reubenray
Recycles dryer sheets
I may have to find a Costco somewhere. Down here they have Sam's Club's.
OP here, with an update. I just visited Costco and made appointment for mid-July (first available as I have upcoming vacation). Had to join Costco, but paying $58 to save a couple of thousand is a no-brainer -- especially since they guarantee satisfaction or refund the membership fee.
I Don't think I'd get behind the ear again. I wear glasses and it's just too much 'stuff' behind the ear, then if I have a day that I want to wear a headband, add that to the mess.
So because of this discussion I checked out the site:
Hearing Aid Styles and Pricing
I notice, the price can be nearly double depending upon your State, ouch....
I think I'd be willing to drive to another state, for the actual purchase as I hate paying double due to some State legislated rule.
I see hearing aids on Amazon.com as low as $30. Most have just ️️️ Or so, but you can get 4+ stars products for under $100 (digital, multiple programs, variety of tubes and cones). Seems to be a low cost way to experiment and see if you can get by using a cheaper product.
Booked an appointment at Costco for a hearing test on the 27th for myself and DW. They sure are busy as that was the earliest appointment I could get.
I just read an article in the NYT about personal sound amplification products, you might find it informative. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/19/health/hearing-aid-alternatives.html?_r=0
Browsing the Etymotic website the other day - they make high end ear plugs - I saw a "home hearing test for consumers" and thought of this thread. Etymotic Research | Home Hearing Test - Home Hearing Test - Consumer
DW and I both had our Costco hearing tests this morning and both of us tested with very good results at all frequencies, technician said to come back next year.
Perhaps I just have to live with difficulties hearing conversations in noisy environments like restaurants.
Well, you've just proven my notions correct - discomfort with restaurant noise levels is not a hearing-loss problem, or not entirely. Even with my new aids, I still have difficulty holding conversations in noisy spaces.
I read the Washington Post restaurant reviews regularly. The reviewer has said, more than once, that "Noise" is diners' No. 1 complaint. He says "diners," not "older diners," or "diners with hearing loss." The fact is that restaurants used to have more noise-absorbing features, such as thick carpets, tablecloths, even fabric wallpaper; and they often featured booths and banquettes with high sides. Modern restaurants have stripped away those features in order to save money, and make the place look more open and modern. Hence, noise.