[Flyinglady]

My audiologist has recommended that I purchase Unitron Relate Hearing Aids through United Healthcare. Does anyone use these, if so how do they work for you.

[retiredguy123]

Personally, I would get a second opinion. Costco sells several different types of hearing aids, and they are less expensive than most.

[Arlington2]

I have Relate from nearly 2 years ago. At that time they were made by Phonak. Do not know if the Unitron devices are the same. At any rate I am very pleased with my Relates. They perform at least as good and have more features than my previous much more expensive Oticon's. They are a great bargain with UHC co-pay. I will be getting Relate again when it is time to replace them. I am actually surprised your audiologist has the integrity to recommended them. My experience is normally they attempt to upsell (like local dentists).

[Two Bills]

The Canadian Company that makes them have been in the business a long time, and looking at their reviews, make a decent product.
Why not ask for a trial, and see if you are happy with them.
If a supplier does not offer a trial period, I would walk, and find one who does.
Personally I use, like, and recommend Phonak hearing aids, but there are other just as good aids out there.
A good Audiologist is the first priority, and as stated above, a second opinion would not be time wasted.
Good luck.

[Stu from NYC]

Hearing aids are incredibly expensive so strongly suggest that you do get a second opinion and get a trial period of at least a month.

[Flyinglady]

Thank you, I appreciate your honest reply.

[MarcStephen]

As a hearing aid user since 18 months old, now 65 with sensorineural hearing loss ( severe hearing loss ), I recommend trying various different hearing aids. No two hearing aids are alike regardless of the level of hearing loss. Don’t let the insurance or OTC convince you. Go with what works. The benefit outweighs the cost. I’ve had just about every hearing aid made throughout my life. Unitron has been known to be a good aid for moderate hearing loss and have been around since the 60’s. I never used them and they are a Canadian company bought out by Sonova. So you would be in good hands however I encourage to go to an audiologist that offer different aids to try before purchase.

[Pjberlage]

My husband has Costco hearing aids. Approx $1500. Got one run over by his fire truck, found it after the call, brought it to Costco, had a new replacement in 7 days. He stops into visit every time to visit his people, they clean them, replace wires or the little globes, no charge!

[Heytubes]

The over the counter aids are not generally fitted to the wearer’s heating loss range, plus I understand they just amplify sound. I have Phonak and love them compared to others I’ve had in the past. They are fitted to the ear via wax plus high/low frequency range is formatted to your degree of hearing loss. Don’t think over the counter Costco does that.

[Debfrommaine]

Likely you already did ask the UHC audiologist, but if not, find out what the fees are to have the hearing aids cleaned and analyzed. Per visit can run $40-60 depending on if you have the doctor check them or his assistant. UHC insurance does not cover these visits after you buy the hearing aids. Just a heads up to be aware of if not already.

[pokeefe45@aol.com]

Phonak and Unitron are owned by the same company, and there is some cross utilization and cross marketing within the brands. Likened to Unitron being the 'generic' and less expensive version of Phonak. I'd highly recommend them. I use the 'Gold' Relate aids, and you can't beat the price of $850 per PAIR that my Advantage Plan gives me- (UHC TV FOCUS). You can get all kind of second and third opinions, but you'll not find a better product at a better price around. Fully programmable and REprogammable with great customer service. They also offer a 2 month fully refundable trial period.

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by Debfrommaine

Likely you already did ask the UHC audiologist, but if not, find out what the fees are to have the hearing aids cleaned and analyzed. Per visit can run $40-60 depending on if you have the doctor check them or his assistant. UHC insurance does not cover these visits after you buy the hearing aids. Just a heads up to be aware of if not already.

.

Frequent visits for "check ups" is to my mind just a money grab.
Once the initial setup and fine tuning is done, there really is no need for regular visits.
I haven't needed to see my audiologist for last 18 months.
I clean and replace wax guards etc myself, and only visit if I have a problem, or need a tune up.
Once you have worn hearing aids for some time, you will know when a service or adjustment is needed.

[Arlington2]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

.

Frequent visits for "check ups" is to my mind just a money grab.
Once the initial setup and fine tuning is done, there really is no need for regular visits.
I haven't needed to see my audiologist for last 18 months.
I clean and replace wax guards etc myself, and only visit if I have a problem, or need a tune up.
Once you have worn hearing aids for some time, you will know when a service or adjustment is needed.

I agree with this. UHC Advantage has 2 mechanisms to purchase hearing aids - 1) in person with an audiologist and 2) virtual care where everything is done online. I learned they are separate activities and you go one way or the other at purchase. The virtual sounds very inviting to me as I am comfortable dealing online, but have no personal experience. Presently I must go to an audiologist for adjustments. I would be interested in folks experience with the online option.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

.

Frequent visits for "check ups" is to my mind just a money grab.
Once the initial setup and fine tuning is done, there really is no need for regular visits.
I haven't needed to see my audiologist for last 18 months.
I clean and replace wax guards etc myself, and only visit if I have a problem, or need a tune up.
Once you have worn hearing aids for some time, you will know when a service or adjustment is needed.

We pay a good amount for the hearing aids and do find a need for a visit several times a year with no extra cost. In addition once a year at least he does a hearing test and adjusts the hearing aid as necessary.

[Flyinglady]

Originally Posted by Debfrommaine

Likely you already did ask the UHC audiologist, but if not, find out what the fees are to have the hearing aids cleaned and analyzed. Per visit can run $40-60 depending on if you have the doctor check them or his assistant. UHC insurance does not cover these visits after you buy the hearing aids. Just a heads up to be aware of if not already.

Thank you, I did not know that they are guaranteed for 3 years, so I assumed servicing was also included.