Fri 5 Aug, 2011 09:06 am
I have been trying to educate myself about hearing loss and hearing aids and have found that there is a lack of information out there about both. I find many websites, but they all seem to share the same information. Often this info is based on old research. There are even fewer resources out there for people, like me, who have low-frequency hearing loss. Currently I am trying to set up a pair of aids for myself and even my audiologist is having a hard time of it.
I'm hoping to set up a thread, here, with a conglomeration of useful websites, research, policy, state agencies, etc.
As of 2/2011:
Hz/fq: 250....500....1000....1500....2000....3000....4000....6000....8000
dB-R:...55.......60.......50........20.........10.........5...........15...........10.........5
dB-L:...75.......70........60........35.........25........15..........20...........15.........5
Health Insurance and Hearing Aids:
We are in the midst of health care reforms in the US. Hearing aid coverage is decided on at the state level. HAs can cost thousands of dollars. Currently my state does not cover hearing aids at all. Below is a link to which states cover hearing aids. Some cover aids for children only, some for all. 18 states offer some coverage.
http://deafness.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=deafness&cdn=health&tm=20&f=11&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.listen-up.org/haidfund.htm
Smoking and second hand smoke inhalation have been linked to hearing loss!
http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/Smoking/27591
@littlek,
Our Roger became an expert when he explored hearing aids a few years ago. Maybe he can give you some advice.
BBB
@BumbleBeeBoogie,
BBB - I am getting good personal advice on Dlowan's thread.
@littlek,
This is a good one. It used to be "SHHH" (Self-Help for the Hard of Hearing) and is a major organization.
The lack of insurance coverage for hearing aids (while cochlear implants are usually covered) is a major annoyance and one that is being fought on several fronts.
Which reminds me, the NAD is another good resource:
http://www.nad.org/