As a 65-year old hearing aid wearer for the past 15 years, I have tried many different audiologists and devices with varying levels of success. Based on my background, friends often ask me for advice when struggling with their own hearing challenges.
I was skeptical when I first learned about Hear.com and their promises of revolutionizing the hearing aid buying process. But after my journey from their initial assessment to hearing aid trial and follow-up care, I can conclusively review why Hear.com provides such a refreshing and personalized solution.
Overview: Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Caring Support
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Hearing assessment uses a quick online screening + comprehensive in-clinic audiogram testing to identify your exact hearing needs
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Choose from 5 tiers of hearing aids (Economy – Luxury) across major brands like Signia, Oticon, Phonak
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Connectivity features like direct streaming from iOS/Android for many models
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Free expert follow-up tuning/adjustments during 45-day home trial and multi-year warranty
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Financing options as low as 0% APR so you can afford the advanced technology
Unlike big box clinics push a single product with limited tuning help, Hear.com delivers an individualized solution. Their experts actually listen to YOU instead of trying to sell the most expensive hearing aids with no aftercare.
I’ll now summarize my full experience using Hear.com’s innovative approach to rediscover a world of consistent and comfortable hearing.
Step 1: My Quick But Effective Online Hearing Test
The first step in accessing Hear.com’s expertise involves a free five minute assessment. Their Hearing Aid Finder Quiz asks about:
- Environments with hearing difficulty
- Ability to follow conversations
- Presence of ringing (tinnitus)
- Current solutions tried (if any)
- Health conditions
- Entertainment listening preferences
It felt comforting discussing challenges that I faced daily but rarely shared with anyone.
Their audiologist Kathy called me a few days later to review my assessment results. We discussed whether I could benefit from amplification. She sent me reports explaining my probable issues and range of recommended solutions.
Finally, someone spoke to me in simple, caring terms rather than medical jargon!
Step 2: In-Clinic Hearing Evaluation
Kathy helped set up an appointment with Dr. Leyla at a nearby clinic. Many resources focus only on selling hearing aids.
In contrast, Dr. Leyla conducted a full audiologic assessment first to establish my baseline functionality without any devices.
The tests measured:
- Pure tone audiometry: Soft-to-loud tones across pitches to map hearing sensitivity range
- Speech audiometry: Ability to discern words at different volumes
- Physical ear exam: Ear canal health, eardrum movement, infection checks
- Tympanometry: Eardrum response to pressure changes
Going beyond a quick hearing screening gave us objective insights on the scope of my loss. Rather than push a particular brand upfront, Dr. Leyla first diagnosed the root factors limiting my hearing.
This adherence to clinical best practices gave me confidence I could trust Hear.com to address true issues rather than profit goals.
Step 3: Hearing Aid Selection Appointment
At my next visit two weeks later, Dr. Leyla reviewed the detailed results and her recommendations. We discussed five major aspects:
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Type of hearing loss: Mainly high frequency sensorineural
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Severity: Ranging from moderate loss in low pitches to severe loss in higher frequencies
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Impacted environments: Trouble even in 1:1 conversations and small groups
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Best technology options: Receiver-in-the-canal styles optimal based on my ear size, dexterity
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Price considerations: Budget suited mid-tier tech but higher was worth if possible
Rather than automatically proposing the top-end devices, she cares more about solving my struggle to communicate.
Dr. Leyla presented a Hear.com catalog spanning four major technology/price tiers. We reviewed comparisons focused on my circumstance below:
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| Parameter | Basic Tier | Mid Tier | Advanced Tier | Premium Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Models | Signia Insio Nx | Oticon Ruby 3mi R | Phonak Audeo P90 R | Signia Active Pro SP |
| Styles | RIC | RIC | RIC | RIC |
| Channels/Bands | 8 | 48 | 90 | 96 |
| Rechargeable battery | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Max output | 115 dB | 126 dB | 130 dB | 132 dB |
| Connectivity | No | TV + iOS/Android App | iOS/Android + other streaming | iOS/Android + other streaming |
| Speech enhancement | Basic | Very Good | Excellent | Best-in-class |
| Directional mics | Fixed | Auto | Auto+rafting focus | Auto+rafting focus |
| Price | $139/month | $175/month | $225/month | $249/month |
I felt the Advanced Tier Phonak Audeo P90-R offered the right balance of features and affordability through Hear.com‘s financing offer.
Their experts handle insurance paperwork and commitments. You simply focus on better living through improved hearing capabilities rather than financial anxiety.
Step 4: My Hearing Aid Fitting Experience
At my fitting visit, Dr. Leyla ensured my hearing aids:
- Were sized and inserted properly for comfort
- Had amplification customized to match my audiogram
- Sounded clear without whistling/squealing (feedback)
- Enhanced speech understandability via microphone directionality
She activated adjustable voice focus to amplify the person in front of me even amidst background chatter. What an eye opener to effortlessly distinguish conversations again!
I noticed a life-like richness from the 90 channels working seamlessly vs. my old 8 channel, always-beeping aids from Costco.
Dr. Leyla encouraged me to wear the devices consistently to accustom my brain pathways to process amplified input.
Don‘t wait until you "really need hearing aids." By then atrophied auditory centers cause new sounds to overwhelm rather than assist you.
Step 5: Consistent Follow-Up Care for Lasting Results
My previous clinic never scheduled proactive follow-ups. They reacted only when I spent hours calling with sudden issues.
Conversely, Dr. Leyla saw me seven times over my first three months including her office number offering 24/7 emergency assistance.
At my one week post-fitting visit, she further enhanced the directional focus and comfort. We walked outdoors as she demonstrated the sound localization and noise filtering capabilities firsthand.
I picked up tips to stream shows, answer calls, and control volume directly through my iPhone. Syncing with my devices opens up even more use cases rather than just amplifying sounds.
Why Hear.com Earns My Recommendation
Given challenges in my decade-plus hearing aid journey, I approached Hear.com with cynicism like many of you. In an industry ripe with questionable sales tactics, this organization blew me away with transparent information and patient-first compassion.
Here is what sets them clearly apart from traditional channels:
👂 Thorough assessment of root causes behind your struggles instead of generic amplification
👂 Ongoing support maximizing benefit even as hearing evolves rather than one-time sale thanks
👂 Candid guidance navigating technology and financial options catered to your needs
👂 Cutting-edge hearing solutions enhancing engagement vs just louder volume
Still not convinced? Their pioneering 45-day home trial means zero risk. I ended up returning my first pair within two weeks for free tuning by Dr. Leyla rather than question my whole investment like before.
Shop Hear.com’s 100% online or call (786) 520-2456 to schedule your free assessment and discuss promos.
Then experience their compassion guiding you towards custom recommendations enhancing your capabilities to live life to the fullest!
