I’ve written quite a few posts on hearing aids.
As we age, many of us develop hearing loss. Hearing is tightly linked to brain health. It’s important for us to maintain our hearing to prevent brain deterioration. So, yes, it’s important.
Hearing aids are expensive. My first pair in 2016 cost over $4,000 and the process took months.
OTC
A few years ago, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids showed up. This was a kick in the pants for audiologists as they had been the only game in town.
Now I can go online, take a hearing test, search for hearing aids, compare brands and models, purchase, and have them delivered to my home. Most also offer a free trial and I have successfully returned 2 for money back. They truly are no hassle.
I tested 3 different OTC options. Check out the posts.
My Experience
My experience with Lexie by Bose, Jabra and hear.com were all fantastic.
I ended up buying the Jabras as they were a better fit for me.
I made the mistake of diving into a pool without removing them and got a 1 time free replacement. I’m more careful now.
A month ago, I started to have some problems with the sound. I contacted Jabra via the app, got some tips via email and then played around with the ear tips and settings. To me, this was easier than making an appointment and driving to the audiologist. Here’s the play by play.
Problem
I’m happy with the advice. And then…Houston, we have a problem.
The left hearing aid won’t hold a charge. I charge it in the case overnight and it only shows 40% charged. Then within minutes of removing it from the charger, it plays the low-battery tone.
I reported it via the app and within hours had an email telling me how to perform a reset on the case and the hearing aids. It also recommended some cleaning, and then to try putting the left hearing aid in the right charger to see if I had a hearing aid problem or a charger problem.
I tried all of this and responded that it didn’t correct the issue.
And being impatient, I also called their 800 number. I immediately got to a person who confirmed their notes, confirmed my address and sent a replacement pair via Fedex. 2 days later, I have the new pair and a shipping label to return the old ones.
Wrap Up
I had an audiologist who supported my prescription hearing aids from 2016 to 2020.
The OTC experience is far superior. I get information and appointments in hours instead of weeks. In both cases of major issues – 1 caused by me and one caused by defect, I had replacement hearing aids in just a few days. Both times at no cost.
I’ve had remote adjustments made. I’ve reported a problem, and the audiologist at Jabra uploads a software configuration change. I try it and if I’m not satisfied, they’ll upload an adjustment. And while this may sound tricky, all I do is put the hearing aids in the case, remove them and it updates automatically.
Today, I have to stop by Fedex to drop my return in the box. But other than this, just about all of interaction has been done from home.
I cannot recommend OTC highly enough. I’ve saved thousands of dollars, I’ve been able to try at home and compare, and the support has been outstanding.