FAQs

We get asked this all the time. Let’s find out! Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself:

1. Do I ask other to repeat what they say?
2. Do I hear but not always understand?
3. Do people seem to mumble?
4. Do people say I listen to the TV too loud?
5. Do I miss phone calls because I don’t hear the ring?
6. Do I sit near the front of a room in order to hear better?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be struggling with hearing loss. Call to schedule a FREE hearing examination with us today. 1-855-470-HEAR (4327)

There are several ways we test your hearing to ensure that we can help you in the best way possible. There are three kinds of tests:

1. Otoscopy-an examination of your ear canal
2. Typanometry-to test your middle ear function
3. Audiometry-both air conduction and bone conduction are evaluated

An adjustment period. If you waited for a few years before having your hearing evaluated, it’s possible there are certain sounds you haven’t heard for quite some time.  Hearing aids amplify sound but they won’t correct your hearing like your eyeglasses correct your sight, so you’ll likely hear sounds differently than you did before. Hearing health professionals say it will take your brain between 30 to 90 days to adjust to the way your ears hear with assistance. Your audiologist may recommend wearing your new hearing aids for a few hours at a time in the beginning and gradually work up to wearing them all day.  It’s estimated one in every eight hearing aids is never used because of unrealistic expectation.  Resolve to be patient during the first three months and chances are you’ll be satisfied with the improvement in your hearing and communication skills.

To ensure your satisfaction with hearing aids, most states require a trial period – a specified time period within which you can return hearing aids for a refund. But remember, returned hearing aids can’t help you hear better, so give yourself every opportunity to succeed with your instruments by working closely with your professional for follow-up and fine-tuning in order to ensure your satisfaction.

Some insurance companies do help to pay partial and in some cases the full amount of your hearing aids. My best advice to you is to bring your insurance card with you to your appointment and one of our hearing health care professionals will check the details or your coverage. If you would like to know before scheduling an appointment we would be happy to take your information over the phone and look up your coverage before you schedule.

A large number of people wait 15 years or more from the point when they first recognize they have a loss to when they purchase their first hearing aid. During this time, their quality of life may have deteriorated unnecessarily. Our ears function for us to hear, but understanding happens in the brain. Over time as you lose your hearing, your brain slowly loses the ability to recognize sounds and certain words. This is why you can hear but sometimes misunderstand. Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to:

• Irritability, negativism, and anger
• Fatigue, tension, stress, and depression.
• Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety
• Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks
• Reduced job performance and earning power
• Diminished psychological and overall health

If you would like to learn more about the effects of untreated hearing loss or need help talking to someone about their untreated hearing loss, please visit:

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association:
http://www.asha.org/Aud/Articles/Untreated-Hearing-Loss-in-Adults/

The Better Hearing Institute:
http://www.betterhearing.org/hearingpedia/consequences-hearing-loss

Attempting to talk to a loved one about their hearing loss can be a difficult task. While it may be obvious that a loved one is suffering, research shows that on average, hearing aid users wait over 10 years after their initial diagnosis to be fit with their first set of hearing aids.

There are a few things to keep in mind when discussing seeking help for a hearing loss with a loved one who is reluctant. First, find the right time to talk to them. Find a place that is both quiet and comfortable where you can calmly discuss your concerns. Be gentle, remember you don’t want to put them on the defensive. Many people feel emotional about admitting they may have a loss, especially if the perception is that they will admit they are “old” if they seek help. Share your concerns and make it a point to let them know what they are missing out on, such as the laughter of a grandchild or making connections in conversations with friends.

Often, people are reluctant to go to a professional office and have their hearing tested. If that is the case, allow them take our online hearing test first to get the ball rolling. This will hopefully start them on the path to seeking help for their hearing loss and allow them to live a life that is much more healthy and full.

For more encouragement on speaking to a loved one, click on this link: http://youtu.be/8zEndbXWMCg?t=50s