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Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I know If I Have Hearing Loss?

  • Do you frequently ask others to repeat themselves?
  • Do people sound mumbled when they speak?
  • Do you hear people speaking but have difficulty understanding them?
  • Do you turn up the TV or radio louder than normal to hear clearly, or do others complain you need it louder?
  • Do you avoid situations because of your hearing difficulties?
  • Do you have difficulty hearing on the phone or in groups?
  • Do you often feel tired or stressed from concentrating during a conversation?
  • Do you frequently misunderstand phone numbers, directions or names?

**If you answered “yes” or “sometimes” to any of the above questions, you may be suffering from hearing loss and might benefit from hearing aids.

Can I wear just one hearing aid?

Similar to how vision loss is corrected with eyeglasses for both eyes, it makes sense why binaural hearing loss should be treated with two hearing aids. Research indicates there are many clear advantages to wearing two hearing aids versus one, which include but are not limited to: better understanding of speech in quiet and noise, better sound quality, balanced hearing, improved ability to tell direction of sound, less strain while listening and improved satisfaction with hearing aids.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the medical term for the perception of sound in one or both ears or in the head when no external sound is present. It is often referred to as “ringing in the ears,” although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking. Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant-with single or multiple tones-and its perceived volume can range from subtle to shattering.

What causes Tinnitus?

The exact physiological cause or causes of tinnitus are not known. There are, however, several likely sources, all of which are known to trigger or worsen tinnitus. These include noise-induced hearing loss, wax build-up in the ear canal, ear or sinus infections, jaw misalignment, cardiovascular disease, certain types of tumors, and head and neck trauma. When tinnitus is a symptom of another disorder, treating the disorder can help alleviate the tinnitus

what questions should I ask before purchasing a hearing aid?

  • How do I know what features are best for me? The relationship between you and the audiologist is extremely important. She will take into consideration your hearing loss, life style and activities, possible physical limitations and financial situation before recommending the most appropriate hearing aid style and technology for you.
  • Is there a trial period? Yes, our office provides a 30 day trial period – 100% refunded. We encourage you to wear your hearing aids in a variety of listening environments to see the possible benefits of hearing aids. Our goal is to make more listening situations easier.
  • How long is the warranty? May I extend the warranty? All hearing aids come from the manufacturers with a 2 -3 year repair warranty and 1-3 year lost and damage warranty. You may purchase an extended warranty through the manufacturer BEFORE your original warranty expires.
  • Am I charged for each visit? Our services regarding your hearing aids are always free, including minor in-house repairs, annual clean and checks, and fine-tuning. There will be a set repair fee from the manufacturer if the aid is sent in for repair after the repair warranty has expired.
  • Is there tax on hearing aids? There is no tax added to the purchase of your hearing aids. You may use the receipt of purchase for income tax purposes, as hearing aids fall under medical supplies.

How long do hearing aids batteries last?

Hearing aid batteries come in different sizes depending on the style of the hearing aid. The length of time the battery lasts varies depending on the level of technology encased in the hearing aid.

  • Battery size 10 (yellow tab) last approximately 5 days
  • Battery size 312 (brown tab) last approximately 6-10 days
  • Battery size 13 (orange tab) last approximately 10-14 days
  • Battery size 675 (blue tab) last approximately 2 weeks

Can surgery cure my hearing loss?

Approximately 80% of adult patients with complaints of hearing problems cannot benefit from medical or surgical treatment, but can be helped with hearing aids.  Hearing loss due to disease of the middle ear, drum or hearing bones often can be helped with surgery.