|
Home > Archive > Hearing loss support > May 2005 > First HA (Widex Divas) Adjustment Concerns
You are viewing an archived Text-only version of the thread.
To view this thread in it's original format and/or if you want to reply to
this thread please [click here]
| Author |
First HA (Widex Divas) Adjustment Concerns
|
|
| Don F 2005-04-30, 11:50 am |
| Hello Group,
I have monitored this group for several years and decided it was time to
give new HAs a try.
I have a difficult hearing problem to solve (according to the
audiologist). He was very honest (realistic) after the hearing test and did
not give me much hope for significant improvement with hearing aids.
I have normal hearing up to ~1 KHz , a significant problem in the speech
recognition frequencies, and a drop off of ~80 Db at 4 KHz and above.
The contract is for $5K a pair Widex Diva HAs (my choice not his) with a 3
week trial with $225 per aid non-recoverable charges. There is only *one*
scheduled adjustment visit after two weeks of trial. That said, the
audiologist implied that another week could be added if necessary and every
effort would be made to satisfy me. I have read here that at least three
adjustment visits are necessary and a 4 week trial is a minimum.
It should be noted that my audiologist has a PHD, is a department head at
a local university, has written several published papers and was very
professional in his evaluation.
This will probably be my first and only attempt to solve my hearing
problem with HAs so I want to give my best effort during the trial period.
There is wealth of information, both from knowledge and experience, in
this group. Any comment will be welcomed.
Thanks,
| |
| ardway 2005-04-30, 5:51 pm |
| Don F wrote:
> Hello Group,
> I have monitored this group for several years and decided it was time to
> give new HAs a try.
> I have a difficult hearing problem to solve (according to the
> audiologist). He was very honest (realistic) after the hearing test and did
> not give me much hope for significant improvement with hearing aids.
> I have normal hearing up to ~1 KHz , a significant problem in the speech
> recognition frequencies, and a drop off of ~80 Db at 4 KHz and above.
> The contract is for $5K a pair Widex Diva HAs (my choice not his) with a 3
> week trial with $225 per aid non-recoverable charges. There is only *one*
> scheduled adjustment visit after two weeks of trial. That said, the
> audiologist implied that another week could be added if necessary and every
> effort would be made to satisfy me. I have read here that at least three
> adjustment visits are necessary and a 4 week trial is a minimum.
> It should be noted that my audiologist has a PHD, is a department head at
> a local university, has written several published papers and was very
> professional in his evaluation.
> This will probably be my first and only attempt to solve my hearing
> problem with HAs so I want to give my best effort during the trial period.
> There is wealth of information, both from knowledge and experience, in
> this group. Any comment will be welcomed.
> Thanks,
>
>
>
I thought the 30 day trial was mandatory in most states. Where do you
live? You will hate the Divas. Get a 30 day trial with the Resound Air
high frequency aids. My hearing is somewhat like yours and I love 'em.
Get your aids from an audiologist who will give you unlimited visits.
This guy sounds like bad news to me. Maybe his Ph. D. is in arrogance.
Don't let him cheat you of a fair appraisal of hearing aids. Be careful
what you sign, folks.
Ardway
| |
| Serpent 2005-04-30, 5:51 pm |
| On Sat, 30 Apr 2005 11:07:46 -0400, "Don F" <donf11@NOSPAMhome.com>
wrote:
>Hello Group,
> I have monitored this group for several years and decided it was time to
>give new HAs a try.
> I have a difficult hearing problem to solve (according to the
>audiologist). He was very honest (realistic) after the hearing test and did
>not give me much hope for significant improvement with hearing aids.
> I have normal hearing up to ~1 KHz , a significant problem in the speech
>recognition frequencies, and a drop off of ~80 Db at 4 KHz and above.
> The contract is for $5K a pair Widex Diva HAs (my choice not his) with a 3
>week trial with $225 per aid non-recoverable charges. There is only *one*
>scheduled adjustment visit after two weeks of trial. That said, the
>audiologist implied that another week could be added if necessary and every
>effort would be made to satisfy me. I have read here that at least three
>adjustment visits are necessary and a 4 week trial is a minimum.
> It should be noted that my audiologist has a PHD, is a department head at
>a local university, has written several published papers and was very
>professional in his evaluation.
