Frequently Asked Questions...

What is involved during a hearing evaluation?

Your hearing healthcare professional at (Name of Practice) will take a detailed case history regarding your hearing health. We may ask such questions as, “How long have you been experiencing difficulty with your hearing?” or “What is your most difficult listening environment?” Your answers, as well as any additional information, will provide valuable background information.

A physical examination of your ear will assess the general condition of your ear canal and eardrum. Video Otoscopy will allow you to see your own eardrum on a color TV monitor. Next, we will conduct a diagnostic hearing evaluation. You will listen to various pure tones through insert earphones in a sound proof booth. We will assess the softest level that you can hear these sounds. You will also be tested on how clearly you understand and recognize words.

After the testing is complete, your hearing healthcare professional will review the results with you. If a medical condition is discovered or suspected, we will refer you to a medical doctor for treatment or consultation. If the test results indicate you would benefit from the use of hearing instruments, we will discuss various options most appropriate for your hearing needs.

It is extremely important to bring someone with you to the appointment for this reason. The best choice is usually the person in your life that you have the most difficulty understanding. In order to make the most appropriate decision regarding your hearing healthcare needs, we will use their voice during the testing.

What happens during an hearing instrument fitting?

If the hearing test indicates that you would benefit from the use of hearing instruments, the next step is to begin the fitting process. Choosing the most appropriate instruments is largely based on your type and degree of loss. Your hearing healthcare professional will determine whether you need one or two hearing aids. Generally, wearing two aids will provide the most benefit.

At this time, you will have the opportunity to listen to the various types of technology that are available. Once the type of hearing instrument is selected, impressions of your ears will be taken so your hearing instruments can be custom designed.

You will return at a later date to receive your new hearing instruments and complete instructions on how to care for them. Your hearing healthcare professional will schedule weekly follow up appointments to help you adjust to wearing hearing instruments and to be sure they are working properly for you. Small concerns have answers and should be addressed immediately.

If properly cared for, most hearing instruments will last approximately three to five years. Just like eyeglasses, hearing aids generally replaced for an updated prescription, as your hearing health needs can change over the years. We encourage quarterly visits for complimentary cleaning and service to your hearing instruments when you pick up your batteries. This also allows you time to express any concerns and ask questions you might have along the way.

What size hearing aids are available?

There is not one particular hearing instrument or brand that will work for all types and ranges of hearing loss. What may work best for a friend may not be best for you. Your hearing healthcare professional will offer expert advice on the type that is most appropriate for your hearing loss. The type selected will depend largely on your individual hearing loss and the physical characteristics of your ear canals.

Essentially, there are four basic styles of hearing instruments:

• Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) fits entirely in the ear canal. Cosmetically, this instrument is the least visible. However, it is not suitable for all types and degrees of hearing loss.
• In-the-Canal (ITC) fits within the canal portion of the ear. This style is commonly referred to as a canal, half shell, or miniature canal model aid.
• In-the-Ear (ITE) fits into the canal and extends into the outer part of the ear, completely filling the bowel of the ear. This style is often referred to as a full concha or low profile.
• Behind-the-Ear (BTE) fits neatly behind the ear and is connected to the earmold in the ear by a short plastic tube. This aid is easier to manipulate and it is generally used for a variety of hearing losses. This style can also provide more power and flexibility in years to come.

What type of technology is available?

Different circuitries and technologies are now available for hearing instrument users.

• Conventional, or traditional hearing instruments contain technology that has been available for decades. The hearing instrument user must adjust the volume manually. Standard aids are available in all sizes. ($900-$1500 per ear)
• Programmable hearing instruments are controlled by an integrated computer chip. The settings in the aids are programmed using a cable from a computer in the office. As your hearing changes, the settings can be reprogrammed. The computer chip automatically adjusts the volume to the different sounds in your environment. This makes it possible for soft high frequency sounds (consonants in speech) to be amplified independently of loud low frequency sounds (background noise). Programmable instruments are currently available in all sizes. ($1400-$1800 per ear)
• Digital hearing instruments are the latest advancements in hearing aid technology allowing the best solution for hearing loss so far. The number of controllable features has been increased which allows us to fine tune the settings even better for your particular hearing loss. With the digital chip, sounds are processed 150 million times per second, which provides the listener with clearer more distinct sounds. The ability to improve speech understanding in noise is also enhanced significantly. (Level I $1700-$2200, Level II $2400-$2700 and Level III $2700-$3500 per ear.)