know of your generosity should this actually happen. Although I must admit to my skepticism.
I am a scepter no longer. Thanks you Eargo for replacing my original disastrous pair of Eargo Max. Thanks Steve Egan for the new pair. Hope these last a lot better than the originals!
Thanks for your prompt answer. I did notice that the BeHear does offer more features but to me the most important aspects would be audio quality and in-hear adjustment efficiency (with in-hear mic) for my specific prescription. Price difference is not too painfull to me so I'll be waiting for your eventual comparison between the 2 if you ever decide to do it.
I know he have a video on the Air which I have myself because I am broke. They work very well, they forget to send me my batteries with it, I just email and they send it right away. Pretty good customer service. Their return is a bit complicated though. I've have them since February, they still work very well for basic. Sorry, I cannot go on anything for the other models though.
Hi Doctor Cliff, my grand father whom lives overseas absolutely refuses to get a hearing test done or wear hearing aids. It is so difficult to communicate with him and everyone around him has just given up. I was hoping that when I fly back to see him I could take a hearing amplifier that would help him hear and hopefully "fingers crossed" when he sees how easy it is to communicate that he will then agree to get a personalised hearing aid! Anything that you could recommend?
No matter what I do , my right ear is ringing damaged from gun shooting, smoking cigarettes which only smoked afew months the ringing never goes away ,plus I can't hear ..I bought this on Amazon 200 dollars .I can hear everything perfectly plus no ringing anymore
I was interested in an app for hearing aids that specifically ignores recognized voices? That way the user can ignore those people effortlessly with a good excuse. Also, record those voices and repeat the idea later as if the user thought of it. Thanks
Hey Dr. Cliff, I ordered and am trying a pair of Sound World Solutions HD 100 for $699 for the pair. They seem to work pretty well and have a lot of features. What are your thoughts?
@@DrCliffAuD after my trial I found they did not have adequate noise cancellation and amplified all sound so I returned them. They provided a prompt credit to my credit card.
Hi Dr.Cliff, excellent video! I was wondering what your advice would be. I have super small ear canals and wear resound linx Quattro RIC aids. We’ve tried many receiver lengths and dome sizes, but nothing fits correctly. We are going to try custom ear molds. I was wondering what ear molds you think would be best for retention in this scenario.
Unfortunately, I am not a fan of ReSound's custom earmolds, but it is possible to get better retention if you have a canal lock, helix lock, or skeleton lock added to the earmold.
Good day Dr. Cliff. Just saw your latest posting and found it very interesting. I'm not yet decided on which one I would go for. The Bose Hearphones or de BeHear Access. Could you eventually make another more extensive review on the BeHear Access compared to the Bose Hearphones. Seams to me the Bose unit would give better quality audio and better results with in-hear adjustment.
Robert I own the BeHear system, and I am impressed by how well it actually works. Their customization while not as extensive as a professional hearing test, does parallel my professional hearing exams. Dealing with their customer support has also been a positive experience. I currently use the Eargo Neo HiFi, which I find better for my hearing loss; however I found that the BeHear system closely matched Eargo's older designed units.
@@DrCliffAuD Thanks for your prompt answer. I did notice that the BeHear does offer more features but to me the most important aspects would be audio quality and in-hear adjustment efficiency (with in-hear mic) for my specific prescription. Price difference is not too painfull to me so I'll be waiting for your eventual comparison between the 2 if you ever decide to do it.
@@russtanton3141 Tanks for your comments Russ. Like I mentioned to Dr. Cliff, I'm really curious to know how those 2 units compare because according to the review he made on the Bose unit, though it is a bit more expansive, I have a feeling that the audio quality would be better than the BeHear. I also saw a review done on RU-vid by Dave Taylor, who is not a audiologist but who is very positive about the BeHear, but he does say that the audio quality for music is less than the good units on the market for that. So we'll see what Dr. Cliff has to say about that if he decides to make such a comparison on a posting, eventually.
