FAQ

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Does my insurance cover the cost of hearing aids?
Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of hearing aids. However, some insurance providers offer discounts that we will honor. Check with your insurance provider for special programs for which you qualify.

Does Medicare/Medicaid pay for hearing aids?
No, however, Medicaid will pay for hearing aids for children under the age of 21 who qualify for Medicaid.

How much do hearing aids cost?
We offer analog hearing aids beginning at $399 each and digital hearing aids that range in price from $699 to $3,500 each. Cost of hearing aids varies according to the level of technology you choose. Some digital hearing aids are manually adjusted while more advanced hearing aids are programmed with a computer. Top-of-the-line hearing aids include superior signal processing and features that minimize feedback (whistling) and improve comfort in background noise. In addition, enhanced frequency specificity in our multi-channel instruments facilitates fine-tuning of the hearing aid to match your hearing needs.

How often will my hearing aids need to be serviced?
Hearing aids require servicing on an "as needed" basis. Some hearing aids require cleaning and/or repair more frequently depending on exposure to moisture, earwax, hairspray, and other contaminants. Generally, we recommend an in-house check-up every three months. Regular cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your hearing aid.

How long will hearing aids last?
The average lifespan of a hearing aid is 5 to 7 years. Some hearing aids last longer than others, depending on factors such as climate, exposure to contaminants, and regular maintenance.

What can I expect to hear with hearing aids?
You will be able to detect/hear all sounds better including voices and environmental sounds. Understanding speech may still be difficult in very noisy places.

Could excessive earwax be causing my hearing loss?
Our staff provides a thorough exam that consists of an otoscopic examination to check for an excessive accumulation of earwax, foreign objects in the ear canal, or any other physical abnormality of the ears. Our Video Otoscope allows you to see on a television monitor exactly what we see in the ear canal.

Is my hearing aid the same as my friend's?
No, everyone has different needs and may require a different type of hearing aid. We help to match the right hearing aid with the right person.

How do I know if I might benefit from hearing aids?
The need for hearing aids is largely mediated by the negative impact of hearing loss on an individual's communication ability. In addition, hearing loss can interfere with completion of daily activities, maintenance of interpersonal relationships, and an individual's sense of security in his/her surroundings. The following checklist helps to determine the extent to which your hearing loss affects your life. If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, you may benefit from hearing aids.

SUBJECTIVE ASSESMENT OF SOCIAL HEARING ACTIVITY
Answer "Yes" or "No."

1. Do you have difficulty understanding speech in a group of people?

2. Do you often ask that statements, questions and directions be repeated?

3. Do you hear people speaking, but have difficulty understanding the words?

4. Must others raise their voices or move closer to help you hear them?

5. Do you have to turn the television up louder than normal to hear clearly?

6. Do you ever have to concentrate so much to listen that you tire from it?

7. Have you ever avoided a situation because of your hearing problem?

8. Do you have difficulty understanding conversations in the car?

9. Do you have difficulty understanding on the phone?

10. Do you hear some people better than others?

Number of yes answers x 10____________=___________% Hearing Difficulty

Will I hear perfectly with a hearing aid?
Hearing aids do not restore natural hearing ability. However, with the properly fit hearing aid, you will have access to sounds that you have been missing. As a result, you will experience improved hearing competence in most listening situations.

Do I need to wear hearing aids all the time?
To receive the most benefit from your hearing aids it is important to wear them daily. This will allow your brain to become stimulated and learn to interpret the sounds you hear. Otherwise, wearing them only when you go out to social functions will cause your brain to be overloaded by unfamiliar sound that will make it harder for you to adjust.

What are the advantages of digital technology?
Digital hearing aids generate higher fidelity sound because the circuit introduces less distortion. In addition, most digital hearing aids are programmable enabling optimal fine-tuning of the instrument for your hearing loss. Unlike analog instruments which are straightforward amplifiers, digital technology also provides for more advanced features (i.e., feedback cancellation, noise management) that improve sound quality in various listening situations.

Why do I need two hearing aids?
Most people who have hearing loss in both ears will benefit maximally from two hearing aids. Research has shown that speech recognition, especially in noisy environments, is better when both ears are hearing equally well. In addition, sound localization is dependent on both ears working together to determine the direction from where a sound is approaching. When only one ear is aided, sound will usually be localized to the side on which the hearing aid is worn. Finally, sound deprivation in an unaided ear can cause changes in the brain that may eventually cause sound recognition to worsen. Because the "use it or lose it" principle applies to the brain in the same way as a muscle, sound can be thought of as exercise for the brain. The brain must be stimulated if it is to continue to work optimally.

Can I sleep in my hearing aids?
Generally, hearing aids are not recommended when sleeping. Discomfort can be caused when the pillow presses the hard casing of the hearing aid against the skin. In addition, feedback (whistling) is caused when sound reflects off the pillow and is fed back into the hearing aid. Assistive listening devices that vibrate the bed or flash lights are recommended if you are concerned about hearing alerting sounds such as the fire alarm, doorbell, or telephone while sleeping. These devices can be ordered at your request.

How do I care for my hearing aids?
You will receive a complete consultation on caring for your hearing aids at the time of the initial fitting. Daily care includes:

(1) Wiping off the device with a clean, dry tissue or cloth
(2) Gently brushing the faceplate to clear debris from the microphone port
(3) Cleaning the vent of debris with the vent tool
(4) Removing debris from the receiver tubing or port with the wax loop
(5) Changing the wax guard weekly or monthly (as needed)
(6) Opening the battery door at night to allow air to enter the hearing aid

We recommend you store your hearing aids at night in a regular place that is free from moisture (e.g., steam or humidity). Also beware of small children and animals who can access the hearing aids or discarded batteries, which are toxic when ingested.

How long should my hearing aid battery last?
Battery life depends on the size of the battery and the number of hours per day the hearing is worn. In general, the larger the battery, the longer the battery life. Estimated battery life is as follows:

• Size 675 = 3 weeks
• Size 13 = 2 weeks
• Size 312 = 10 - 14 days
• Size 10 = 7 - 10 days
• Size 5 = 5 - 7 days

How much do batteries cost and where do I buy them?
Batteries cost roughly $1.00 each. Thus, depending on battery life, you can expect to spend between $18 (Size 675) and $70 (Size 5) per year on each hearing aid. You can purchase batteries from the Hearing Care Center for $9.50 (pack of 8 batteries; size 675 comes in a pack of 4 batteries). Hearing Care Center guarantees our batteries to be fresh. Batteries also can be purchased at most drug stores.