Thanks for the comment Joseph. Just one question for you: Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids. Are you sure it was Medicare?

@@DrCliffAuD Most medicare advantage plans provide the benefit. Aetna...my plan...$500.00 per ear ...$1000.00 per year

Thanks Bill

Thanks John.

Thanks Andre!

Glad to help Joseph!

Hi Stephen. Glad you appreciated the video. As long as you are aware of the pros and cons of online vs. custom programmed hearing aids, make the best decision for your circumstances.

@@DrCliffAuD thank you so much for your extremely informative videos. A couple weeks ago both front airbags in my jeep liberty deployed for no reason, now i suffer from mild to severe hearing loss for mid to high frequencies. Are there any prescription hearing aids that are responsibly priced?

Your review is very helpful and has an objectivity that I've found elusive around hearing aids. I now have four year old Phonak Brios from Costco but I'd like to have the features of the Eargo approach. Eargo's in the ear means that the ear can funnel the sound to the microphone, which I imagine would improve directional focus (Phonak's microphones are outside and in back of the ear which is distressing when someone starts talking directly in back of me). I also like the rechargeable batteries. The whole concept just seems more advanced than what Costco offers, and my experience is that most hearing purveyors (audiologists) rely on the excessive pricing to give them a good income. They pretend to be providing an objective service but the pricing model shows them to be no more than highly compensated commissioned salespeople. Costco is much friendlier and more consultative in its approach. Unfortunately, Costco doesn't offer Eargo and they reflect an assessment by Costco that Eargo is not yet up to Costco standards. I did order the demo set but I never received it. Moreover, registering to receive the Eargo demo resulted in my quickly getting a phone call from a salesman looking for a quick sale. I mentioned that I had an appointment in a month with a audiologist (AuD) but even so, the salesman tried to using pricing -- act now or pay more -- to force a quick sale. That combined with the failure to send the demo makes me think that the company has moved from its beginnings with integrity toward something else. Like others on this website, I'd really like an expert review like yours on the new Neo. Supposedly, they can be programmed to map to an audiologist's test, but in light of the company's unwillingness to wait for the test results, that may be more vaporware than reality. For now, I'm highly skeptical that this would work for me, but I'd love to have my mind changed since I love the design and concept of retaining the natural sound funneling capability of my God-given ears. Thanks for taking the time to put this review together. If you were nearer, or if I could work with you remotely, I'd love to pay a fee to have unbiased objective advice not conditioned by device price mark ups or brand commitments (as is, for instance, the case with HearUSA). Thanks.

I agree. I just asked Dr above to do a test and evaluation on the Neo. Also, check out their website. You can compare a few items such as their warranty.

Yes, those are some additional drawbacks as well. Need to make sure your battery contacts are cleaned off regularly as well.

That is on-par with replacement costs of standard hearing aids.

This has happened to me. The charger failed to charge on one side-at 2.8 years and one of the aids also failed to charge. So…. Looking for new ones at Kirkland.

Thanks Olino. Glad you liked the video!

Thanks Gilbert. Let me know if you have any questions.

My pleasure Donna.

You're welcome!

I highly suggest either checking out the Phonak Titanium custom, or Signia Silk Nx insant fit invisible hearing aids.

All valid points K9. Thanks for sharing!

Hi John. Thanks for this. Not all options will work for everyone. Cookie bite hearing losses are one of the most difficult hearing losses to fit well. Make sure you find a really good audiologist.

I have suffered through Unitron Quantum M BTE hearing aids for 4 yr. They assist for my hearing TV or movies at the theater, but are not very helpful in noisy environments like the mall. Also, as a musician, I don't like them at all. My own voice drowns out my instrument. I never wear them when performing and rely instead upon stage monitors being turned up (I play mostly acoustic string instruments) and rely on my unassisted hearing. I tried the Eargos to see if they would be better for music, they were not. My Unitrons spend most of the time stored in their case. I am almost 70 and I simply tell anyone that I'm talking to, that I have a hearing impediment and they must speak clearly and louder than usual for me to understand them. That seems to be the most reasonable alternative to hearing aids and usually works. I use a Pocket Talker at home for TV and sometimes when we have guests. The sound quality is far better than my Unitrons. Based upon your review of the Bose Hearphones, I've ordered them on line. Perhaps they will be better than my Pocket Talker. Thank you for the reviews and information you provide.

Thank you Cliff for such wonderful demonstration

Thanks Jerry. I have no intention of stopping!

Hi Yousaf. I'm glad you found the video helpful!

I'm not sure what you mean by 80% and 30%. If you have anything more severe than a mild to moderate high frequency hearing loss, then a generic product likely isn't right for you.

@@DrCliffAuD Thanks for the quick response.... 80% hearing in left ear and 30% in right, with right ear losing high frequency in that range. Tried custom three years ago and took them back. Guess I'm ready for them now. Your clip motivated me to see my ear Doc again. Thanks.

I'm surprised that Dr. Cliff did not reply to your insightful comments, so I will. 1) The “cocktail party problem” you described has been addressed by researchers at Ohio State University in Columbus. They have tested versions of a digital filter that not only amplifies sound but can also isolate speech from the background noise and automatically adjust the volumes of each separately in real time. One of their partners to commercialize it is Starkey Hearing Technologies. 2) It is true there are cheaper non-programmable hearing aids available, and rechargeable hearing aids have been around for quite some time, but for many users being invisible is paramount. This is the first invisible rechargeable aid I've seen. 3) Repairs-as written below, since Dr. Cliff's video was made in 2017, Eargo now offers post-warranty repairs for a fee.

I have equal loss in both ears big, would it help to suggest a solution.

