When I arrived at the new audiologist appointment, the first thing that she did was to give me a hearing test.  Since this was my third hearing test in the last three months, I had the routine down.  And while it was repetitive, I understood why she needed to do it.

The audiologist reviewed my results and concluded that I had a sever hearing loss and that hearing aids were definitely needed.  Since her conclusion was different from the other two audiologists, I had to wonder if my hear had gotten worse.  Regardless, she picked out a hearing aid brand and model (the better) and said that it would arrive in two to three days.  Great!

I was really enjoying the hearings that I purchased from Sam s Club.  But then my insurance company sent me a notice saying that they would not pay for hearing aids from Sam s.  Since I was confused, I called my insurance company to find out why.

My insurance company told me that they work with a hearing aid wholesaler and that I should contact the wholesaler for information.  When I contacted the wholesaler, they set up an appointment for me with a local audiologist for a hearing exam and consultation.

On the way back from the ENT, we stopped at Sam’s Club to get some groceries.  And since we were there, I decided to check out their hearing center.  After all, there was a free hearing examine.  After the examine the audiologist told me that my hearing was marginal and that hearing aids would help.  She then told me that they had three models; good, better and best.

I thought, “here we go again.”  The good was $2,000. the better was $3,000 and the best was $4,000.  The Audiologist then explained the differences and told me that I would be best served with the $3,000 model.  She also said that there was a free 90 trial.  When I asked about my insurance company she told me that I was covered.  Great!  Two hours later, I walked out the door with my new hearing aids.

My follow up appointment with the ENT was scheduled for the following week.  Great!  I thought that I would certainly demo several hearing aids but that was not the case.  The hearing tech showed me a particular brand of hearing aids which had three different models; a good, better and best.  As I often do when presented with choices, I asked what was the difference.  The hearing tech told me that the good was good, the better was better and the best was the best.

Since this line of inquiry was proving to be fruitless, I tried a different approach.  I asked how much they cost.  She said that the good was $3,000, the better was $4,000 and the best was $5,000.  Then I asked just how much my insurance would cover and she said $2,400.  Ouch!  Time to move on to plan B.

My referral to the GP was the shortest office visit that I have ever had.  He looked at my hearing results and concurred with their assessment.  Some how this process seemed like a total waste of time.  But I was told that it was proper protocol.  What ever.  At least I was on my way back to the ENT and hopefully a hearing improvement.

When I called for an appointment with the ENT, they told me the the doctors were booked for the next two months but if I was willing to see the PA instead, I could get in next week.  Since I wasn’t looking at any major medical problems, I agreed to see the PA.

When I arrived at my appointed time, the hearing technician gave me a hearing test.  At the conclusion, she said that my hearing was marginal and that hearing aids could help.  Since I was tired of unknowingly volunteering for things, I agreed.  And since we were both in agreement that I needed hearing aids, I fully expected to see a host of hearing aid products.  But no, I needed to be referred back to my GP for his concurrence.

I have problems hearing.  And in particular, I have problems hearing women. And because I often can’t understand what they are saying, I just smile and nod.  Unfortunately, I found that I was volunteering without realizing it.  And since this was proving to be embarrassing, I decided that it was time to purchase a pair of hearing aids.

The other day, I purchased a book at a major book store.  Unfortunately, they couldn’t afford to give me a free bookmark.  I guess it cost too much even though it is advertising.  But not to worry, I cut of their free bag and use that as book mark. I suppose eventually that too will go away.

All of the dry milk that I see on the shelves is “non-fat”. Do they make dry milk with fat?  If not, what do they do with the fat?  Do they make it in to instant dry butter?

This is National Pet Dental Health.  I didn’t know.  I guess I will have to buy some floss for my kitties.