How do I know if I have a hearing loss?

For most people, hearing loss is so gradual that it is hardly noticed.  It is often detected first by friends or family.  You should suspect a hearing loss if you experience any of the following signs:

• Frequently complaining that people mumble or talk too softly
• The volume on the TV or radio is too loud, so that others complain
• Feeling tired or irritated from straining to hear
• Asking people to repeat words often
• Problems hearing or understanding on the telephone
• Difficulty understanding when background noise is present
• Problems with people talking fast or with an unexpected conversation
• Women and children are more difficult to understand
• Having trouble locating where sounds are coming from
• Ringing in the ears

 If you do suspect a hearing loss, it may be time to have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist.

Do I need two hearing aids?

If you have a hearing loss in both ears, two hearing aids are recommended.  We ultimately hear with our brain, not our ears.  Our brain adjusts better when it receives information equally from both sides.  A hearing aid in each ear results in:

•   Better speech understanding in noisy places
•   Better sound localization
•   Better sound quality
•   Improved hearing at a distance
•   Improved sound identification
•   Less exertion to hear
•   Feeling of balance

 Research shows that when only one ear is aided, the unaided ear’s ability to understand speech and tolerate sound deteriorates.

Are hearing aids covered by insurance?

At present, Medicare and most other insurance plans do not cover the cost of hearing aids.  They do however cover some of the costs of the hearing evaluation.  Some insurance plans do cover the cost of hearing instruments and some may cover only a partial cost or reimburse the patient for a set amount.  You should always check with your particular insurance plan to see if you have coverage for hearing aids.

I know people who keep their hearing aids in their drawer more than they keep them in their ears.  How do I prevent this from happening to me?

Unfortunately, there are some people who do not find appropriate benefit with hearing aids.  There are several issues that are critical to a successful adaptation to hearing aids.  It is likely that a hearing aid user is not successful if the following issues are not managed appropriately.

• Does the user have a good, comfortable fit?
• Does the user have realistic expectations based on their hearing aid size and technology?  It is very important that your expectations match not only the limitations of your hearing loss, but the type of hearing aid you received.
• Did the user receive effective counseling regarding the adaptation to new hearing aids during their initial adjustment period?
• Are the hearing aids functioning properly?

To ensure success with hearing aids, our audiologists work closely with the patient to be sure these issues are addressed.  We do offer a 30 day adjustment period for all hearing aids.  Any time during the 30 days you can return your hearing aids for a full refund minus a professional service fee.