Today’s post is an update on my dad, since I know all of you love to hear about him and want to see what he and my mom are up to. I haven’t really shared that much since Christmas as nothing really exciting has been happening lately, but this is a timely post that I knew you all would enjoy hearing about.
And by the way, I asked Dad if he would be OK with letting me share this story on my blog and he gave me the go ahead. I told him that he has so many people who love him and that all of you would like to hear how he’s doing, this part included.
We (the girls in my family) have been after dad for a few years now to look into getting hearing aids. He agreed one time, then decided no he didn’t want to, so it’s been back and forth on talking him into getting some help with his hearing. If you have elderly folks around, you know what I mean, they can be very stubborn and set in their ways. He has insisted that he hears all he wants to hear or needs to hear and that he doesn’t feel like he’s missing out on that much. But we have observed over the last few years that he is not as interactive around groups of people like he used to be. We knew that his hearing was a big part of that, but he wouldn’t admit it, nor look into getting help.
We’ve all known for years that he had hearing problems and it’s just gotten worse the older he gets. Dad saying “huh” has become the norm of how we converse with him the last few years and that syllable has been said hundreds of times as he tries to follow conversations and we have to repeat things over and over. I know it’s been hard on my mom because she is the one who talks and interacts with him daily. It took all of us to talk him into it and finally, finally we got him to agree to go and get his hearing checked out. Lauren took the reins and called Costco, after we heard what a good hearing aid program they have there. This isn’t sponsored at all, but Costco is where we decided to take him since they have such a good money back guarantee program, as well as 5 year warranty and there is nothing to lose by trying them out. It took us awhile to convince him, but once the 3 of us girls (plus mom) go after him, he usually can’t say no for long.
We set up an appointment and my sister and I, along with mom, went with him to Costco to get his hearing test and see what the process would be for getting hearing aids. We had heard too that the cost has improved a lot, since that was always a factor for him and he wouldn’t have spent the money on a really costly hearing aid. Costco offers them for $1700 for the Premium set and all with a money back guarantee within 180 days, so there really was nothing to lose. In fact, the whole family chipped in on the hearing aids because we really wanted him to get them and try them out and felt it would be a good thing for all of us if he was back to hearing almost normally again.
I thought this might be of interest to all of you out there in case you have a stubborn one in your family who might need some convincing on the hearing aid proposition. We are so glad he finally went and I’ll be sure and share the progress of how he does with them. So far so good!
My sister has a membership to Costco, so got us in and they have an area in the store all set up for hearing tests and getting the hearing aids ordered. They have these little rooms to go in and take all the tests needed.
Mom filled out all the paperwork for him (that’s always her job) and then we went in the little room for the hearing test and hearing aids suggested for dad.
This very nice and personable man, Herndon, took care of the hearing test and walked Dad through the process so he could understand how it all works and he was put at ease all along the way. Herndon was perfect for this job and did it all in a witty and humorous manner, getting lots of smiles from dad along the way.
He went through the process of the hearing test and we got a report at the end. Out of a 100% that is normal hearing, dad scored a 12% and 26% in both ears, which was hardly a good score. We knew that it was bad, but it may have been worse than we even thought. The man could hardly hear a thing, so it’s no wonder that he didn’t do well with a lot of people around.
After the hearing test, Herndon put on temporary hearing aids so that dad could finally see what this hearing aid thing is all about. I think he was pleasantly surprised how well he could hear after trying them on. He walked around the store that day for about 30 minutes just to get a feel for how they work and he could tell an immediate difference in his ability to hear us talking to him. We placed the order and then 4 days later went back with dad to pick them up and he got his own hearing aids.
Herndon went through the process of getting his hearing aids set at the right level. These can be adjusted, but evidently the newest thing is to not have them adjustable at home, but to set them at a good level in the beginning and leave them. He can always go back and adjust if needed, but these are supposed to be set for optimal hearing now. He can look at his computer screen to make sure Dad’s set is set up just right for his hearing impairment. Everything went well that first day and dad came home with his brand new set of hearing aids.
Here’s a shot of what they look like and they have many colors to choose from, so dad’s are a neutral skin tone that blend in with his ears. You can barely see them in the above pic of the back of his ear. They hang over the ear and the earbuds go down inside the ear and the wire is barely detectable.
I talked to him from the front seat to see if he could hear me when I wasn’t looking at him and he could hear me just fine. As soon as he got home, he went in and turned on the TV and came in and told us that it was an immediate big difference in watching TV with his hearing aids in. We are so optimistic that he will get used to the hearing aids and really enjoy wearing them now. It took a lot of convincing, but he just might be happy about it now.
