Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have hearing loss?
If you question whether you have hearing loss, you should see an audiologist. The audiologist will examine your ears and perform a hearing evaluation in a sound booth to determine whether you have hearing loss, and if so, what degree and type. If the audiologist determines that you have signs of a medical problem, you will be referred to your personal physician prior to obtaining hearing aids. Most insurances cover hearing evaluations.

2. Can my hearing be improved with hearing aids?
Nearly everyone with hearing loss can be helped with today’s hearing aids, but features and quality vary greatly among hearing aids. To achieve good benefit, hearing aids must be selected and programmed appropriately for your hearing loss and lifestyle. Therefore, the expertise of your audiologist is very important.

3. What type of hearing aid is best for me?
Your audiologist will discuss with you various styles and features of hearing aids. You are encouraged to bring a family member or friend to your appointment.

4. Should I obtain digital or analog hearing aids?
Approximately 90 % of hearing aids fit today are digital. Digital signal processing has improved hearing aids greatly. Significant improvements in hearing aid technology occur every couple years.

5. How much do hearing aids cost?
A hearing aid costs approximately $ 700 to $ 2600. There are many styles, technologies, and features available in hearing aids. The cost of a hearing aid depends on your hearing loss, listening needs, and choices. Hearing aids are purchased on a trial basis and may be returned within 45 days of purchase. Fees for ear molds and a hearing aid evaluation are nonrefundable.

6. Do I need one or two hearing aids?
If you have hearing loss in both ears, it is usually best to use two hearing aids. Two hearing aids allow you to hear from both sides and improve speech clarity.

7. What is the life of a hearing aid?
The average life of a hearing aid is 5 - 7 years. Hearing aid manufacturers usually have parts to repair hearing aids for at least five years. If you are pleased with your older hearing aid, and if is still appropriate for your hearing loss, it may be able to be repaired.

8. Do all hearing aids use batteries?
Yes. The life of a battery typically is 5 to 14 days depending upon the type of hearing aid. Also, battery life is determined by the quality of the battery.

9. Do hearing aids help in background noise?
Yes. Hearing aids with multiple (directional) microphones reduce background noise in most environments. Some hearing aids have automatic adaptive directional microphones which reduce noise from various directions. This feature is important for someone who wishes to understand speech in background noise.