> This will probably be my first and only attempt to solve my hearing
>problem with HAs so I want to give my best effort during the trial period.
> There is wealth of information, both from knowledge and experience, in
>this group. Any comment will be welcomed.
>Thanks,
>
>
Greetings!
Up front, I am not at all familiar with the Diva's. I have a pair of
BTE Siemens Trianos, purchased at the same price. I think you are
making a potential mistake in having chosen the brand of aids
yourself, instead of what the fitter recommended, and is familiar with
programming. That can make a Huge difference, whether your experience
will be successfully, or not. Why did you insist on the Divas? What
did he prescribe? Are your prescribed aids BTE's? That is the very
minimum powered aid that would allow you to hear as well as you may.
I think that the $225 per aid is twice what in my experience, is
normal, and would suggest that you ask that price be applied to Both
aids, instead of each.
>"There is only *one* scheduled adjustment visit after two weeks of trial. That said, the
>audiologist implied that another week could be added if..."
"Implied does not cut it. You are entering into a legally binding
contract. Get it in writing. You will probably need at least two or
three follow-up visits. Probably even more, if he is not familiar with
programming the brand of aids you insist upon buying. Try to have that
requirement added to your contract.
>" It should be noted that my audiologist has a PHD..."
This means absolutely nothing, when asking yourself if he can
competently adjust your hearing aids, to fit your needs.
[vbcol=seagreen]
Do NOT let this be so, IF you are serious about being to hear again,
the best that you are able. This is a partnership, between you, and
your hearing professional. It will require work, and commitment, on
your part. If you are NOT satisfied with the service you
receive...simply fire that person, and try another that may better
provide you with the service you need.
I did, and have been hearing every since! :-)
Good Luck,
Serpent
| |
| Serpent 2005-04-30, 5:51 pm |
| On Sat, 30 Apr 2005 15:39:10 -0400, ardway <elbow@medblock.edu> wrote:
>I thought the 30 day trial was mandatory in most states.
Two weeks in Texas.
| |
| ModernMiko 2005-04-30, 10:50 pm |
| "Serpent" <ttt@none.com> wrote in message
news:sso7715htmgae44fq5396q1obnhsh90k96@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 30 Apr 2005 15:39:10 -0400, ardway <elbow@medblock.edu> wrote:
>
>
> Two weeks in Texas.
>
Really? Hmm...it's been almost 9 yrs since I dispensed in TX but I could
have sworn the trial period mandated was longer.... Wow. That should be
changed.
--
JennL
| |
| ModernMiko 2005-04-30, 10:50 pm |
| "ModernMiko" <modernmiko@NOverizon.net> wrote in message
news:7dXce.2864$db7.2434@trnddc01...
> "Serpent" <ttt@none.com> wrote in message
> news:sso7715htmgae44fq5396q1obnhsh90k96@4ax.com...
>
> Really? Hmm...it's been almost 9 yrs since I dispensed in TX but I could
> have sworn the trial period mandated was longer.... Wow. That should be
> changed.
>
> --
> JennL
Sorry to f/u on my own post but this was perplexing me so I just checked.
According to Rule 741.102 from the State Board of Examiners for
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology the trial period is 30 days NOT two
weeks in TX. Two weeks isn't long enough to figure anything out. Heck, MD
requires 30 days but I did 45 days for everyone going up to 60 for some who
were on the fence.
--
JennL
| |
| Serpent 2005-05-01, 8:50 am |
| On Sun, 01 May 2005 02:51:08 GMT, "ModernMiko"
<modernmiko@NOverizon.net> wrote:
>"ModernMiko" <modernmiko@NOverizon.net> wrote in message
>news:7dXce.2864$db7.2434@trnddc01...
>
>Sorry to f/u on my own post but this was perplexing me so I just checked.
>According to Rule 741.102 from the State Board of Examiners for
>Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology the trial period is 30 days NOT two
>weeks in TX. Two weeks isn't long enough to figure anything out. Heck, MD
>requires 30 days but I did 45 days for everyone going up to 60 for some who
>were on the fence.
I dug up my Bill of Sale, and I was wrong. It is indeed 30 days, in
Texas.
