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Where are we? Seven Locations in Southwest
Florida.
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
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Ask others to repeat or continually say "what" or
"huh"?
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Turn the TV or radio up louder than others
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Complain people mumble or do not speak clearly
What causes hearing loss?
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Gradual aging process with hearing loss showing up in both males
and females by age 40 is common
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Heredity, often overlooked, is actually one of the most common
causes and may date back to more than one or more
generations
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Noise exposure and its cumulative effects over many
years
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Illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney-renal
disease and thyroid disorders may contribute
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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
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Leasing spreads the cost of your hearing aids over a 4-5 year
period
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Leasing allows the average client to afford the high outright cost
of hearing aids with style and technology to fit any
budget
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Leasing covers batteries, which may require replacement every 5-10
days
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Leasing expands your warranty for the entire length of your
lease
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Leasing covers all maintenance, which should be done every 6
months
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Leasing covers insurance costs for loss or damage to your
aids
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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.
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