My HA's came from ebay and were one of the latest models of Phonak & correct for my loss. I saved thousands because someone died & didn't need them any longer. The ear inserts/tubes are new & sized to my ear canal & the programming was done by a HA pro that sells Phonak. It escapes me why the HA industry-meaning the ones that frequently sell them at a rip off, don't approach an expensive device the same as a vehicle, which retains high value in the used market. Sure, it's true that HA's change fast given new technology in recent years, but there are lots of older people that use them thus many become available through natural cause. The technology that helps me wasn't available only a few years back. My pro said mine were the 1st used HA's she had done. Many places will balk on serving used HA owners as they want the large profit that goes with the 1st sale. It's no accident that we have laws to protect us r.e. HA's & their sale.
There are lots models within the several really good brands so choice of brand & model matters in several ways. One persons great experience may be entirely wrong for others. For my loss a HA that was always inserted would not work at all. My point is that it's a device that has to fit your loss profile.
As to tinnitus , you can get a mild case from one loud noise exposure or you can get a "rest of your life" case from long term exposure, the choice is yours for not using protection. Mine is (to my notion) mild but never ending but lucky to not have it so bad that it interferes with daily living.
**** One all important thing to remember about noise exposure is that it is accumulative, meaning that each and every time you don't protect you are chipping away at what hearing you had to start with!****
There are lots models within the several really good brands so choice of brand & model matters in several ways. One persons great experience may be entirely wrong for others. For my loss a HA that was always inserted would not work at all. My point is that it's a device that has to fit your loss profile.
As to tinnitus , you can get a mild case from one loud noise exposure or you can get a "rest of your life" case from long term exposure, the choice is yours for not using protection. Mine is (to my notion) mild but never ending but lucky to not have it so bad that it interferes with daily living.
**** One all important thing to remember about noise exposure is that it is accumulative, meaning that each and every time you don't protect you are chipping away at what hearing you had to start with!****