Serpent
| |
|
| "Serpent" <ttt@none.com> wrote in message
news:ejm771dfq0m7b0dng8gqr4l3p0vc59nvoj@4ax.com...
> Greetings!
>
> Up front, I am not at all familiar with the Diva's. I have a pair of
> BTE Siemens Trianos, purchased at the same price. I think you are
> making a potential mistake in having chosen the brand of aids
> yourself, instead of what the fitter recommended, and is familiar with
> programming. That can make a Huge difference, whether your
> experience will be successfully, or not. Why did you insist on the Divas?
> What did he prescribe?
---
The audiologist did not recommend the Divas, I mentioned them first but I
didn't insist on them. He did not offer an alternative but he did say the
Divas were the best aids available.
---
Are your prescribed aids BTE's? That is the very
> minimum powered aid that would allow you to hear as well as you may.
---
No. They are "in the canal" size. He didn't suggest that any other choice
would make a difference.
---
> I think that the $225 per aid is twice what in my experience, is
> normal, and would suggest that you ask that price be applied to Both
> aids, instead of each.
----
Some one had asked about these charges before. I thought the cost of the
custom mold and custom build was in that price range.
------
> Good Luck,
> Serpent
------
Thanks for the replies, all.
Unfortunately I already have signed the contract. The aids should arrive
in about a week with an appointment scheduled nine days from now.
| |
| ardway 2005-05-02, 10:52 pm |
| Don F wrote:
> Hello Group,
> I have monitored this group for several years and decided it was time to
> give new HAs a try.
> I have a difficult hearing problem to solve (according to the
> audiologist). He was very honest (realistic) after the hearing test and did
> not give me much hope for significant improvement with hearing aids.
> I have normal hearing up to ~1 KHz , a significant problem in the speech
> recognition frequencies, and a drop off of ~80 Db at 4 KHz and above.
> The contract is for $5K a pair Widex Diva HAs (my choice not his) with a 3
> week trial with $225 per aid non-recoverable charges. There is only *one*
> scheduled adjustment visit after two weeks of trial. That said, the
> audiologist implied that another week could be added if necessary and every
> effort would be made to satisfy me. I have read here that at least three
> adjustment visits are necessary and a 4 week trial is a minimum.
> It should be noted that my audiologist has a PHD, is a department head at
> a local university, has written several published papers and was very
> professional in his evaluation.
> This will probably be my first and only attempt to solve my hearing
> problem with HAs so I want to give my best effort during the trial period.
> There is wealth of information, both from knowledge and experience, in
> this group. Any comment will be welcomed.
> Thanks,
>
>
>
I thought the 30 day trial was mandatory in most states. Where do you
live? You will hate the Divas. Get a 30 day trial with the Resound Air
high frequency aids. My hearing is somewhat like yours and I love 'em.
Get your aids from an audiologist who will give you unlimited visits.
This guy sounds like bad news to me. Maybe his Ph. D. is in arrogance.
Don't let him cheat you of a fair appraisal of hearing aids. Be careful
what you sign, folks.
Ardway
| |
| Serpent 2005-05-02, 10:52 pm |
| On Sat, 30 Apr 2005 11:07:46 -0400, "Don F" <donf11@NOSPAMhome.com>
wrote:
>Hello Group,
> I have monitored this group for several years and decided it was time to
>give new HAs a try.
> I have a difficult hearing problem to solve (according to the
>audiologist). He was very honest (realistic) after the hearing test and did
>not give me much hope for significant improvement with hearing aids.
> I have normal hearing up to ~1 KHz , a significant problem in the speech
>recognition frequencies, and a drop off of ~80 Db at 4 KHz and above.
> The contract is for $5K a pair Widex Diva HAs (my choice not his) with a 3
>week trial with $225 per aid non-recoverable charges. There is only *one*
>scheduled adjustment visit after two weeks of trial. That said, the
>audiologist implied that another week could be added if necessary and every
>effort would be made to satisfy me. I have read here that at least three
>adjustment visits are necessary and a 4 week trial is a minimum.
> It should be noted that my audiologist has a PHD, is a department head at
>a local university, has written several published papers and was very
>professional in his evaluation.
> This will probably be my first and only attempt to solve my hearing
>problem with HAs so I want to give my best effort during the trial period.
