How do you know if you have a hearing loss?

Most of our patients are unaware of their own hearing loss. For hearing loss is insidious and comes on very gradually without pain, discomfort or any obvious signs.  You may be suspicious of hearing loss if you

• Ask others to repeat or continually say "what" or "huh"?
• Turn the TV or radio up louder than others
• Complain people mumble or do not speak clearly

What causes hearing loss?

• Gradual aging process with hearing loss showing up in both males and females by age 40 is common
• Heredity, often overlooked, is actually one of the most common causes and may date back to more than one or more generations
• Noise exposure and its cumulative effects over many years
• Illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney-renal disease and thyroid disorders may contribute
• Various medications including prescription medication, over the counter medication, and "natural herbs" may have significant effects on hearing

What should I do if someone is suspicious of a hearing loss?

Talk with your family doctor and address your concerns.  Inquire whether your family doctor can screen for the possibility of a hearing loss and ask him/her to rule out any obvious causes such as earwax or infection.

Ask him/her for a referral to a Board Certified Audiologist for a more complete comprehensive diagnostic hearing examination. Audiologists can offer help by detecting whether a hearing loss is present, the type of loss and its probable cause.  With today's high tech computer aided diagnostic equipment available to the Audiologist they can help determine strategies for improving your hearing or whether hearing aids may be appropriate and successful for you.

How will I know if hearing aids will help me and can I try them without high pressure or obligation?

The Audiologist will be glad to demonstrate the potential benefit from hearing aids as part of their evaluation.  Inquire about the availability of a trial rental plan for the hearing aids with up to 90 days to decide if they are right for you.

There are so many different types, styles and technology levels with all different prices. How is someone supposed to choose?

This complexity of choices is actually an advantage for you today.  There are a variety of styles and circuits to fit different degrees and type of hearing loss not previously available. There are behind the ear, in the ear and the smallest completely in the canal options to consider. Technology levels also differ from the basic entry level to premium digital.  Our Audiologist can discuss what is best for you based upon your hearing loss, lifestyle and budget you can afford.

Two of my friends wear hearing aids that look the same from the same hearing aid office, but paid different prices.  Why?

Hearing aids may look identical from the outside, but it is the circuitry on the inside that dictates significant differences in price structure.  Basic conventional Type A circuits are the least expensive type while programmable and premium digital lines are much more expensive technology.

How can people afford to pay for such expensive high-end digital hearing aids these days with so many other competing living expenses?

Patients can now consider the leasing alternative to buying hearing aids outright.  Leasing has several advantages

• Leasing spreads the cost of your hearing aids over a 4-5 year period
• Leasing allows the average client to afford the high outright cost of hearing aids with style and technology to fit any budget
• Leasing covers batteries, which may require replacement every 5-10 days
• Leasing expands your warranty for the entire length of your lease
• Leasing covers all maintenance, which should be done every 6 months
• Leasing covers insurance costs for loss or damage to your aids
• Leasing allows clients to upgrade to newer technology as their hearing changes and as their hearing aids wear out after 4-5 years

What if something happens to me during the lease term considering my age and general health?

Should the patient unfortunately pass on during the term of the lease, the lease is terminated. We simply request the hearing aids be returned to our office.