I suspect I have a hearing loss, what might I experience? Some common symptoms of hearing loss include:
-Difficulty understanding all the words in a conversation clearly
-Trouble hearing in restaurants or crowded situations
-Understanding in the presence of background noise like in the car or when water is running
-Asking people to repeat themselves
-Feeling like people are mumbling or not speaking clearly
-Trouble hearing on the telephone
-Difficulty understanding the television at a comfortable level for others
-Family and/or friends often complain that you are not hearing
-Hearing over distances
How often should I get my hearing checked? It is recommended that everyone receive a baseline hearing evaluation at the age of 50. If hearing loss is present, then hearing should be rechecked annually. If hearing is normal, then hearing should be re-checked every 3-5 years or sooner if you suspect a change.
Is hearing loss reversible? The short answer is no. Unfortunately, hearing loss is typically due to a lifetime of exposure to damaging sounds as well as genetic factors that tend to appear as we age. Once sensorineural hearing loss develops, it is a permanent condition. Conductive hearing losses can occasionally be corrected with medical or surgical intervention, but a complete hearing evaluation is necessary to determine what type of hearing loss you have. Click here to read about the different types of hearing loss.
Is hearing loss preventable? There are a few factors that can contribute to a hearing loss. A noise induced hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noise is entirely preventable. Please click here to read about different hearing protection. (Link to hearing protection page) Other factors such as family history of hearing loss, normal aging and some medications contribute to a hearing loss and are not preventable.
Will I need to get 2 hearing aids? That depends on the results of your hearing evaluation and our recommendations. If you have hearing loss in both ears, it only makes sense to wear a hearing aid in each ear. Our ears are like our eyes, balance is very important. We will only recommend what we know you need. Our brains rely on getting a message from both ears in order to determine the location of a sound. Hearing equally in both ears also plays a large role in our ability to understand speech in the presence of background noise. For more information about the importance of wearing 2 hearing aids if it is recommended you do so, please read the following article. (Link to an article about auditory deprivation)
Will hearing aids allow me to hear “normal” again? Many people think that hearing aids will correct their hearing allowing them to hear “normal” again. This misconception often makes people have unrealistic expectations of hearing aids. The result of hearing aids is different than that of eyeglasses. Once you put on glasses, you may see with 20/20 vision again. With hearing aids, you have to retrain your brain to process and recognize sounds that you may not have heard in years or decades. Hearing aids will significantly improve your hearing and make a difference in your quality of life, but the results are not instantaneous. That said, today’s technology provides the clearest, most natural sound quality ever available.
Are you providers for any insurance companies? We are providers for most major insurance carriers. We also are Medicare providers. Most insurance companies, including Medicare will cover the cost of a full hearing evaluation. Please call us for information about the specific insurance plans we work with.
Will my insurance pay for hearing aids? Typically, hearing aids are not covered by insurance. However, some companies do have policies that will cover part or all of hearing aids. We can help you verify coverage and file any necessary claims.
How much do hearing aids cost? The simple answer is that hearing aids can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per aid depending on the technology level. Our goal is to fit you with amplification that is appropriate with your hearing needs and lifestyle. That is why we take so much time learning about your specific hearing frustrations, so we can pair you with hearing aids that will compliment your needs and your budget. If you would like more information, please contact our office to set up a consultation.
Why do hearing aids cost so much? There many factors to consider when purchasing hearing aids such as the establishment you are purchasing them from, what warranty/factory services are included and the aftercare service you receive. The ear and hearing organ is a very complicated system. An Audiologist has spent extensive time learning about the intricacies of how we hear. He or she is trained to detect medical conditions that may not otherwise be caught. Also, hearing aids are not like glasses where you can put them on and have 20/20 vision. It is expected that you will require a considerable amount of follow-up care before you are completely satisfied with the aids. That professional time adds cost to the hearing aids. Technology also takes a long time to develop due to the relatively small number of people who wear hearing aids. Unfortunately, technological advances cannot be made without money to spend on research. Before you go about purchasing hearing aids, it is very important to research and get to know the people who you are getting your hearing aids from. Hearing aids are an investment and you should be confident that you are purchasing them from a reputable company.
I purchased my hearing aids over the internet and am now having trouble, what can I do? We suggest contacting the website where you purchased the hearing aids and ask them what your options are. Hearing HealthCare Centers believes that only trained professionals should fit hearing aids and as a policy, we do not service hearing aids purchased over the internet. Unfortunately, more and more people are turning to the internet to provide cheap solutions. However, there are a couple factors that many people don’t realize when trying to cut costs. If you spend the money on hearing aids and then are not able to use them because they do not come with follow-up care, they will end up being a waste of that money. Also, if the hearing aids are not properly programmed for your loss, they can actually cause more damage to your hearing. Hearing HealthCare Centers believes that is a mistake to buy hearing aids over the internet and can cost you a lot more than a professionally fit and programmed set of instruments that come with proper follow-up care.
Someone has willed me/given me hearing aids, Can I use them? Custom hearing aids are made specifically for that individual. Most manufacturers do not allow hearing aids to be re-fit to another person. Even if the shape of the aid could be modified to fit a different person, it may be a very inappropriate circuit for him or her. Properly fit hearing aids assure that soft sounds are amplified adequately, but they also compress loud sounds so as not to do further damage to your hearing organs.
