Each year, we ask Orange County Register readers to choose their favorite places to shop, dine, play and do business in OC.
Here are the top picks for Best place to buy a hearing aid:
1. Amazing Hearing
24251 Avenida De La Carlota Ste B-1 Laguna Hills; 949-667-9818; amazinghearing.net
Science comes first for Amazing Hearing owner and audiologist Ann Mundell-Noel.
Hers is a shop where customers can buy products for preventing hearing loss, not just treating it, including custom headphones that help with comprehension and products for tinnitus. Professional audiologists test, fit, and repair products for all customers, who benefit from a combination of experience, education and empathy.
“The selection of the best hearing aid for the patient is only the first step in our program. After the selection and fitting of the hearing aids — based on diagnostic testing in quiet and noise — we measure, counsel, and confirm our patients are maximizing their hearing potential. In addition, we offer hearing therapy with every hearing aid fitting. We recognize that getting the sound to the brain is the first step in improving the hearing, and getting the brain to listen and comprehend the new sounds comes next,” says Mundell-Noel.
“Practice makes perfect, so the more the patient uses our hearing therapy program, the better their overall acceptance and improvement in understanding, especially in difficult listening situations, like background noise. Through our program we aim to improve not only communication, but also balance, memory, cognition, and overall quality of life. We are blessed to have so many patients trust us and refer their family and friends.”
Mundell-Noel is also the audiology adviser to the Mission Viejo chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America, which meets monthly in Laguna Woods. At those meetings, she answers people’s questions about hearing loss.
2. Costco Wholesale
Multiple locations; costco.com
It starts with an online hearing test. By the time you walk through the doors of the local Costco, you’ll already know which model could be the best for you.
Costco Hearing Aid Centers carry a variety of brands, like Jabra, Phillips, HearLink and Rexton, and styles, like behind the ear, a receiver in the ear, completely in the canal, in the ear and in the canal. For those who want or need more, accessories like bluetooth can make for better phone conversations and TV viewing as well as remote controls, clip-on microphones and a TV streamer box that delivers sound directly to your hearing aid.
“The ladies always are ready to answer questions, resolve issues and help as needed,” says Yelp reviewer Dave of Laguna Woods. “Katherine noticed a problem with one aid and was able to have it repaired after cleaning it. She’s a nice person and great with clients.”
3. Sonus Hearing Care Professionals
Multiple locations; sonushearing.com
In a place that’s all about hearing, it starts with good listening.
Knowing hearing loss and tinnitus affects people differently, Sonus prides itself on beginning each patient visit as a chance to listen about their needs and lifestyle. Once a hearing aid is selected and fitted, patients get a 75-day money-back guarantee and if the device is right, packages include up to three-year warrantees and free batteries. Patients can also receive regular check ups, including cleanings and checks for proper fit, functioning and adjustment.
Sonus has seven locations in Orange County, including Seal Beach, Placentia, Irvine and Laguna Hills.
“I was a little nervous at first,” says Irvine’s Mike on Yelp. “Receptionist made me feel very calm. The test was quick and I was in front of the doctor in no time at all. My wife thinks I’m going deaf, but my doctor told me I’m above average for my age and more distracted than deaf. It was a very pleasant experience.”