I like the hearing aid my friend has. Can I get the exact same one?
Everyone’s hearing loss is different and not everyone can wear the same hearing aid. The appropriate hearing aid for you is the one that suits your type and degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, physical and/or medical needs, and your budget. What works well for someone else may not work well for you. The Audiologist will take many factors into consideration to help you choose the most appropriate hearing aid.
Will hearing aids make me hear normally again?
The goal of hearing aids is to improve hearing ability, not correct it. “Normal” hearing is never guaranteed. Expectations for hearing aids must always be realistic. The Audiologist will help you create realistic goals and expectations for your unique hearing loss and new hearing aids.
Can I exchange my hearing aids if I don’t like them?
Hearing aids are refundable or exchangeable within the 30 day trial period. If earmolds need to be made, this is the only cost for which you will be responsible.
Will my insurance cover hearing aids?
Usually insurance will not cover the full cost of hearing aids. However, some insurance will cover a portion. We will contact your insurance and help you with checking your benefits at your first appointment.
How long can I wait before I absolutely need hearing aids?
The longer one waits to wear hearing aids, the more likely that the auditory system will undergo auditory deprivation – the process of deterioration due to lack of sound stimulation. If a hearing loss is left untreated, the brain may “forget” how to process certain speech sounds over time, leading to a decrease in speech understanding. The type and severity of your hearing loss will help to determine if there is an immediate need for hearing aids.
Do I need to wear two hearing aids?
If you have a hearing loss that is symmetrical in both ears, two hearing aids are highly recommended. The ears naturally work together to provide localization cues as well as to separate speech from noise. These tasks are much more difficult for the auditory system to carry out when only one ear is amplified. In order to make hearing with hearing aids as natural as possible, binaural hearing is essential. The audiologist will determine whether or not two hearing aids are necessary.
How do I know if I need a hearing aid?
If you struggle on a daily basis to hear or understand what people around you are saying, it is likely that you will benefit from a hearing aid/s. Often times friends or family members are more aware of your hearing loss than you. This is because you are unaware of how much you are actually missing until your ears are stimulated by these sounds again with hearing aids.
How long do hearing aids last?
The lifespan of a hearing aid is typically 3-5 years
I can hear people speak, but sometimes I can’t understand what they say. Why is that?
Hearing loss is an ‘understanding’ problem. Understanding words and sentences is a function of your brain and relies on receiving sound signals unaltered. Your ears collect sound, transform it into nerve impulses, and send it to the brain where understanding occurs. Most nerve loss in the inner ear occurs with high-pitched softer parts of speech, which give meaning to many of our words. Advanced hearing aids are engineered to help you reclaim a lost sensitivity to many of these higher pitched sounds with the goal to improve your ability to understand.
Is hearing loss just part of growing old?
While hearing loss is common as we age, there are many factors that can contribute to hearing loss. 1) Excessive Noise Exposure (prolonged loud music, gun shots, noisy machinery) 2) Infections 3) Head Injury 4) Genetics or Birth Defects 5) Drug or Treatment Reaction (antibiotics, chemotherapy, radiation)
What is conductive hearing loss?
Conductive hearing loss is caused by a condition or disease that blocks or impedes the movement of sound waves throughout the outer or middle ear. The result is a reduction in loudness or clarity of sound that reaches the inner ear. The treatment for conductive loss can vary and may include surgical intervention depending on the cause.
What is sensorineural hearing loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss results from auditory nerve dysfunction within the inner ear. It is typically irreversible and permanent. It affects the intensity (or loudness) of sound, but more often results in a lack of clarity of sounds, particularly speech. The treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is prescriptive sound amplification through advanced hearing aids.
Are there different types of hearing loss?
Most always hearing loss is categorized as either conductive or sensorineural. Most hearing loss is sensorineural and commonly referred to as “nerve loss.” A combination of the two types is called a “mixed hearing loss.” Unilateral hearing loss affects one ear; bilateral hearing loss affects both ears. Treatment options vary for the different types of hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss cannot be corrected by surgery or medication, but may be treated using advanced hearing aid technology.
My hearing is getting worse. If I get hearing aids now, won’t I just have to replace them later?
