DEAR SUN SPOTS: I need the help of Sun Spotters. I’d like to have recommendations for available over-the-counter hearing aids. Google reviews are very positive, but I find you can’t always trust those as often they are skewed to favor particular products. I have much more confidence in personal recommendations coming from Sun Spots Land.

As many of you probably know, prescribed hearing aids are very costly and not always covered with medical insurance, especially with Medicare.

I’m most interested in small hearing aids that fit right into the ears, as ones that fit behind the ears are bulky, especially with wearing glasses full time. And of course, they are also very visible.

Most of the time I hear okay, but watching movies is the worst since tones go up and down.  Some people are more difficult to hear for me as well.

I hope I get some good responses and recommendations. What would I do without Sun Spots to start my day?! — No name, no town

ANSWER: It’s so frustrating to not be able to hear! This condition can lead to depression and cause a person to feel isolated.

I do know what you’re talking about when watching movies and programs on television. It helps to have the automated captions on, and it may also help to use a Bluetooth headset.

Being in a noisy restaurant or other venue where there are lots of people and background music/noise can be challenging too — and hearing aids may not help with that as they amplify background noise.

I hope readers respond to your request with good recommendations, but please don’t skip a hearing examination from an audiologist as you’ll get good information to help you make a decision that’s right for you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Recently at a Lewiston supermarket, a very kind person surprised me and anonymously paid for my groceries. I was more than pleased, because I have done this in the past when I have noticed elderly single people. Never before have I thought I deserved or needed such an act of kindness. I will now be especially pleased when I “pay it forward.”

Thank you for posting this, Sun Spots! Your work is appreciated. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I love when this happens! There are so many kind, caring people in the world, and we all deserve to be noticed and showered with love, no matter who we are. I know this not only made you feel good in both receiving this gift and the plan to pay it forward. Don’t forget to contemplate how good it made the giver feel to do this for you!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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