Frequently Asked Questions
Common Hearing Loss Questions
Hearing loss is a medical condition caused by long-term or sudden noise exposure that damages the auditory nerve or auditory hair cells. The result is an inability to hear and understand speech.
But hearing loss impacts more than just your hearing; it affects your entire well-being. Hearing loss can distance you from your loved ones and make it difficult to maintain close relationships.
The condition can hamper your career as well. An inability to hear clearly may make you appear incompetent to your peers and cause you to miss opportunities for advancement.
A hearing aid is an electronic device that amplifies sound for people with hearing loss. There are many hearing aid styles and technological options based on the user’s needs.
Hearing aids improve the ability to perceive and understand speech and sounds. Many users require a short adjustment period, especially if they’ve been living with hearing loss for years. It takes time to get used to understanding new sounds, but it pays off when you’re able to take in the world around you once more.
Ear, Nose and Throat doctors can treat hearing conditions, but they focus on the physical well-being of your ears. Hearing aid dispensers prescribe and fit hearing aids, but their knowledge of audiology is limited to that technology.
Audiologists study, measure, evaluate and diagnose different hearing conditions. They have more training and knowledge of the hearing process than dispensers and are uniquely qualified to offer comprehensive treatment for hearing loss. Some practices, like Hearing Associates, also have hearing instrument specialists who work under the direction of audiologists to assist patients.
If you have hearing loss in both ears, we recommend using hearing aids in both ears to improve your auditory perception localization.
After determining your level of hearing loss, we’ll fit you for the hearing devices that best suit your needs. We offer a 60-day trial so you can test your hearing aids for fit and quality.
Hearing aids require disposable or rechargeable batteries. You will need to have your batteries replaced by a hearing professional or use a charging station. Most hearing aids have earwax filters to prevent buildup and must be changed regularly. A dryer box removes excess moisture from humidity and sweat. Quarterly inspections and maintenance increase the lifespan of your hearing devices.
Some hearing aid styles are water-resistant or waterproof. If your lifestyle includes regular swimming or water sports, let us know at your appointment, and we’ll help you choose the best hearing aid.
The cost of hearing aids varies. The price tag may be higher if you require specific technology or want additional features. Identifying your needs allows us to find the right hearing aid for you and your budget. We also offer financing options with approved credit.
Physicians FAQs
Hearing Associates strives to deliver outstanding custom treatment plans for each patient. Whether it’s managing tinnitus symptoms, hearing loss or balance issues, we will recommend a treatment plan that best fits the lifestyle and needs of the patient.
All our providers are committed to patient-centered care, continuing education and exceptional service. That commitment has kept Hearing Associates at the top of our industry since 1987.
We offer complete audiological services, including hearing evaluations, tympanometry, hearing aid assessment and hearing aid fitting, as well as our aural rehabilitation program. During those classes, our team works with patients and their families on the implications of hearing loss and how to best communicate.
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors focus on the physical properties of the ear. An ENT can diagnose and provide treatment options like surgery or medication when appropriate.
Audiologists are licensed health care professionals who diagnose hearing loss, balance problems and vestibular system conditions of the ear. They’re also trained to prevent and manage those conditions. An audiologist provides the needed information to the ENT to determine which medical or surgical treatment option is best. Audiologists are most qualified for assessing, fitting and following up with hearing aid candidates.
Your patients receive a comprehensive report showing their results and treatment recommendations. We can submit those reports via fax, email or mail to referring physicians.
Use our Communication Access Plan to help your staff understand the needs of your hearing loss patients, including how to communicate with them during their appointment.
Please view our complete list of accepted insurances.
Hearing Associates has partnered with Care Credit to offer financing options for qualifying individuals.