As some of you may know, I'm very hard of hearing. To be exact, I'm profoundlly deaf in all of the high frequencies. Without hearing aids, I don't hear all of the bells, whistles, rings, beeps, etc. In the past three weeks, both of my hearing aids went out. I made an appointment with the audiologist to talk about new hearing aids. I was floored by the new cost of the new hearing aids. Replacing my current type of hearing aids would cost me about $4,700.00, and if I went back to just basic hearing aids, the cost would be $3,700.00! My current hearing aids were $3,800.00, two and a half years ago, so I was hoping that one could be fixed and that would leave me with having to buy only one, but I couldn't see having to pay $2,350.00 for one. As it turned out, the hearing aid for my left ear was repairable and would cost me only $300.00 to be repaired, so it was sent off. I had to come up with a plan.

I decided to try a Walker's Game Ear Digital HD hearing aid, instead of getting a pair of hearing aids from the audiologist. From my reasearch on the Walker Game Ear, they seemed to be of equal quality as the hearing aids from the audiologist. I was paying a lot of extra for the doctor's office, adjustments, and warranty. I feel that I was paying for more than just the hearing aid. I then went straight from the audiologist's office to Bowie Outfitters. They had the same model Walker's Game Ear as I already had, so this would be a cheap experiment, to see if the Walker's Game Ear was as good as the hearing aid from the professional audiologist. I purchased the Walker's Game Ear, Digital HD hearing aid. It's an over the ear type of hearing aid. This model was only $139.00 at Bowie's, but prices vary depending on where you buy it. Bowie's was not the highest price from what I saw on different web sites and the Walker's Game Ear site. They had it priced at $179.00.

I had bought one Walker Game Ear HD Digital hearing aid three years ago, before I got my hearing aids. I made sure that my new hearing aids would shut off and protect my hearing when I shot my rifle or shotgun. I decided to give my Walker Game Ear to my fellow West Fork Hunting Club member and Talk Hunting member, Chipper. I don't think that he ever used it even once, because it was still in the wrapper. I knew that I would hear better if I had two of the same model game ears. It gives you more ability to determine the direction that a sound is coming from. The HD Digital has a volume control and can be fitted with a silicon ear bud rather than the regular foam ear plug, for a less noticable look. The Digital HD model will increases hearing by 7 times and has 48 dB of power with a preset high frequency responce circuit. The Digital HD has a high emphasis on high frequency sounds. It has a 29 dB noise reduction rating. It only weights 1/4 ounce. After you wear them for a while, you don't even know that they are there. You must use the foam plug while hunting to help block the high noise level while shooting. I've been wearing the Digital HD in both ears for two weeks, and I must say that I am very pleased with their quality of sound and comfort. I need to adjust the frequencies on the game ears, because my hearing loss is so profound, but in a word, they're "GREAT"! I can only tell a slight difference in the Walker's Game Ears and the expensive hearing aids from the audiologist. I would recommend them to any of my friends here at Talk Hunting. You will be pleased with this model and surprised at how much you can hear in the woods. You will again be able to hear a twig snap or a buck grunt and have good hearing protection to boot.

Walker's Game Ear has many models to choose from, and the price range goes up to some pretty expensive models, but they are still less than what you're going to pay at the audiologist's office. If you're my age or have some hearing loss at any age, I suggest that you check these hearing aids out. They make the hunting experience so much more pleasurable. I give the Walker's Game Ear Digital HD model a five star rating! You can take a look at their different products, at www.walkersgameear.com . 

By Miscellaneous Authors

This section is for articles published by a host of amateur authors. Some of these authors are former staff members but many of them are just regular people that had an article in their heart they wanted published. Here at TalkHunting, we believe everyone has a message and we try to accomodate that when possible.

Comments(4):

1. May take a second look...

   I had taken a look at these a few years ago to help me with Turkey hunting but never seriously considered it. I may take a second look now. Thanks

   Sunday, March 06, 2011 Robert

2. Thank you...

   Two weeks ago after visiting my Ear Doctor I was depressed to know they wanted close to $7,500 for Dual hearing aids for me and insurance will not pay for them... I will for sure be looking at them Ken.. Awesome article...

   Monday, March 07, 2011 Dennis

3. Great idea!

   I have often wondered about the "ear" type tools from infomercials. I do not have hearing problems but have thought about the game ears just to get and extra advantage. Thanks for the information and I hope others with hearing problems will take this advice and maybe save themselves so money also!

   Monday, March 07, 2011 Anthony

4. ear muffs

   I love my ear muffs from walker's. They are old as dirt and couldn't tell you a thing about them because there is no markings left. My cousin Brian gave them to me. I use them for turkey and squirrel hunting. Just love them!

   Monday, March 14, 2011 Derek