What do I need to bring for my first appointment?
Please bring the following items with you:
- Patient forms (if printed and completed at home)
- Insurance card(s)
- List of medications
- Current hearing aids (if an existing user)
- Hearing Evaluation ( If taken within 6 months)
- If possible, a family member
How long is the first appointment (including the hearing evaluation)?
The first appointment will last one hour. This includes the time for the hearing evaluation. If during the first appointment you decide to trial a set of hearing aids expect the appointment to last longer.
How do I know if I have a hearing loss?
There are a few ways to test yourself to see if you have difficulty hearing. By paying attention to your daily life, you can determine if you are experiencing a hearing loss. If you have difficulty following conversations, family members complain the T.V is too loud, you say “what” frequently, misunderstand people or have been exposed to noise through job or recreation, you may want to consider having a hearing evaluation.
How do I know if I need hearing aids?
The best way to determine if you need hearing aids is to first see if you have a hearing loss. By completing a hearing evaluation, the audiologist can determine the type of hearing loss and provide advice for any type of hearing aid.
If I have a recent hearing test from another facility, do I need to have another one taken at this facility?
If a hearing test was conducted within 6 months at another facility by an audiologist, there is no need for a new test. We will require a copy of the evaluation. Any test extending past 6 months, we will need to conduct a new test.
Does my insurance cover the cost of hearing aids or hearing evaluations?
You can contact your insurance company or we will be happy to help you find the answers.
How much do hearing aids cost?
Depending upon the technology of the hearing aid, the price will vary. The more sophisticated to assist in noise reduction usually the more expensive, however, it depends on the person’s lifestyle.
Do you treat Tinnitus?
We treat patients with tinnitus. Tinnitus is ringing in the ear that we can help find solutions to reduce the ringing through a variety of options.
If I have hearing aids from another facility, will you work with them?
We work with patients that have existing hearing aids even if they were purchased through another company. We can program, clean, and even repair the hearing aids.
What manufacturers do you work with?
We work with most hearing aid manufacturers including Oticon, Phonak, Resound, Signia (Siemens), Starkey, Widex, Whisper, Bernafon, Rexton, Sonic Innovations, Unitron.
Do you repair hearing aids?
We will try to repair hearing aids in the office. Minor fixes can be completed in the office on the same day. Repairs that will require more extensive work may need to be sent out to the manufacturers for a quote on the cost of repair.
Do I need to follow-up with care after receiving hearing aids?
We suggest scheduling periodic appointments for cleaning and checking the hearing aids to insure they are clear of dirt and debris. We also check your ear canals to be sure they are wax free.
How do I care for my hearing aids?
There are tricks to take special care for your hearing aids. By placing the hearing aids inside the box when not in use will increase the likelihood of them from being misplaced or lost. Opening the battery door overnight or when not in use will increase the battery life. Additionally, keep them away from pets, as some are drawn to the taste of ear wax.