How do I know which hearing aid is best for me?
Starkey, Unitron, Resound, Oticon, Siemens and Phonak are the top 6 brands of hearing aids in the world. They build equivalent products so shopping only by brand name is a mistake. Instead, choose the person that will help you select a hearing aid that matches your lifestyle. Your choices are and audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser. They will make recommendations based on your lifestyle and individual needs.
Should I wear just one hearing aid?
Every case is unique. However; if there is hearing loss in both ears, two hearing aids are typically recommended. Having two ears functioning together allows us to localize where sounds come from and understand better in noisy environments and group conversations..
How much do hearing aids cost?
We have heard that some retail chains sell hearing aids that cost $8000 a pair! Gardner Audiology’s hearing aid prices range from $750 up to $2500 each. A Gardner audiologist will discuss hearing aid options, styles, levels of technology and prices. Some hearing aid retailers offer ridiculously low prices. Read the small print. Extremely low prices bait you for an appointment but then salesmen switch you to a more profitable product.
How long do hearing aids last?
The typical lifespan of a hearing aid is 5-7 years. How you care for the hearing aid will directly affect its lifespan. Gardner Audiology provides routine maintenance for their patients’ hearing aids.
Audiologist or hearing aid dispenser?
Audiologists have earned an advanced university degree in audiology (the hearing sciences). The doctorate in audiology (Au.D.) is the required degree for newly licensed audiologists. Audiologist in our opinion, are the best choice when choosing a provider. However, there are some very knowledgeable hearing aid specialist.
Hearing aid dispensers are not required to have a college education, but instead need a high school equivelant, undergo a 6 month training program and pass a licensure examination prior to becoming a dispenser. Hearing aid specialisst are only licensed to perform hearing tests solely for the purposes of selling a hearing aid. In comparison, audioliogist are licensed to perform comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluations
How much will insurance pay for hearing aids?
Gardner Audiology may be a hearing aid provider for your insurance. We work with companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare and others. Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Various Medicare supplements do provide either hearing aid coverage or offer a discount program. Discount programs may have minimal or no value depending on the plan. We verify insurance coverage for our patients before we proceed with a hearing aid fitting.
Do I need a referral?
Some insurance companies require a medical exam and referral, while others do not. When you contact our office to schedule an appointment, our front office staff will ask for your insurance information and the name of your primary care physician. If a medical referral is required, they will contact your primary care physician to obtain the referral for you.
How long does testing take?
New patients are scheduled for 45 minutes. Testing typically takes 20-30 minutes. The remainder of the time is used to discuss results and recommendations.
Why do I need a current hearing test?
Hearing can change for a variety of reasons and often changes very slowly overtime without the patient even noticing. Annual hearing evaluations are recommended to detect those small changes. Additionally, if you are a hearing aid user, adjustments can be made to your hearing aids to ensure you are getting optimum benefit over time.
How often should I have a hearing test?
Typically, annual hearing evaluations are recommended for anyone with a stable diagnosed hearing loss. However, testing may be recommended more often due to the patient’s age or nature of the hearing loss, or if they sense fluctuations. A sudden change in hearing should always be considered a medical emergency and medical attention should be sought immediately
Are there alternatives to hearing aids?
Amplified telephones, TV listening devices and personal assistive listening devices are a few things that can be used instead of or with hearing aids. Gardner Audiology will demonstrate these to you.