We all went home that day and ate cake that mom had just baked. I’ll share that soon too, it was a real winner!
Dad has not been able to hear the preacher at church in a long time so I knew that would be a big test. I talked to Dad on Tuesday and he was able to hear and understand the preacher for the first time in a long time! That makes us so happy! He also said he can now hear the blinker in his car which he didn’t even know made a sound. It’s been so long since he could hear well and I think he’s pretty tickled with the outcome. He sounded very enthusiastic when I talked to him this week. We are very hopeful that he won’t give up on them and send them back. He has 180 days to try them out, but it looks like he is already adjusting to them and actually might be enjoying them. He always said he wasn’t missing out on anything important (ha, his words!), but we think he was and now he’ll be able to keep up with the conversations around the table so much better.
I know how much you all care about my daddy, so wanted to share this update with you. Life changes constantly with elderly parents and this year he will be 90 in July and mom will be 89 in May. We know that the next few years can change drastically with both of their health and well being and we hope to have them with us for many more years to come. Now here’s to better conversations with my dad! We are so happy he finally gave in and went to have his ears checked out. I wanted to share this with all of you in case you have loved ones who may need to go to Costco too. We have nothing but good things to say so far about dad’s experience, but I’ll keep you updated as he wears them for a few months.
[email protected] says
This is wonderful! I am so glad your Dad got a hearing aid. I went thru this with my Dad several years ago, and he loves his also. Glad your Dad can watch Tv and have a conversation now.
Judy Clark says
Rhoda,
So happy to hear that your Dad is adjusting well with the new hearing aides. Paul has them too! He does get frustrated with them at times. They seem to have a lot of background noise which so aggravating. He has to go back to get the adjusted often. I wish him the best!
Chris says
Thanks for this post. My mom (who is 91) is on her 2nd pair of hearing aids and they really aren’t helping much since they’re over 6 years old. Every conversation begins with “what”. A friend had recommended Costco and I’ve tried telling her we can get them there for quite a bit less than what I’ve paid in the past. I’m going to tell her about your post and hopefully she’ll change her mind. So happy for your dad.
Lynne says
Your Mother can go back to where she purchased her hearing aids and have them adjusted to make them louder for her. She may not need new hearing aids. Also , the tubes in hearing aids get hard and need to be replaced. Once they are the hearing gets better too. I hope this helps.
Chris says
Thanks but we already did have them checked and were told she needs new ones. But their cost was more than doubled with what Costco charges.
Barbara Hunnicutt Moore says
This is such great news, Rhoda! The picture of your mom and dad where your mom is filling out the forms is such a great picture. Your dad looks amazing for his age. You are so very fortunate to have your parents. I’m so grateful you generously share them with all of us! Hope things continue to improve for your dad.
Debbie says
So glad for your dad and the family! This was a very helpful story for us with parents (or ourselves) going through the same issue.
Nancy says
My Dad stopped going to church because he couldn’t hear well. He said it was much easier to hear preaching on TV. We never could talk him into wearing hearing aids. He missed out on so much the last few years of his life.
Karen Hamilton says
I wear hearing aids and I’m 69. I am curious if they have a variety of brands. I am on my 2nd pair. These cost me almost 6000 for two. I am already trying to save for my next pair. My hearing is bad; esp hearing people. It is very difficult when you have hearing loss. Thanks for sharing ?
Rhoda says
Hi, Karen, I don’t know if they carry different brands, this was called their Premium set. But you could definitely call them and ask those questions. I know they have different types, but not sure about brands.
Dana R says
They do carry several different brands! They will even let you do trial runs with them to see if you like them. I’ve had 2 pair from Costco, both under $2000, which I consider a bargain.
beth b says
Hi Rhoda — I am 58 years old and I have been wearing hearing aids for two years now! My hearing loss was discovered when I started having ringing in my ears and went to have my hearing checked. It’s really amazing how much sound I was missing. My hearing aids are barely noticeable (for those who are afraid of them showing and making them appear “old”). Most of the time I forget I’m wearing them because they are that comfortable!
Gilda Stigliano DDS, PC says
my dad has those bulky V.A. hearing aids that don’t seem to help him..and you are correct–they are stubborn as they age (we won’t be like that, right??!!!)…so I wish we had Costco near us.. I’d be there in a flash! Thanks so much for the post; it will restart the conversation.
