Last year, when her decade-old analog hearing aid started making popping sounds, Tricia Romano knew she had to replace it. But because hearing aids are so costly and generally aren’t covered by insurance, she put it off. She would soon learn that in the last 10 years, purchasing a hearing aid had become even more difficult and confusing than buying a new car — and almost as expensive.
Tricia has worn hearing aids for more than 30 years; she’s had profound hearing loss in her right ear and moderate loss in the left ear, the one where she has worn the aid, since 5 years of age. This article shares her experiences in searching for an affordable hearing aid and the roller-coaster that many like her have to ride in their hunt for more affordable listening devices and options.