With advanced digital technology we are able to adjust your prescription as needed with time. Every 4-5 years, you may feel as if you need to upgrade your hearing device as technology improves and your listening needs progress.
Are hearing aids difficult to wear or get used to?
Many years ago hearing instruments were bulky and uncomfortable to wear. Today’s advanced hearing aids offer a variety of discrete and comfortable options. Award-winning designs have proven to be aesthetically appealing, naturally comfortable, and virtually unnoticeable.
A doctor told me hearing aids wouldn’t help. Should I trust him or her?
Most physicians are experts to the extent of their specialty and may not be up-to-date on advances to all hearing treatments. It’s smart to rely on the expertise of a board certified hearing care professional first. Breakthrough technological advances in the design and performance of hearing aids have given many people the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of amplification. You should have a thorough test to evaluate your hearing and discuss your options for improvement in your everyday hearing ability.
I struggle with hearing in groups. Will hearing instruments help me follow conversation in a crowd?
Much of the noise in our surroundings is low-toned and tends to compete with weaker, high-pitched sounds that give speech meaning. The digital advancements in hearing aids allow for selective reduction of frequencies where background noise exists without negatively affecting the speech frequencies. Advanced hearing aids can also automatically adjust the scope of what we hear, removing competitive sounds that challenge our understanding. Although noise is not eliminated completely, it’s reduced significantly.
Do I have to wear an instrument in both ears or can I get by with one?
Generally two-ear assistance is superior to that of a single instrument. Even in instances where hearing loss between the ears differ, two hearing aids can provide balanced hearing and better localization of sound that may help preserve speech acuity in both ears. Our Staff will make appropriate recommendations based on the results from your evaluation.
Do I need any follow-up care after getting hearing aids?
Yes – hearing loss should be managed over time throughout your life, similar to vision care and dental care. Hearing aids require a period of re-training your hearing. Follow-up visits are always part of your treatment plan. Periodic adjustments may be needed to optimize performance as characteristics of your loss change over time and to accommodate your preferences in various hearing situations. Your hearing aids should also fit comfortably. If you experience changes in your ability to hear or problems with fit, you should call to set an appointment immediately.
What is a digital hearing aid?
Digital hearing aids convert sound waves into numerical codes, similar to the code of a computer, before amplifying them. The code also includes information about a sound’s pitch or loudness, allowing the aid to be custom-programmed to amplify certain sound frequencies more than others. Digital circuitry allows more flexibility in adjusting the aid to a user’s unique hearing loss and to certain listening environments.
“How do I care for my hearing aids?
The following tips will extend the life of your hearing aid: 1) Clean hearing aids as instructed. Ear drainage and wax buildup can damage your hearing aid. 2) Avoid hairspray and other hair products while wearing your hearing aids. 3) Power off hearing aids when not in use, this will also extend battery life. 4) Keep your hearing aids away from moisture and heat. 5) Replace dead batteries immediately. 6) Store your hearing aids and replacement batteries in a secure location: away from pets and small children. Eartique Hearing Aid Center provides on site repairs, hearing aid maintenance, and hearing aid cleaning for all our patients.
What kind of financial assistance options are there?
We offer several convenient payment options, including interest-free financing for up to 12 months. Our Staff will review costs and discuss the best options available for you. If your household income is less than $20,000 and total assets less than $100,000, some assistance programs may be available.
Does insurance cover the cost of hearing aids?
Some insurance plans provide coverage for hearing aids, but generally you pay out-of-pocket for better hearing. Our staff can assist you with discovering if, and what amount of coverage is available.
Why do some hearing aids cost more than others?
Hearing aids are feature-packaged and priced according to performance capabilities. As with most technology, the devices that do more, cost more. Our audiologists at Eartique will work with you to match the right technology to your lifestyle, listening needs, and budget. Our low pricing includes generous product warranties, loss/damage coverage, and office visits.
Which type of hearing aid works best?
Hearing aids come in many sizes and styles and are feature-packaged according to performance capabilities. Your individual hearing loss, listening environments, options needed, cosmetic concerns, manual dexterity, and budget factor in finding the best individual solution. Eartique will guide you through the process and recommend the hearing aid best suited to you and your hearing loss.