Walker's Game Ear IV HD + Adjustable Fine Tuning and Power Boost Control

Versatile, low cost "hearing aid"

Audiologists probably hope that you never learn about this device. It is digital, not analog and is preset to accent high frequencies, which is where most people need help. You can adjust the ...Read complete review

Audiologists probably hope that you never learn about this device. It is digital, not analog and is preset to accent high frequencies, which is where most people need help. You can adjust the setting. Analog hearing aids are basically just an amplifier and both low and high frequencies are amplified. Most people prefer digital hearing aids because the amplification is more tailored to where they need it. I bought an inexpensive analog unit and found the performance annoying. I found that the digital Walker device works well, almost too well. Shortly after getting it I wore it to a movie theater and was a bit distracted with some strange noises. It turned out that I was hearing people two rows in front of me crunching and chewing their popcorn. An easy adjustment to the volume and the problem was gone. I heard almost every word of the movie perfectly. That has not happened in years. I can hear clocks ticking three rooms away, birds, the wind, kids playing a block away and so much that I have been missing for many years. The device is lightweight, easy to use, has a long battery life, and stores in a small case. It is almost invisible when I have it on. There are several plugs for a comfortable fit for different size ear canals and for use while hunting or in environments where sudden loud noises are a possibility. An auto repair shop or warehouse come to mind. I use it whenever I am watching TV, in crowded restaurants, and whenever I am having a conversation with someone with a higher pitched voice, like my wife. There is no "stuffy ear feeling" except when using the foam sound deadening plug which is for use when hunting or loud environments. But that feeling is just like wearing regular ear plugs. I showed the aid to my Medical Doctor and he was amazed that such a nice unit was available at a sporting goods store. He said that he will be recommending it to other patients who need a hearing aid and that he often tells people to purchase items at sporting good stores rather than paying high prices for a similar medical item. A person however, needs to get used to the idea that not everything will sound just like it did when their hearing was OK. Some sounds are a bit hollow. Also, when first turned on, the volume is at maximum and you need to adjust it before you use it. At times I also wish that the volume control would step down just a little more. Some noises that you have ignored for years like a dripping faucet, noisy fan, the refrigerator motor, will suddenly be back. But that will happen with any hearing aid. All in all it seems like a great alternative to a hearing aid costing far more. If you are considering buying a hearing aid, buy one of these first. You may never need to buy anything else.