Please excuse me for going slightly off topic, but what I'd really like to know after watching this video (and several others of yours) is where the heck do you get your awesome shirts? If that question is too broad, where in particular did you get the shirt you're wearing in this "Best of Amazon Hearing Aid Options" vid? It's the single best yet in a your set that overall constitutes the best shirt wardrobe on RU-vid. That makes your "Best of Amazon" vid shirt quite possibly the nicest shirt I've ever seen anywhere. Kudos. More on topic now, I especially appreciated this video for offering refreshing practical advice to those of us who don't really trust you audiologists, and/or who find your endless, repetitive mantra about the need for us all to get customized audiologist support painfully self-serving. It's also anything but practical for younger folks (or any others) on a tight budget and/or with only mild to moderate hearing loss. While your wide array of awesome, always freshly pressed and apparently brand new shirts are fun to look at, they also help illustrate just how much money you're making. Congratulations, but not all of us are so fortunate, especially in this COVID era. Thanks nonetheless for keeping us entertained, and keep those great shirts coming. Really hoping you'll share where you got the one in this video.
I need help my mother in law has mild hearing loss. Like we have to talk really loud to her and close to her ear. But sometimes she can can hear fine. But I'm trying to help her get hearing aid because she has no insurance something affordable so what's the best device for her on amazon.
ok are there hearing aids that people can actually NOT SEE that you're wearing them (EVEN if they're next to you looking inside your ear)? And if there are, are they as effective as the awful ones that everyone can see? And how do you take them off and put back on yourself (like when you are out eg at a bar, club, restaurant etc) without embarrassing yourself by making a spectacle of the event? And how long do the batteries last on these? And, are they waterproof (like swim underwater waterproof)? The above questions are pretty much what everyone wants answers to as everyone with hearing loss wants the same things: To hear, and no one else to know they're wearing hearing aids, and for us to be able put them on/take them off easily and fast, and not to risk water accidents/damages, and to need to recharge them as least often as possible. ;) I hope all these magical drugs that claim will restore hearing loss (like the FX-322) will actually be available soon (but my the looks of things nothing's really moving in that front)... :(
Phonak- lyric= completely invisible, based on a monthly subscription model. Eargo Neo HiFi or another Eargo Model. Signia Silk NX and there newer model years may also interest you. I stronglysuggest researching on you own.
Not really. You would definitely have to get some circumaural headphones that prevent the leakage of sound because otherwise, you will get very bad feedback/whistling.
@@DrCliffAuD This means I need to buy separate headphones? Can you recommend any on Amazon? I need the best, inexpensive hearing device I can get for someone who is bedridden - never in a noisy atmosphere.
There are many good brands for this. It just depends on your specific wants and needs that would have to be identified with a hearing evaluation and detailed consultation.
I have to ask since you are a doctor,Are any of these medical grade and if so which ones. My husband has horrible tinnitus. He will wake up and his ears will be ringing. Sometimes its louder than usual. He has to constantly ask for things to be repeated and sometimes doesn't know what's going on around him. He was in the Army and his hearing was damaged then. He was only in boot camp for a month before he injured hime self and was discharged. He has been to multiple specialist and has been told he might lose his hearing all together. Our insurance only covers part of hearing aids and the other part is too expensive for us to pay. We have a daughter due in May and I'm afraid he won't be able to hear her cry. I'm just looking for an affordable solution. I hope you see this and will be able to give me and answer. Thank you
Dr. Cliff - I am currently trial using the Otofonix Elite and the Encore. Elite being "better" and Encore being "best". Encore has 2 microphones and the Telecoil. I am not hearing much difference and require only a volume of 4-5 out of 10 with either pair. However, technical specs say the Elite has 0.8 to 0.9% THD and the Encore
You are not hearing much difference because either one isn't properly providing amplification at the correct frequencies for your hearing loss. It isn't because of differences between Total Harmonic Distortion. What type of hearing loss do you have?
@@DrCliffAuD mild in right, quite a bit more in left (but intermittently...days with very little hearing in the left, other days mild like the right). I appreciate the help. I'd prefer ite because of use in music rehearsals. Any hearing amplifier you'd recommend?
