DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m a retired audiologist and want to say that your reply to the person inquiring about over the counter (OTC) hearing aids was spot on (Feb. 26 Sun Spots).

The only way to get properly fitting hearing aids, whether prescription or OTC, is to first have a comprehensive hearing exam by a licensed audiologist. Many insurance companies do pay for that exam with a doctor referral.

In 2020, the state of Maine passed a law that requires medical insurance companies to pay for hearing aids up to $3,000 per aid. If an audiologist determines that prescription hearing aids would be the better route for a person to take rather than OTC hearing aids, that person should talk to their insurance company about payment for the aids. Not all OTC hearing aids are applicable to all hearing loss conditions.

Your suggestions to turn on the closed captioning on the TV or use a Bluetooth headset may be better than any hearing aids for many people. And as a longtime hearing aid user myself, I can say that you are definitely correct about using hearing aids in restaurants. That situation can be extremely challenging because of the background noise, even with the improvement in technology with hearing aids.

The first step is finding out what degree and type of hearing loss a person has by scheduling a hearing exam (audiological evaluation) with a qualified audiologist. The audiologist can then counsel the person as to whether hearing aids might be helpful or whether they should see a doctor who is an ear specialist for possible medical treatment. Thank you for the work you do.—No name, no town

ANSWER: Thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough, thoughtful response for our readers. This is yet another time a Sun Spotter has blown me away with their caring and sharing of excellent information.

I read your response with personal interest as I have a deaf family member in the process of adjusting to two cochlear implants, and one of my best friends, as well as a few other older people in my life, are losing their hearing.

I know your professional advice will help many readers.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My husband and I have had hearing aids for years. We also looked for inexpensive aids and thought they may work as well. Our findings showed that there weren’t any that compared to Miracle Ear. With this company, if something goes wrong with your hearing aid, they are right there to assist you and there is no charge for them to service the devices, and no sending them out to a company that may take weeks to get them back to you.

Discounts are offered to veterans and customers can also apply discounts from Medicare, AARP, and anything else that you might have. You really should speak with them, for in the long run these are the clearest and best aids that we and our friends have found. So bite the bullet and see for yourself. There is no charge for the visit satisfaction is great. — No name, Dixfield

ANSWER: Good to know! You can book your free evaluation at https://www.miracle-ear.com/ or call 1-866-818-4856.

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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