Q: How do I know if I need hearing aids?
A: Are you asking people to repeat? Does it sound like they are mumbling? Do you struggle to understand in noisy places or in groups? Do you turn the TV louder than others? If so, see an audiologist and have your hearing tested.
Q: Will hearing aids give me normal hearing?
A: No. Hearing aids can help you hear better but will not give you normal hearing. They are assistive devices.
Q: How do I know the best hearing aid for me?
A: There is not a best brand of hearing aids. It is important to choose the best level of technology to suit your lifestyle. If you are active socially, you will want hearing aids that help manage the background noise. Discuss the environments you are in with your audiologist so that they can recommend the best options for you.
Q: How long do hearing aids last?
A. The average person replaces their hearing aids about every five years. This is not because a five-year-old hearing aid is unrepairable, but rather because technology has improved, and there is often better hearing awaiting!
Q. Do I really need two hearing aids?
A: If you have hearing loss in both ears that can be helped, you will hear best with hearing aids in both ears. We have two ears for a reason and hearing with both ears gives us the best clarity with the least volume and helps us hear better in noisy places. Hearing with both ears stimulates both sides of your brain.
Q: How long does it take to get used to hearing aids?
A: Everyone is different. Hearing aids will help you hear sounds you have not heard in many years. Sometimes you did not even realize you were missing the sounds. Your brain will go through a retraining process to learn how to listen and sort through the incoming sounds. While most people start to adapt within the first couple of weeks of use, research shows the brain continues to adapt for up to 3 months! The most important thing you can do is wear your hearing aids every day.
Q: What stye of hearing aid should I get?
A: That depends on your hearing loss. Some hearing losses are better suited for hearing aids that tuck behind your ear and leave your ear canal more open. Others can use in the ear custom hearing aids comfortably. More severe hearing losses may need a slightly larger hearing aid behind the ear with an ear mold in the ear. Your audiologist will recommend the best options for you and explain why that choice is the best for your hearing loss.
Q: Can I buy hearing aids online?
A: Yes. You can buy over-the-counter hearing aids and amplifiers. Keep in mind that these devices are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss only. They are typically not prescription fitted and may have mixed results. If deciding to purchase online, make sure your return policy is clear and generous. Historically the return for credit rates have been quite high, indicating poor satisfaction.
Q: Do I have to connect my hearing aids to my cell phone?
A: No. Most of today’s hearing aids have Bluetooth capabilities, but your hearing aids will work whether you have them connected to your cell phone or not. Connecting to your phone will give you the ability to use your phone as a remote control. Most hearing aids have buttons on them that can be used to adjust them without using a phone. Connecting to your phone may allow you to have your phone calls go to your hearing aids. If this is important to you, show your audiologist what phone you use to ensure you get hearing aids that are compatible.
Q: Does my insurance cover hearing aids?
A: Some insurance offers a benefit toward hearing aids while others may offer discount pricing. Some do not offer any coverage at all. When you schedule your appointment with an audiologist, verify that the office takes your insurance and provide them with your insurance information, so benefits can be verified before your appointment. You can also check with your insurance company to determine coverage.
Q: How do I know if hearing aids will help?
A: Try them! Hearing aids come with a trial period. The only way to determine benefit and value is to experience better hearing in your day-to-day life. In office demonstrations do not allow you to see if they will help in the situations you struggle in. You just need to use them out in your life!
Q: Are hearing aids big and noticeable?
A: Not anymore. Today’s hearing aids can be small, discreet, and cosmetically appealing.
Q: Are hearing aids hard to use? I see a lot of ads talking about Bluetooth and streaming with the hearing aids, but I’m not good with my phone.
A: Hearing aids are now designed to be simple and automatic. They adjust themselves throughout the day without you needing to change any settings/programs. You can choose to connect them to your phone, but it does not affect how they operate.
Q: Will hearing aids bring me back to normal hearing?
A: Unfortunately, no. Hearing aids can help you hear better, but cannot restore hearing.
Q: I don’t want my hearing aids to make things loud and damage my hearing even more. How do I avoid this?
A: Hearing aids should make soft sounds audible and loud sounds comfortable. If they do not, they were likely not programmed correctly. Your hearing provider should verify all settings and comfort the day you are fit with your hearing aids.
Q: How long does it take to get used to hearing aids?
A: Most people adjust within a few weeks. Your brain needs time to relearn sounds you may not have heard in a while. We provide follow-up care and adjustments to ensure you can become comfortable with your new devices.
Q: What if I don’t like my hearing aids?
A: There is a trial period (this can range from 30-60 days based on your insurance), but it is offered so you can feel confident in your decision and know you are not stuck with anything. If adjustments are needed, we will work with you to get the best fit and sound.
Q: Do hearing aids require maintenance?
A: Yes, but it’s very simple. Regular cleaning, battery changes (or charging), and occasional check-ups will keep them working in the best condition. We will show you exactly how to care for them and recommend scheduling with us every 6 months so we can professionally service them for you.
Q: What brands of hearing aids do you dispense?
A: We work with all the major manufacturers so we can recommend the best option based on your hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget. However, it is important to note if you have a benefit through your insurance and they use a 3rd party; they may not offer specific makes/models/tech levels. We will discuss what is offered at your appointment.
Q: How often do hearing aids need replaced?
A: On average, we expect the lifespan of hearing aids to be around 5-7 years depending on technology and care.
Q: Do you offer custom hearing protection?
A: Yes, we can provide custom earplugs for musicians, swimmers, sleep, noise protection, military, sports, etc.
Q: Do you offer tinnitus treatment?
A: Yes, we provide tinnitus evaluations and management strategies, which may include sound therapy or hearing aids designed to reduce symptoms. Our practice does not offer tinnitus retraining therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Q: Which third-party programs do you work with?
A: We work with several major hearing benefit providers. Please contact our office with your insurance information and we’ll verify whether your plan is in-network with us and what benefit you may have.
Q: Do I HAVE to go through a third-party provider to use my benefits?
A: In many cases, yes – if your insurance uses a 3rd party program, you may need to follow their process to access their full benefit. We’ll help guide you through those steps.
Q: Will I pay anything out of pocket for hearing aids?
A: Most patients have some out-of-pocket costs, even with benefits. This depends on your plan’s coverage, copays, and any upgrades.
Q: Are all hearing aids covered under my benefit?
A: Not always. Many 3rd party plans cover specific technology levels or models. If you’re interested in more advanced options, there may be an additional cost.
Q: Do 3rd party benefits cover follow-up care and adjustments?
A: Coverage varies. Some plans include follow-up visits and services, while others may limit them. We’ll review what’s included with your specific plan when you come in for your appointment.
Q: Are warranties and repairs included in the purchase of my hearing aids?
A: Yes, but details (length, coverage, loss/damage) can vary. At your fitting appointment, we will go over this in detail as it depends on hearing aid selection.
Q: Will you handle the insurance paperwork?
A: Yes, we handle the benefit verification and help coordinate with 3rd party providers to make the process as simple as possible for you.
Q: Can I combine insurance benefits with financing?
A: It depends. Some offer the ability to finance, while others may not. Please ask your provider if you are interested in financing.
Q: Do my hearing aid benefits renew each year?
A: Some plans may offer benefits each year. However, more insurances are requiring medical necessity in order to use the same benefit every year. If your hearing aids are still covered under a warranty, in good condition, and working up to your needs, it is recommended to keep those hearing aids until your warranty expires and then you may qualify for new ones. This is up to your insurance’s discretion.
