1. How do I know if I need a hearing aid?

Many people live in denial of their hearing loss! If I had a nickel for every time a
patient said to me "Everyone mumbles." Or "If people would just speak up, I could hear fine." The truth is, not everyone mumbles or speaks in a soft voice, but if you perceive that, these are hints that you probably should have your hearing evaluated. Other clues are things like turning the television or radio up louder than is comfortable for others in the room and having trouble hearing in restaurants, meetings, and on the telephone. These problems don't automatically mean you need a hearing aid, but you should at least be evaluated.

2. How much do hearing aids cost? (or, Why do they cost so much?!)

There is a broad range of prices for hearing aids. The least expensive aid is in the ballpark of $900 and at the other end; you can spend up to $3400 per aid. And there's a lot in the middle! Determining factors are size and circuitry. The older technology, analog circuitry, is significantly less expensive than the newer digital technology. Digital hearing aids now also have different price points and many have become quite affordable recently. Generally, the smaller the hearing aid, the more costly it is. Therefore, a high end digital completely-in-the canal hearing aid will be a lot pricier than an analog behind-the-ear aid. I try to get the best hearing aid each individual's loss at the price they can afford.

3. I want the hearing aid you can't see! (Usually not a question, but a demand!!)

We all have some innate vanity and that's not a bad thing! I would hate to go out in public if nobody cared what they looked like!! When it comes to hearing aids, most people want "the invisible one". In some, if not many cases, a small hearing aid is appropriate. But there are some cases where such a fitting is not appropriate at all. If a patient tells me that's the only style they will wear, but I don't think it is appropriate for their loss, I will proceed with fitting them as requested. However, I will ask them to sign a statement that I advised them against such a fitting. Speaking of which -

4. What if I don't like my hearing aid?

Hearing aids are sold with a trial period. State law mandates a thirty day period, and a purchase agreement contract is required. My patients can go up to sixty days if they need to. At the end of that time, you are entitled to receive all your money back if you return the aid in good condition. At that time, you may wish to try another brand or style of aid. During your trial period, the aids can be adjusted and fine-tuned. This is included in the cost of the aid.

5. How long do hearing aids last?

My general rule of thumb when someone purchases new hearing aids from me is four to five years. After the five year mark, it is often difficult to get an aid repaired and the repair warranty if often short. Although I have seen some eight to ten year old aids in relatively good working condition! Speaking of repairs….

6. Why would a hearing aid need to be repaired?

Hearing aids need repair for a variety of reasons. The number one reason for about 70 - 80% of all hearing aid repairs is ear wax getting into the inner workings of the aid. The next most common cause is moisture. Also, dropping them from a height onto a hard surface can jar the components. Think of it like a car. If you bought a car and left it in the garage for a year, when you went to use it, it would be like new except maybe needing a battery. But if you use it regularly, a car needs maintenance. It's the same for hearing aids. If you use them on a regular basis, they are exposed to wax, dust, moisture, skin oils and handling. Regular cleaning and maintenance is helpful to prevent repairs. It is not unusual for a well used hearing aid to be repaired once per year.

7. How often do I have to change the batteries?

The rule of thumb is - the smaller the battery, the shorter the battery life. And therefore, the smaller the aid, the smaller the battery! The smallest hearing aid batteries will last approximately 5 days while the larger ones can last 7, 10, 14 or even up to 21 days for the largest ones. It depends also on hourly usage and if you remember to turn the aid off when it is not in your ear.

8. Can I wear my hearing aids to sleep in?

Generally, this is not a good idea. First of all, it would not be comfortable to sleep on an ear with a hearing aid in it! Also there is the chance it could come out while you are sleeping and get lost in the sheets. But the primary reason is anatomical. The ear canal is lined with skin and needs air circulating over it regularly. Nighttime is a good time to allow this to happen.

9. How do I protect my hearing?

The best way to protect your hearing is to avoid hazardous noise exposure. We live in a noisy world, but it actually takes a great deal of noise to cause hearing loss. Many workers have jobs that require them to be around hazardous levels of noise. Those persons should be using hearing protection devices. The rest of us are exposed to loud noise from power tools, motorcycles, firearms, personal stereo systems and concerts. There is a wide variety of custom made hearing protection devices available for workers, musicians, recreational shooters, and tool users. Custom made adaptors are also available for cell phone hands-free earbuds, for those of you who want comfort when you are on the cell phone for long periods of time. The same type of adaptor can be made for the stereo ear bud earphones. For both the cell phone and music, sound quality is improved because the adaptors keep more external sound out and the source of the sound is closer to the eardrum. Just keep that volume down!!

10. Are there other things besides hearing aids to help me hear?

The assistive listening device market has blossomed in the past few years as technology has improved. One popular device is the infra-red TV listening system. It allows the cordless headset user to turn the volume up to the level they need it to hear comfortably and any other listeners in the room can have the TV volume at the level comfortable for them. The TV can actually be on "mute" and the person using the headset can turn the level to their ears up as loudly as they desire! Works great even for normal hearing people when one is a night owl and likes to watch TV in bed and the other one wants to sleep!