ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HEARING LOSS AND HEARING AIDS
How do I know if I have hearing loss?
Take the online hearing quiz. If you answer yes to several of these questions, you likely have some form of hearing loss and should call or text us to get your hearing tested.
What is a hearing aid?
How do hearing aids help?
Hearing aids send an amplified signal to your ear; your surviving hair cells then detect the signal and send the amplified sound to your brain. Your brain then perceives the sound as being louder–resulting in enhanced, effortless hearing.
The best way to see if hearing aids will help you is to talk to us and demo a pair for free.
Who treats hearing loss?
- Audiologists are professionals with a master’s or doctorate degree in audiology, the study of hearing. They specialize in testing, evaluating and treating hearing loss and balance disorders, including the fitting of hearing aids.
- Hearing Instrument Specialists are trained in fitting and dispensing hearing aids. Hearing Instrument Specialists undergo extensive educational and clinical training and are often state-licensed and board-certified to test for hearing loss and fit hearing aids.
- Otolaryngologists are medical doctors that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, head and neck disorders. Otolaryngologists are also known as ENT doctors.
How can I find out if a hearing aid will help me?
What are the different styles of hearing aids?
Talk to us. Our hearing experts can help you find the right one for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Do all hearing aids work the same way?
Which hearing aid will work best for me?
Your audiologist will help determine which solution is best for you using information from your hearing evaluation, your listening needs assessment, and your budget.
Talk to us!
What questions should I ask before buying a hearing aid?
- What features would be most useful to me?
- What is the total cost of the hearing aid?
- Do the benefits of newer technologies outweigh the higher costs?
- Is there a trial period to test the hearing aids? (Manufacturers allow a 30- to 60-day trial period during which the hearing aids can be returned for a refund.)
- What fees are nonrefundable if the hearing aids are returned after the trial period?
- How long is the warranty?
- Can the warranty be extended?
- Does the warranty cover future maintenance and repairs?
- Can the audiologist make adjustments and provide servicing and minor repairs?
- Will loaner aids be provided when repairs are needed?
- What instruction does the hearing specialist provide?
Why should I get two hearing aids?
How long will it take before I adjust to wearing my hearing aids?
You may experience some issues with discomfort, distracting background sounds, or the amplified sound of your own voice. This is normal, and problems can either be corrected by fine-tuning the hearing aids or just slowly adapting to the new sounds.
How do I care for my hearing aids?
- Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture.
- Clean hearing aids as instructed. Earwax and ear drainage can damage a hearing aid.
- Avoid using hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing aids.
- Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use.
- Replace dead batteries immediately.
- Keep replacement batteries and small aids away from children and pets.
View our Hearing Aid Help videos to learn how to perform basic maintenance on your hearing aid and troubleshoot common problems.