How long will my hearing aids last? The average lifespan for hearing aids is 4-6 years. That is not to say hearing aids cannot last much longer than that. Your hearing loss or needs may have changed. Technology is constantly making advancements that may benefit you as well. While we strive to keep you abreast of changes in technology, we will also help you get the maximum life out of your hearing aids. Regular service and maintenance will certainly improve the lifespan of your hearing aids.
Which hearing aids are best for me? That depends on your hearing loss, social activities, dexterity, preferences and of course, budget. We will take into consideration the above factors and recommend models we know will benefit you. All of our recommendations are tailored to you as an individual.
My friend got hearing aids and does not wear them. How do I know that that will not happen to me? We agree that there are many people who have been dissatisfied with their hearing aids and have given up on them. However, the majority of people can benefit from properly fit hearing aids. We strive to ensure success with all of our fittings. Success with hearing aids can be two-fold:
First, we believe follow-up care is the most important factor in adapting to hearing aid use. Hearing aids are not like glasses, where you may see 20/20 as soon as you put the glasses on. We process sound in our brains, and since most people lose their hearing gradually, it is important to re-learn how to hear gradually. We like to see our patients multiple times during the initial fitting of new hearing aids. This helps us address any programming or fit issues right away. We also like to continue to see our patients every few months for regular professional cleaning and to solve any problems that may arise over time.
Second, advancements in technology have greatly improved characteristics that deterred success such as feedback (whistling), occlusion (the plugged-up feeling), and too much background noise. The technology, combined with good follow-up care, can ensure your success with hearing aids.
What happens if I change my mind and do not want my hearing aids? By law, a 30-day trial period is required with all purchases of hearing aids. We don’t believe that is long enough, therefore, Hearing HealthCare Centers offers a 60-day evaluation period with all fittings. In that period of time, we recommend multiple follow-up visits to help you adapt to the hearing aids. We greatly recommend that new users of hearing aids try them for at least that long before considering returning the instruments.
What can I do with my old set of hearing aids? There are a couple options for old hearing aids. First, consider keeping them as spare hearing aids, much the way you keep a spare set of glasses around. Occasionally, hearing aids could need repaired or could be misplaced, and having spare hearing aids could come in very handy.
Hearing HealthCare Centers will also accept donated hearing aids that we send to the Starkey Hearing Foundation (www.sotheworldmayhear.org). The Starkey Hearing Foundation uses donated aids to rebuild and refurbish hearing aids that are taken all over the world and fit on needy children. They have provided 240,000 hearing aids since 2000.
How long do hearing evaluations take? The answer to that question really depends on whether or not you suspect a hearing loss. If you are only interested in a baseline test, expect to spend about 30 minutes with us. However, if you suspect you have a hearing loss and are also interested in a hearing aid consultation, we typically allow up to 90 minutes. In that time, we will discuss your history and the types of problems you are having. We perform a battery of hearing test procedures and then discuss your results. At that time we can make recommendations based on your individual needs.
How much does a hearing evaluation cost? Hearing HealthCare Centers provides free hearing screenings. The results of that will determine if you should receive a more comprehensive hearing evaluation. Insurance, including Medicare, typically covers the various components of the hearing evaluation. The cost of the hearing evaluation depends on the various diagnostic tests we perform. Please call for more information.
I have a friend who wears hearing aids and cannot hear in crowds. Is there something that can be done about that? Hearing aid technology has improved greatly in just the past few years. Hearing aids now have broader frequency responses which allow us to more precisely amplify the pitches that you are missing, without over-amplifying the sounds you may hear better. Directional technology has also improved so that background noise can be reduced.
We can help you interpret your audiogram if you would like to make an appointment to do so. Please watch the following video for a brief description of what is typically found on an audiogram.
What is open-fit technology? How is this different from custom hearing aids? Open fit technology has changed that way we fit hearing aids. For the most part, the technology inside of the hearing aid is the same. It is the casing on the hearing aid that makes it look different. Please click the following link to learn about the different styles of hearing aids.
What services are included when I purchase hearing aids through Hearing HealthCare Centers? Hearing HealthCare Centers offers free service for the lifetime of the instruments. Typically, that includes unlimited visits during the initial evaluation period. After your successful trial period, we like to see you every 3-6 months. Those visits include cleaning your hearing aids, checking your ears for wax, and removing it if necessary. We will also make any necessary programming adjustments to your hearing aids. Every 1-2 years we will re-screen your hearing to determine if your hearing has changed and reprogram your hearing aids accordingly.
I cannot afford hearing aids. Are there any programs that can help me purchase them? Hearing HealthCare Centers has a variety of products in a wide range of prices to meet your hearing needs and your budget. We can help you find a solution that you can afford.
We also offer financing through Care Credit. Care Credit offers no-interest payment plans as well as extended payment plans that are subject to 13.9% interest. Click here (hyperlink to www.carecredit.com) for more information
Hearing HealthCare Centers is a proud participant of the Hear Now program. Hear Now is a national non-profit program committed to assisting deaf and hard-of-hearing persons with limited financial resources who permanently reside within the United States. Click here or contact us for details.
I bought hearing aids elsewhere; can you service them for me? Follow-up service is included when you purchase your hearing aids through us, however, if you have hearing aids that were purchased somewhere else, we would be happy to service them for a minimal charge. Call us for more information.
Is it possible that I don’t have hearing loss, just wax in my ears? It is absolutely possible that you could have wax in your ears. Impacted cerumen (earwax) can cause various degrees of hearing loss. We will always perform an otoscopic examination to determine how much wax is built up.
