I am 81 years old with severe loss of hearing in both ears. In early 2019 I began my experience with hearing aids searching for improvement. I choose a large national retailer that has an audiology department that was recommended by family members. After the hearing test the audiologist suggested a hearing aid for my right ear but indicated that they had nothing strong enough to be of any help to the left ear. Having no experience with hearing aids and believing what I heard, I purchased the one hearing aid for approximately $1,330. I used the hearing aid for several years with some improvement with my hearing but still had problems with speech recognition.
In late 2020 I searched for a better hearing aid on the internet and purchased several sets of OTC hearing aids. As they were digital they were an improvement over my previous hearing aid but in my opinion not the final answer.
After consulting more family members and friends with hearing issues I went to another audiologist representing a well known brand. I was fitted with their highest rated hearing aids at a cost of approximately $6,000.
These hearing aids worked well until some time in 2025. The audiologist at this time was pushing for an upgrade with a net cost to me around $7,500 which I felt I could not afford.
My continued research led me to Danny Pearce at Audibel Charlotte. At the appointment Mr. Pearce did a detailed analysis of my hearing issues and prescribed a set of Starcky Omega 24 AI hearing aids. He demonstrated the aids with custom ear molds and I was impressed enough after the demonstration to order the set on the spot. The main selling point was my "new ability to hear my wife clearly without looking at her" which was a new experience for me (and her as well).
I have been wearing the new hearing aids since early in 2026 and could not be more pleased with them. The AI feature is wonderful as improvements to the hearing aids are made automatically when needed.
I wear the aids for 12 - 14 hours a day and hear much better than I could 10 -15 years ago. Also the price I paid was a fraction of the amount that I would have paid at the prior audiologist. I would recommend Audibel Charlotte as the best source for the best fit in hearing aids to anyone with any hearig loss. read more