> There is wealth of information, both from knowledge and experience, in
>this group. Any comment will be welcomed.
>Thanks,
>
>
Greetings!
Up front, I am not at all familiar with the Diva's. I have a pair of
BTE Siemens Trianos, purchased at the same price. I think you are
making a potential mistake in having chosen the brand of aids
yourself, instead of what the fitter recommended, and is familiar with
programming. That can make a Huge difference, whether your experience
will be successfully, or not. Why did you insist on the Divas? What
did he prescribe? Are your prescribed aids BTE's? That is the very
minimum powered aid that would allow you to hear as well as you may.
I think that the $225 per aid is twice what in my experience, is
normal, and would suggest that you ask that price be applied to Both
aids, instead of each.
>"There is only *one* scheduled adjustment visit after two weeks of trial. That said, the
>audiologist implied that another week could be added if..."
"Implied does not cut it. You are entering into a legally binding
contract. Get it in writing. You will probably need at least two or
three follow-up visits. Probably even more, if he is not familiar with
programming the brand of aids you insist upon buying. Try to have that
requirement added to your contract.
>" It should be noted that my audiologist has a PHD..."
This means absolutely nothing, when asking yourself if he can
competently adjust your hearing aids, to fit your needs.
[vbcol=seagreen]
Do NOT let this be so, IF you are serious about being to hear again,
the best that you are able. This is a partnership, between you, and
your hearing professional. It will require work, and commitment, on
your part. If you are NOT satisfied with the service you
receive...simply fire that person, and try another that may better
provide you with the service you need.
I did, and have been hearing every since! :-)
Good Luck,
Serpent
| |
| Serpent 2005-05-02, 10:52 pm |
| On Sat, 30 Apr 2005 15:39:10 -0400, ardway <elbow@medblock.edu> wrote:
>I thought the 30 day trial was mandatory in most states.
Two weeks in Texas.
| |
| ModernMiko 2005-05-03, 8:55 am |
| "ModernMiko" <modernmiko@NOverizon.net> wrote in message
news:7dXce.2864$db7.2434@trnddc01...
> "Serpent" <ttt@none.com> wrote in message
> news:sso7715htmgae44fq5396q1obnhsh90k96@4ax.com...
>
> Really? Hmm...it's been almost 9 yrs since I dispensed in TX but I could
> have sworn the trial period mandated was longer.... Wow. That should be
> changed.
>
> --
> JennL
Sorry to f/u on my own post but this was perplexing me so I just checked.
According to Rule 741.102 from the State Board of Examiners for
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology the trial period is 30 days NOT two
weeks in TX. Two weeks isn't long enough to figure anything out. Heck, MD
requires 30 days but I did 45 days for everyone going up to 60 for some who
were on the fence.
--
JennL
| |
|
| "Serpent" <ttt@none.com> wrote in message
news:ejm771dfq0m7b0dng8gqr4l3p0vc59nvoj@4ax.com...
> Greetings!
>
> Up front, I am not at all familiar with the Diva's. I have a pair of
> BTE Siemens Trianos, purchased at the same price. I think you are
> making a potential mistake in having chosen the brand of aids
> yourself, instead of what the fitter recommended, and is familiar with
> programming. That can make a Huge difference, whether your
> experience will be successfully, or not. Why did you insist on the Divas?
> What did he prescribe?
---
The audiologist did not recommend the Divas, I mentioned them first but I
didn't insist on them. He did not offer an alternative but he did say the
Divas were the best aids available.
---
Are your prescribed aids BTE's? That is the very
> minimum powered aid that would allow you to hear as well as you may.
---
No. They are "in the canal" size. He didn't suggest that any other choice
would make a difference.
---
> I think that the $225 per aid is twice what in my experience, is
> normal, and would suggest that you ask that price be applied to Both
> aids, instead of each.
----
Some one had asked about these charges before. I thought the cost of the
custom mold and custom build was in that price range.
------
> Good Luck,
> Serpent
------
Thanks for the replies, all.
Unfortunately I already have signed the contract. The aids should arrive
in about a week with an appointment scheduled nine days from now.
| |
|
| I don't know Don - Widex makes good stuff and you could be very successful
with this but I think you would be fortunate to get to a well founded
decision point based on so little fitting effort.
