Hearing Aids

Hearing Aid Evaluations and Fittings

Many consumers are unsure where to find professional help with their hearing. Our highly trained staff provides hearing healthcare in a manner that provides you with the information that you need for a successful hearing aid experience.

Most adults with hearing loss can be helped with hearing aids. Choosing the right hearing aid can be difficult. There is an enormous amount of information regarding hearing aids and the choices can be daunting. Choosing an audiologist who can guide you through this process is the first critical decision in purchasing hearing aids.

Of course, the first step to a successful hearing aid experience is an accurate audiological evaluation or hearing test. Equally important is a determination regarding your specific needs and lifestyle. It is critical to convey this information to the hearing healthcare professional. Finally, everyone has a budget. Your budgetary constraints should be discussed. Hearing aids are rarely covered by insurance.

The Truth about Hearing Aids

Realistic Expectations: Hearing aids work very well when they are fit and adjusted appropriately. All hearing aids should be comfortable with respect to the physical fit and the sound loudness. If there is any discomfort the wearer should return to their audiologist immediately for alterations to provide a comfortable fit. Hearing aids provide the wearer with additional information to help that person to hear and understand better. They do not provide "perfect" hearing.

Getting Used to Hearing Aids: People learn at different rates. Some people need a few days to adjust to their new hearing aids but most need a few weeks. There are some who require several months to make the adjustment. In general, the greater the hearing loss and the longer the hearing loss has been present the more difficult the transition to using hearing aids. There is no perfect way to learn how to adjust to hearing aids. Audiologists are uniquely trained to provide rehabilitative programs that should occur after a hearing aid has been fit.

Background Noise: Virtually everyone, hearing aid users and non hearing aid users complain about background noise at one time or another. There is no way for a hearing aid to eliminate the sounds that the wearer does not want to hear. The good news is that there are now hearing aid circuits and features available that help to minimize some unwanted sounds. There is a great deal of research that reveals dual microphones effectively reduce background noise for many people with certain types of hearing losses. Your audiologist can help you determine the best circuits and microphone options for your hearing loss and communication needs.

One vs. Two Hearing Aids: You have two ears because you need two ears. If you have a hearing loss in each ear that could benefit from hearing aids you should wear two hearing aids. Wearing hearing aids bilaterally (in each ear) will improve your ability to hear in noisy settings, allow you to localize sounds in your environment, improve the ability to understand speech and give sound a fuller quality.

Fact:
Over 60% of individuals who wear hearing aids are fit binaurally. The benefits of wearing two hearing aids are enhanced ability to (a) hear better in the presence of background noise, (b) determine where sound is coming from, and (c) hear soft sounds at lower levels.

What questions should I ask before buying a hearing aid?

Before you buy a hearing aid, ask your audiologist these important questions:

  • What features would be most useful to me?
  • What is the total cost of the hearing aid?
  • Do the benefits of newer technologies outweigh the higher costs?
  • Is there a trial period to test the hearing aids? (Most manufacturers allow a 30 to 60-day trial period during which aids can be returned for a refund.)
  • What fees are nonrefundable if the aids are returned after the trial period?
  • How long is the warranty?
  • Can it be extended?
  • Does the warranty cover future maintenance and repairs?
  • Can the audiologist make adjustments and provide servicing and minor repairs?
  • Will loaner aids be provided when repairs are needed?
  • What instruction does the audiologist provide?

Ensuring Hearing Aid Satisfaction

Recognize your hearing loss is making communication difficult. Know that help is available. Hearing aid studies have shown that people who have a positive attitude do better with hearing aids.

Identify communication settings that are difficult for you. Relate those settings to your audiologist. If your audiologist understands your communication needs, they can better address your problems in choosing the best hearing aid for you, programming the hearing aid and helping you to develop strategies to manage your difficult situations. Work with your audiologist to find the best hearing aids for your hearing loss, your lifestyle and your communication needs. Your neighbor or friend's choice in hearing aids may not be your best choice. No two people are alike.

Be realistic. Hearing loss typically develops over many years. Becoming re-acquainted with sounds while using hearing aids will take practice and time. It is important not to become disillusioned or frustrated while your brain adjusts to the sounds provided by your hearing aids.

Be patient with yourself and your new hearing aids. Your audiologist is your advocate. Continue to ask questions to maximize the use of your hearing aids.