Hearing Aid Confusion

I completely agree with Lloydc. It is for this reason that I am so high on the Starkey Wii. Your audiologist will program in the precise eq curves needed for your specific hearing loss. Each ear is programmed separately (it is actually done wirelessly, and you can see the actual eq curves on the audiologist's computer, which is really cool). The Starkey not only allows three separate programs, but also allows for five separate volume levels, all adjusted by means of either little switches on the hearing aids themselves or a pocket-sized remote control. While its frequency response is limited to about 8k, frequencies above 8k are transposed down to an audible range, so it actually tricks you into believing you are hearing an even greater frequency range than you actually are. Additionally, because they function in a truly binaural fashion (the two hearing aids actually talk to each other), you have the same degree of imagining that you would have with your ears themselves.

Note that I have no financial interest whatever in Starkey. All I can tell you is that these hearing aids are the equal of the finest high-end audio equipment you will ever purchase, and will enable you to appreciate what you were missing by virtue of your hearing loss. They are very expensive in absolute terms, but when you consider the amount of technology which is packed into these things, you can appreciate what you are getting in return.

Good luck.

The question asked by the original poster is addressed to audiophiles. The chances of finding an audiophile in the other forum suggested in this thread is most likely slim.

The chances of finding an audiophile in the other forum suggested in this thread is most likely slim.

Not to be a PITA but I searched for less than 30 minutes and ;found several 'philes in that forum, including one guy who was running Avantgarde Trios. He has found lots of differences and identified a major issue in that for improved speech recognition, most aids have a max bandwith of 8-9 kHz.

Dear Kusina, As an otolaryngologist, the answer to your question depends on the results of your audiogram. This test if done by an audiologist gives you enough information to give you a good estimate if hearing aids could help you. The frequency pattern of your loss is the first determinate. Secondly, your "discrimination" score( the percentage score of brain functioning) is the second determinator.
Putting those two factors together will give you a good ballpark as to possible hearing aid usefulness. With most programmable hearing aids and an applicable hearing loss and decent discrimination score you could try an aid and see how it works for you.
Almost all 50 states have laws that let you have a 30 day trial period to see if the aid is suitable for you. Money back guarantee if you turn it back before the 30 day trial period.
Hearing aid are like cars, the more whistles and bells you add the higher the cost. If your discrimination score is below 60 percent for speech at least the benefits of a hearing aid in that ear could be marginal. This has to be taken in context of your total audiogram.
My advise is to see a hearing aid audiologist or an honest hearing aid dealer AFTER your audiogram is reviewed by an ENT specialist to address the above issue as to suitability . Ronald Wong. M.D. Hope this helps. Happy Listening.

Dr. Wong, Thank you for the information and good advice. I have already taken steps that accord with your suggestions. I have seen both an ENT specialist and audiologist, had an audiogram charted, and am now awaiting the arrival of a "Musician's" hearing aid to try. My hearing deterioration is considered to be "moderate," and I look forward to what may well be "a major system upgrade."