Shelley says
My dad bought his last pair at Sam’s Club that he is very pleased with. Hopefully you have one close to you.
donna zoltanski says
I always say, cooperation is key to helping the elderly. You look so much like your handsome Dad, a loving family helps very much as they age. He looks wonderful – and happy to hear!
Marissa says
What perfect timing this post was! My Dad, 70, had all of the hearing tests done & has decided not to go through with it. He is citing the costs as the main reason. I’m calling our Costco today to see if they offer them at this price. By the ENT doctor, he was being told 5-7k. If our local Costco offers them at this price, he has NO excuse anymore! My Dad has been hard of hearing 30plus years & it’s wearing us out! My Mom now gives him “no repeat days,” as she needs a break. Thanks so much for this info. Hope your Daddy loves them!
Rhoda says
HI, Marissa, I hope you have a Costco nearby. We had heard good things and so far so good with dad’s.
Roxanne says
Hi Rhoda! Your mom and dad look so good! I’m thrilled for him. I’m almost 65 and know I already need hearing aids (a Bruce Springsteen concert 10 years ago finished me off!). Just like your dad I am missing out at church, riding in the car with friends, even tv. Cost has been a factor in my delay. You are the second person to recommend Costco. A friend just got some there and remarked she could hear birds singing for the first time in years. Are your dad’s very bulky and visible? People have no trouble wearing glasses, why are we vain about hearing aids? Hearing aid cake – love it!
Rhoda says
Hey, Roxanne, go to Costco! Really, they did a great job with his testing and these hearing aids have a 5 year warranty and he goes back for scheduled visits and cleanings often at no charge. They really make it a no brainer. If you don’t love them you have 180 days to return them and get all your money back. They are not bulky at all! In the pic of him riding in the car, if you zoom in, you can barely see the wire that comes down. I meant to post a pic of what they look like. I’ll add that in too.
Pam A. says
That is such a great story! He really reminds me of my Grandaddy! Such a sweet and kind soul! You are so lucky to have him still in your life!!
janstollings says
Your blog introduced me to blogland and is still my all time favorite. I have so enjoyed getting to know your parents. So glad your Dad is hearing better now with his hearing aids. He is truly an inspiration with his gardening and will be able to hear the birds sing while out there.
tara dillard says
Thank you Rhoda for knowing to post this. My first thought, Your dad is a blessing to others, and we need to hear what he has to say, now it is easier for him to pass along more of what he has so much of, grace. Because without hearing, and thru your blog, your dad passes his grace forward. Ineffable, yes?
Go Costco, performing this service. How many are not hearing, due to cost?
My mom cannot hear, bad for years, expensive hearing aids a huge problem, always have a problem.
Many professions are changing due to new competition. A friend has a crown business for dentists. Past 2 years their business dribbled away, new entries to the market, reducing prices by 75% wholesale, yet crowns still, mostly, cost the same at a dentist’s office. Off topic, but worth a mention, allied with these Costco low priced hearing aids.
Garden & Be Well, XO T
Angelyn Harber says
I’m so glad your Dad was able to get help, and I hope it works out for him. Audiologists have many years of clinical education. As an experienced audiologist, I would caution every one that cost shouldn’t be the only factor in determining where you purchase hearing aids. I’m a pediatric audiologist, and the cost of our aids include three year manufacturer warranty plus two years of visits at our office for any hearing aid related issues. I would certainly ask the educational background of the person fitting the hearing aid, and research to make sure the claims are true.
Rhoda says
Hi, Angelyn, thanks for chiming in. These come with a 5 year warranty and free visits back for checkups as well as professional cleanings a couple of times a year.
Arlene@Nanaland says
So happy for your dad and for all of you!! I had no idea that Costco did hearing aides too. Thanks for the info.
MEM says
Thanks so much Rhoda for posting this! My husband is only 69 but is definitely hard of hearing. He was seen by an audiologist and the estimate for two hearing aids was $6800! This is in the Boston area. For the life of me I don’t understand why insurance does not cover them, even partially. He’s going to check out Costco to see if their hearing aids can help his “mid-range” hearing loss.
Rhoda says
Hi, MEM, oh he should definitely check out Costco, I’m sure they can help him for much less $$.
Donna says
This is a beautiful story, beautifully told! You’re right, we all love your folks as if they were our own.
Jane H. says
This is so important!!! I’ve read articles that attribute some cases of dementia to the fact that a person couldn’t hear and was losing out on interaction with other people and withdrawing. Such good news that he’s willing to try! Kudos to you all!