FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do I have a hearing loss?
A: 1. Do people seem to mumble or speak in a softer voice than they used to?
2. Do you frequently ask people to repeat what they said?
3. Do you often confuse words that sound alike?
4. Do you have trouble hearing in background noise?
5. Do others complain that you turn the TV or radio volume up louder than they prefer?
6. Has someone close to you mentioned that you might have a problem with your hearing?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, then it is likely that you have some hearing loss. The best way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation with an audiologist.
Q: Who’s Who? What is an audiologist versus a hearing aid dispenser versus an ENT?
A: Many people are confused regarding what role the audiologist plays in the realm of hearing healthcare. An ENT, or otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor specializing in the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. He or she provides medical and surgical treatment.
A hearing aid dispenser is licensed to test hearing solely for the purpose of selecting and fitting hearing aids, requiring no advanced education in pathology of the auditory and balance system.
An audiologist is a specialist with advanced training and education who diagnoses, treats, and manages individuals with hearing loss and balance disorders. Audiologists have received a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited university graduate program. Their academic and clinical training allow them to provide an in-depth diagnosis of auditory pathology and non-medical treatment or, when necessary, to make referrals for medical treatment. Audiologists dispense and fit hearing aids as part of a comprehensive rehabilitative program. More than any other hearing care professionals, audiologists understand how the degree of your hearing loss affects your communication with others and your quality of life. Education and counseling of patients and their families about their hearing losses and providing realistic expectations are essential for success with hearing aids. Audiologists are uniquely qualified to provide this level of care.
Q: Do I need a referral for a hearing test?
A: We always encourage you to speak to your primary care doctor regarding any concerns about your health. Most insurances do not require a referral for a hearing evaluation. However, if you have Medicare, you must have a referral in order for them to cover the testing. A note from you doctor or “hearing test” written on a prescription pad is all that is necessary.
Q: Could my hearing problem just be wax in my ears?
A: Sure. We do a comprehensive evaluation to determine the source of the hearing loss. If it is from wax, we can remove the wax or offer solutions for removal. Also, if it is wax or you have some other, potentially correctable, medical problem, you may not need hearing aids at all. If your loss is medically treatable, we will discuss your options, send a report to your primary care physician, and/or make a referral to the appropriate specialist.
Q: If the hearing test determines I need a hearing aid, what happens next?
A: Following the hearing evaluation, we will review the test results with you and your significant other. Next, we will discuss your hearing aid options, expectations, and limitations specific to your loss and hearing needs. Using our expertise and experience in the field, we will chose from a variety of manufacturers to make sure we meet your hearing needs with appropriate new hearing instruments. Earmold impressions and appropriate measurements will be taken if necessary. The instruments are then ordered. It generally takes 2 weeks for them to arrive. You will then be scheduled for a hearing aid delivery appointment. At that appointment, we will make sure you are completely knowledgeable of and comfortable with your new hearing aids.
Q: How much do hearing aids cost?
A: Hearing aid pricing varies based upon the style and, more importantly, the sophistication of the hearing aids. The more technically advanced hearing aids automatically adapt to changing environments. Less expensive hearing aids do not perform as well in background noise, such as a restaurant situation.
While price is an important consideration, the expertise with which the hearing aids are fit is paramount. The most expensive hearing aids in the world will not help you if they are not professionally adjusted to meet you needs. We offer unmatched expertise and the most up-to-date fitting methods. Our audiologists use real ear measurements on every fitting to ensure that speech is maximally audible and comfortable.
In addition, you will receive a service package, known as Complete Hearing Healthcare, with the purchase of your hearing aids. This package includes annual hearing screenings and hearing aid adjustments, one-to-two year repair, loss and damage warranties, and batteries provided for the life of the hearing aids.
Q: Does Medicare, or any insurance, cover hearing aids?
A: Medicare does not, unfortunately, help with the cost of hearing aids. While there are some specific policies out there that offer hearing aid benefits, in general, coverage on hearing aids is very limited or non-existent for most patients. We are happy to call your insurance company and find out if you have any coverage for hearing aids and will always work with your insurance company to get maximum reimbursement for you. Since most people do not have insurance coverage, we do offer a financing option through Care Credit of 6 months, no interest, with a qualifying credit application.
Q: How do I know what hearing aids are right for me?
A: The myriad of hearing aid styles and options can be a little intimidating. The best way to select hearing aids that are right for you is to share with us where you are having the most difficulty in your day-to-day life. This will enable us to present the amplification options that best match your specific listening needs. There is no one best option for everyone. What may be a wonderful hearing aid for your friend might be a totally inappropriate choice for your needs.
It is also important to remember that a hearing device is only as good as the person fitting it. There are multiple manufacturers that make quality products. Success with hearing aids is much less based on the particular model than it is on how the settings are matched to your needs. Success with hearing aids is 30% the device itself and 70% how well it is programmed for you.
Q: Do hearing aids work with the telephone?
A: Absolutely. Depending on the hearing aids you choose, there are a variety of options that can be applied to make them work with your telephone. The latest in hearing aid technology incorporates Bluetooth connectivity, allowing hands-free communication on a cell phone with your hearing aids and best of all, you can hear the phone in both ears at the same time.
Q: Do I need two hearing aids?
A: Almost always. People hear and understand better with two hearing aids than with one. Two hearing aids allow for better understanding in noise, better balance of sound, better localization ability, and a more comfortable volume. Some patients only need one hearing aid because they have normal hearing in their other ear or an unaidable ear. However, for those with hearing loss in both ears, they will do much better using two hearing aids.
Q: What else do I need to know?
A:
- Remember wearing hearing aids for the first time or upgrading technology with new hearing aids is a process that may take a few weeks to a month. Getting hearing aids is not an instant fix for all of your problems.
- Hearing aids help almost all individuals with hearing loss, but they are not a miracle and will not restore your hearing to that of a normal hearing person.
- It is helpful to bring a spouse or significant other to your visits. They may hear information you miss. It is also very helpful for your friends and family to fully understand the problems and frustrations you have instead of just accusing you of “selective hearing” or “not listening”. We also offer communication strategies to help both the hearing impaired and those talking to the hearing impaired person.
- The ultimate goal in any hearing aid fitting is to help you hear better and improve your quality of life. Both you and the audiologist should approach hearing aids with that positive attitude.
Q: I have more questions, where can I find the answers?
A: Please go to the “Contact Us” tab and send in your question. You can also call our office at 817-277-7039 to make an appointment.
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