$450 is not a small amount for the proposed (very limited) trial that is to
be performed by a perhaps competent person but one who seems to want to hold
his customer at arms length. From what you say it is not clear he is very
dedicated to your success. A valuable trial may take a lot of work.
Rather than this prestigious tight-fisted genius, you might be better off
with a good experienced journeyman fitter maybe without the PHD but one who
looks past the profitability of the trail period and isn't afraid of some
hard work.
Widex has some interesting new instruments this year with improvements. I
hope these are being presented to you also.
Take your time. Keep in mind that when you buy one of these things half of
what you buy is (in effect) pre-paid services bought on faith.
jim
"Don F" <donf11@NOSPAMhome.com> wrote in message
news:abNce.1228$cf5.988@lakeread07...
> Hello Group,
> I have monitored this group for several years and decided it was time to
> give new HAs a try.
> I have a difficult hearing problem to solve (according to the
> audiologist). He was very honest (realistic) after the hearing test and
did
> not give me much hope for significant improvement with hearing aids.
> I have normal hearing up to ~1 KHz , a significant problem in the speech
> recognition frequencies, and a drop off of ~80 Db at 4 KHz and above.
> The contract is for $5K a pair Widex Diva HAs (my choice not his) with a
3
> week trial with $225 per aid non-recoverable charges. There is only *one*
> scheduled adjustment visit after two weeks of trial. That said, the
> audiologist implied that another week could be added if necessary and
every
> effort would be made to satisfy me. I have read here that at least three
> adjustment visits are necessary and a 4 week trial is a minimum.
> It should be noted that my audiologist has a PHD, is a department head
at
> a local university, has written several published papers and was very
> professional in his evaluation.
> This will probably be my first and only attempt to solve my hearing
> problem with HAs so I want to give my best effort during the trial period.
> There is wealth of information, both from knowledge and experience, in
> this group. Any comment will be welcomed.
> Thanks,
>
>
>
| |
| ModernMiko 2005-05-05, 5:57 pm |
| "Serpent" <ttt@none.com> wrote in message
news:sso7715htmgae44fq5396q1obnhsh90k96@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 30 Apr 2005 15:39:10 -0400, ardway <elbow@medblock.edu> wrote:
>
>
> Two weeks in Texas.
>
Really? Hmm...it's been almost 9 yrs since I dispensed in TX but I could
have sworn the trial period mandated was longer.... Wow. That should be
changed.
--
JennL
| |
| ModernMiko 2005-05-05, 5:57 pm |
| "ModernMiko" <modernmiko@NOverizon.net> wrote in message
news:7dXce.2864$db7.2434@trnddc01...
> "Serpent" <ttt@none.com> wrote in message
> news:sso7715htmgae44fq5396q1obnhsh90k96@4ax.com...
>
> Really? Hmm...it's been almost 9 yrs since I dispensed in TX but I could
> have sworn the trial period mandated was longer.... Wow. That should be
> changed.
>
> --
> JennL
Sorry to f/u on my own post but this was perplexing me so I just checked.
According to Rule 741.102 from the State Board of Examiners for
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology the trial period is 30 days NOT two
weeks in TX. Two weeks isn't long enough to figure anything out. Heck, MD
requires 30 days but I did 45 days for everyone going up to 60 for some who
were on the fence.
--
JennL
| |
| Serpent 2005-05-05, 5:57 pm |
| On Sun, 01 May 2005 02:51:08 GMT, "ModernMiko"
<modernmiko@NOverizon.net> wrote:
>"ModernMiko" <modernmiko@NOverizon.net> wrote in message
>news:7dXce.2864$db7.2434@trnddc01...
>
>Sorry to f/u on my own post but this was perplexing me so I just checked.
>According to Rule 741.102 from the State Board of Examiners for
>Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology the trial period is 30 days NOT two
>weeks in TX. Two weeks isn't long enough to figure anything out. Heck, MD
>requires 30 days but I did 45 days for everyone going up to 60 for some who
>were on the fence.
I dug up my Bill of Sale, and I was wrong. It is indeed 30 days, in
Texas.
Serpent
|
| |
|
|