Yes please that would be great

In your opinion which hearing aid device is best, the one that sits behind the ear or in the ear? Love to hear what you think. Thank you

@@bumbles3304 ANY OVER THE EAR AID CAN HOOK ON TO A MASK OR EYEGLASS AND FALL OFF.

Excellent!

@@DrCliffAuD Yeah... I have my hearing aid eval with the ENT on Wednesday morning, I'll be getting my free non-working trial Eargo in the mail soon. Unfortunately a lot of my decision may come down to cost. We've got to wake insurance companies up to the importance of better coverage for this. I just can't justify over a grand for only one device!

Depending on the severity & configuration of your hearing loss, the Eargo may work for you. You get no customization from the Eargo, but some people report that they get benefit out of it. Insurance companies already cover hearing aids. Some cover them 100%. You just have to ask for those benefits and pay the higher premiums.

@@DrCliffAuD Mine covers a flat $600 towards them which is better than what I've heard from others.

@@amybrodar7130 I'm lucky I guess...my insurance covers up to a max amount of $2500 therefore I opted for the Eargo Neo which I'll be receiving shortly! I can't wait and am glad there's a 45-day trial period.

Tell me what specific rules i must deal with in order to obtain Eargo's hearing supplements. And, thanks again for all the top views and doctor Clifford.

In the middle of my Neo Review now.

@@DrCliffAuD any update on when we might be able to expect the Neo review? Thanks so much!

Hi Judy. Glad to help. I would recommend getting your ears professionally cleaned the first time to determine how "waxy" you are. After that, you may be able to self-clean your ears. Or perhaps you don't produce much wax anyway. I'm not familiar with any hearing care providers in VA. Sorry.

Almost every company in the hearing aid industry gives you some form of trial period with a money back guarantee.

Hi John. If I understand your question correctly, the two best Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) hearing aids out there, in my opinion, are the Phonak Titanium and Starkey SoundLens Synergy. Both can be customized to your prescription using Real Ear Measurement and provide you with significantly more features to maximize benefit.

Applied Hearing Solutions Thank You . I am a retired Chicago Fireman, 34 yrs on .

If you have poor Word Recognition, you are unlikely to receive a significant amount of benefit from hearing aids. I highly suggest you consider having a cochlear implant evaluation.

Doctor Cliff, AuD explain poor word recognition. How bad will it effect my hearing

Not your best option. You have a flat hearing loss and Eargo is not capable of amplifying low frequency. They would not be able to reach a high-frequency hearing loss prescription.

My hearing has since improved. On my 250, 500, 1k hz, it is normal. For 1.5k hz there is 35 db hearing loss. From 2k to 6k hz it is from around 55-60 db hearing loss. For 8k hz there is about 75 db hearing loss. Am I still a candidate?

I believe it's called the Eargo Neo. I'm looking into them right now because my audiologist said nothing will help you but cargo said, "we may not be able to help but lets give it a try and see how things go. Wear them daily for a month and then if they aren't working...send them back. I'm glad he recommended the Eargo's I was a bit worried. The return policy, per my hearing helper at Eargo says I have to speak with him on the phone and then his manager above him to why I need to return them, but he has already marked, "they may not workin his ears due to past strokes but lets try and see if they help, if they do. Great, if they don't full refund in place. I'm still on the fences with the Eargo. We wll see. But I would like to see what he has to say about the NEO at Eargo because that's what I'll be getting if I go with their company.

No I have not tested the Zvox, although they look appealing since they have two microphones and access to a smartphone.

Not yet, but they are likely on the horizon in the near future.

Yes, they have a 100% refund guarantee. They can't be customized other than just increasing the volume. Bad hearing can most definitely be genetically inherited. Best of luck!

@@DrCliffAuD thanks so much for taking time to get back

Yes I hated that tapping too! Looks!

Hi Evlad. Not sure I understand your question.

In terms of quality, they are definitely better than a PSAP, but in general, they are basically a PSAP.

Yes you can, but if you have Menieres disease, the frequency response from an Eargo will not be appropriate. No noise cancelation or Bluetooth.

I do hope the industry will follow Eargo's lead and offer rechargeable aids soonly. That's long overdue, and those handy charging/carrying case looks awesome... $400 to replace it, though 🤔

Signia 7 charge and go's. I love programming them. So much control.

That is the biggest issue with an open fit. However, a completely closed fit to get more bass can be bad as well due to occlusion. The best would be to have a custom vent size that could accommodate bass without feedback.

Hi Cut. Before giving up on the Eargos, I would have your audiologist perform Real Ear Measures on them to see how far off they are from your hearing loss prescription. If they are not meeting your prescription, I would check out some programmable hearing aids from your audiologist.

Nope. Not with the new Neo devices either.

Check Google for a conversion calculator.

The price is 1,10,000 rupees

Hi Jay. I've been working for several weeks to get the Neo from Eargo. It is on the top of my list for hearing aid reviews. Just got to get my hands on a set!

@@DrCliffAuD Yes. I spoke with someone from Eargo today and they are backordered. I have a glitch in my charging case. They are going to replace it. One of the great things is the company is great to work with. No questions, they are on top of it. I have used all 4 levels avail on the Neo and I find in a classroom setting I get the best sound quality out of level 2 & 3. Level 1 doesn't amplify sound enough in a classroom setting, but works great when I sing on the worship team without feedback from the monitors. Level 4 is too much for me when I sing and I usually don't need it in the classroom. It's amazing how each room you walk into makes a difference in how you hear and what you hear. I will continue to use the Neo until they make a newer one. I have been a satisfied customer and I have to say my wife isn't complaining about my selective hearing anymore. I have no more excuses!

It's nice to know the app is now avail.

Absolutely Positively NOT!