The Hearing Aid Struggle

A deaf patient asked me one day if my hearing aids were analog or digital. I had to think for a minute. Because I know the analog she’s talking about are old school. Not the new, fancy, digital kinds. I had forgotten about them.

They stopped making analog years ago. Technology has rapidly grown faster than my husbands belly during the holidays. Jokes aside, she hated the new technology.

I do remember the analogs. They seemed to last longer than the digital. They were clearer and had less background noises. As she complained, I nodded along in agreement.

I know many of us struggle with the new technology. Sometimes I wished I had better insurance to qualify for the best model out there. It’s was quite a headache dealing with the insurance company and my hearing office to ensure that all finances were settled with my new expensive purchases this year. It took months to settle a simple paperwork issue. It is extremely expensive. The hearing tests, hearing aids, tube change, tune ups, properly fitted ear molds all cost money. Not to mention possibly getting new ear molds again months down the road because some how it doesn’t fit anymore and you’re experiencing feedback, unclear sounds, or it’s just damn uncomfortable to wear.

I say let’s bring back the analog for those who prefer it and fight for better hearing loss coverage for everyone.