I wish I bought the eargo like I wanted at least if I was disappointed it wouldn't be because I wasted a lot of money compared to the ones I recently purchased.
@@DrCliffAuD he def can hear better we just have to keep adjusting them depending on if he's outside or inside. Cuz he isn't completely deaf just is losing his hearing and they were a good price. He also doesn't want them to be noticeable so what else would u recommend that are similar in how they look and.hide in the ear?
@@DrCliffAuD I'm in mesa az btw would love to set up a appt one day with u if ur interested for my dad I wanns get him the best ones but reasonable price for him eventually these are temporary
Don't know if this video was good or not.....cant hear it...just kidding....this video has pretty good audio....a REAL problem typical with many RU-vid videos for people with low power devices (like my chrome book) and background noise typical to many homes using fans etc. I finally had to install a sound enhancement app to my Chromebook to help hear some of the poor audio videos commonly encountered online....
Cliff nice and informative, but simply way to basic for somewhat with my level of hearing loss and experience with wearing modern, Bluetooth enabled devices. But I can see where this could be a value choice for many who cannot afford a high quality modern set of devices. Kind of reminds me of the devices advertised in sporting catalogs and magazines. Especially for hunting.
None of these are perfect options, especially if you have more of a Severe hearing loss. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, and the vast majority of individuals with hearing loss are in the Mild to Moderate range. As you point out though, it is VERY hard to IMPOSSIBLE to go back to generic devices from fully customized modern hearing aid technology.
Wow, these examples may seem basic as you stated, however, you never know where life will take you at any point in time! Going from a hearing aide to what is called an ‘amplifier’ is an adjustment for sure. I’m living this adjustment now due to unforeseen medical issues in my life that have created a financial downfall for me. I’m profoundly deaf and just the small amount of help these products may give at a price point I can afford will be a stress relief. I for one and surly many others appreciate the time this Dr took to put this video together because I don’t have the money to be buying and trying out these devices over and over! Basic or not… Be safe.
@@thesun-N-moon8885 I absolutely agree with you and love Dr. Cliff's content! I just told a friend yesterday, another long time business associate who's also in sales, and wearing Bluetooth connectible Oticon hearing aids. In sales our best skill is our ability to listen to uncover problems and provide solutions. I've learned so much from Cliff, that I now have a second set, my old ReSounds as my backup pair. Had Costco perform a new hearing test, and do what he's always suggested, perform "real ear measurement". I can't be without them, and so with two sets, I always have a way to replace one should it fail, while it makes yet another journey back to the factory! Good luck finding your correct solution!
From a device standpoint, they are not particularly bad. The manufactuer of the product is Unitron. However, the big issue is that they cannot be programmed appropriately using Real Ear Measurement.
No many people only use one aid but you may get a bit confused at first while you adjust. However I am not a professional so don't take my word as law, just my personal experience.
Hi Doctor Cliff can you make a video about the Baha® 5 SuperPower Sound Processor please, will someone with profound sensorineural hearing loss benefit from the Superpower version. Also is it possible to get this hearing aid Europe. Thanks 💖
All devices under $100 are horrible. No point in reviewing them unless I just say that they are all pieces of junk. The title of the video was "5 Best Amazon Online Hearing Aid Options" not "5 Worst..."
@@patrickjerome9169 almost all of them. That is literally all I do in my free time. I do have a video on the Worst hearing aids that I published in 2019. I choose to spend my time posting about the viable options rather than the crappy options.
Just take this video down. It's so old, none of the information is usable. Talkin about "this is the only bluetooth or wireless hearing device" I can't believe this was made during Corona. Either this person didn't do their research or just was trying to spit out a video quick. Or both!
Playing around with sub-standard devices will send you to an expensive audiologist just trying to cut your losses. These aren't even hearing aids. They'll drive you crazy with background and pocket noise. Nobody else even bothers to review these types of devices, let alone bills them like hearing aids. Beware.