Frequently Asked Questions
Hearing Loss
What are some of the signs and symptoms of hearing loss?
- Asking people to repeat
- Difficulty hearing in background noise or group situations
- Feeling like people are mumbling
- Hearing ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears
- Difficulty hearing over the phone or when watching TV
- Having difficulty hearing women and children
- Avoiding social situations
Are the signs of hearing loss different for children?
Signs of hearing loss and risk factors for hearing loss in children include:
- Delayed or poor speech development
- Frequent ear infections
- A parent or caregiver will sometimes think that a child is ignoring them when it, may in fact, be hearing loss.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
At your first visit, the audiologist will review your medical history and perform a hearing evaluation. We’ll then explain your results in detail. You are encouraged to bring someone with you to your appointment. If hearing aids may help, we’ll discuss styles, technology, pricing, and what to expect.
We also provide hearing tests for children of all ages, including newborns and infants, using safe and age-appropriate methods.
Hearing Aids
Who is a candidate for a hearing aid?
Hearing test results help identify the type and level of hearing loss and whether hearing aids may be helpful. Motivation also matters. Patients who are motivated to improve their hearing often get the best results.
Should I wear one or two hearing aids?
When hearing is the same in both ears, we usually recommend two hearing aids. Research shows the brain works best with balanced sound from both sides. If hearing is different between ears, we may recommend a different approach.
What can I expect initially from my hearing aid?
Getting used to a hearing aid takes time. Wearing your hearing aids regularly will make this process easier. Over time, they should feel like a natural part of your daily life.
Can hearing aids make my hearing worse?
When properly programmed, hearing aids are safe and won’t damage your hearing. They make soft speech easier to hear without over-amplifying loud speech while also having limits to prevent sounds from getting too loud.
You are still responsible for protecting your ears in extremely noisy situations (e.g., music concerts, heavy machinery, hunting)!
Does insurance pay for hearing aids?
Insurance coverage varies. Some plans may cover part or all of the cost of hearing aids, depending on your specific policy. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to learn about your benefits.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
YES. If you plan to use medical insurance, we require a physician referral on file before scheduling your hearing test.
What if I don’t have a physician referral?
We can still schedule your hearing test, but insurance will not be billed. You will be responsible for all charges, which must be paid at the time of service.
Will I be charged to have my hearing aids cleaned? Do I need an appointment?
If your hearing aid was purchased from us and is under warranty, cleanings are at no charge. If your hearing aid is out of warranty or was purchased elsewhere, cleanings cost $30 which is payable at the time of service.
Do you offer any trial periods for hearing aids?
Yes! We have two options:
- 30-Day Trial: All hearing aids come with a 30-day trial. If you decide they aren’t right for you, you can return them and only pay a restocking fee.
Demo Program: You can try a pair of demo hearing aids tailored to your hearing loss. Take them home and see how they work in your everyday life before making a decision.