|
Our
most frequently asked questions:
Hearing/Ear
Related
- Why
do my ears ring?
Some patients describe the ringing as
more of a buzz or high-pitched squeal.
All of these noises are called tinnitus.
This is a very common complaint and can vary in severity. There are a number of reasons your ears may ring including a
plug of earwax, a middle ear infection, permanent hearing loss or
acoustic neuromas. Also
causes may not be directly related to the ear such as an allergy, high
or low blood pressure and diabetes.
It is important to see an Otolaryngologist so that they may
determine the cause of your tinnitus.
They may also be able to offer effective solutions depending on
the cause.
For more information contact the
American Tinnitus Association
www.ata.org
- How
much will a hearing aid cost?
In general, hearing aids cost between
$650 and
$3100 for one. This
is dependant on the size of the hearing aid and it’s circuitry.
The price varies depending on the features you choose for it.
Also remember, every hearing aid and earmold made is created for
only one person – YOU. Everyone’s
ears are shaped differently; therefore, hearing aids cannot be massed
produced. Most people
forget that hearing aid technology has advanced tremendously over the
last few years and research and development is another large component
in the cost of hearing aids. Based
on your needs an audiologist can help you find the hearing aids within
the price range you are comfortable with.
- Do
I need two hearing aids?
Well, this depends. Do you have hearing loss in two ears? If the answer to that question is yes, then yes, you need two
hearing aids. We were
created with two ears for a reason.
Hearing with two ears allows us to determine where sound is
coming from, increases speech clarity and sorts speech from noise better
than hearing with one ear. If
you insist upon only one hearing aid, please be advised that most
audiologists would recommend the better ear be fit since that is the ear
with less damage.
- Can
I get a really small hearing aid that no one else can see?
Well, that depends on the severity of
your hearing loss and how much earwax you produce.
It is important to discuss your concerns with an audiologist so
that you do not find yourself wearing the wrong size hearing aid.
There are four main styles to hearing aids and each of them have
their advantages and disadvantages.
Please notice the corresponding pictures and their explanations.
Behind the ear (BTE)
|
·
The
hearing aid sits behind your ear, while an attached earmold is placed in
your ear.
·
Tends
to provide more amplification for individuals with greater hearing loss
although, it may be worn by individuals with mild hearing loss.
|
|
|
·
Because
the earmold sits in the ear, the hearing aid is not exposed to earwax
and moisture as much as the other styles and BTEs tend to have fewer
repairs.
·
In
general, BTEs cost less than the smaller sizes.
·
Uses
the larger batteries (675 or 13).
|
In the ear (ITE)
|
·
The
entire hearing aid fits in your ear and fills the bowl or concha of the
ear.
·
Provides
more gain than the smaller hearing aids, but sometimes not enough gain
for individuals with severe to profound hearing losses.
|
|
|
·
Tends
to be more durable than the smaller models, but not as durable as the
BTEs.
·
Uses
size 13 or 312 batteries
|
.
In the Canal (ITC)
|
·
The
hearing aid fits in your ear, but does not fill the entire bowl or
concha of the ear.
·
Provides
good amplification for individuals with mild to moderately severe
hearing loss.
·
Tends
to need more repairs due to earwax and moisture.
|
|
|
·
Uses
size 312 or 10 batteries.
|
Completely in the Canal (CIC)
|
·
Cosmetically
appealing due to its very small size.
·
Usually
only provides enough gain for individuals with a mild to moderate
hearing loss (More severe hearing loss may cause the hearing aid to
squeal).
|
|
|
·
Tends
to need more repairs due to earwax and moisture.
·
Uses
the smallest batteries, size 10.
|
- What
is a digital hearing aid and will it help me?
There are three main types of
technology when it comes to hearing aid circuits.
The most technologically advanced
hearing aids are fully digital hearing instruments.
These circuits have a superior sound quality and the sound is
digitally processed. They
can be either fully automatic or have program selections, depending on
the manufacturer. Digital
circuits also tend to minimize feedback (whistling) from the hearing aid
and offer “superior” listening in noise when equipped with
directional microphone technology.
In the middle are digitally
programmable hearing aids. These
hearing aids are programmed digitally, but use an analog system to
process sound. They provide “good” sound quality and help with speech
understanding in low levels of noise.
Conventional analog hearing aids are
the most basic models available and are good for individuals who need
help in quiet environments. However,
they limit the audiologist’s ability to fine tune the hearing aid
based on the user’s comments.
- Can
I try a hearing aid before I buy it?
Valley ENT’s purchase agreement
includes payment for the hearing aid minus any insurance benefits. A payment of half of the cost is due at the time of the
hearing aid order, while the remaining half is to be paid in full at the
hearing aid fitting appointment. There
is usually a two-week period between these appointments.
Cash, check, Visa or MasterCard are the preferred methods of
payment. The FDA requires a 30 day trial period; however Valley ENT
allows 60 days to exchange or return the hearing aids.
If the hearing aids are returned, a full refund with the
exception of a $100 retainer to cover services rendered is granted.
- Do
you guarantee the hearing aids?
Currently, the companies we work with
offer a two-year repair warranty and at least one-year loss and damage
warranty. There are no
charges for hearing aid adjustments as long as the hearing aids are in
warranty. Additional
warranty coverage can be purchased through the manufacturer before the
original warranty expires.
- How
do I care for my hearing aid(s)?
It is important to keep your hearing
aids clean and dry. Remember,
these are miniature computers susceptible to earwax and moisture.
Therefore, it is necessary to clean them every night.
Also, with every hearing aid purchase, Valley ENT provides a dry
aid kit to help reduce repairs due to moisture.
Hearing aids should be stored in the dry aid kit when not in use.
Cleaning tools are also provided with you’re the hearing aids
to help remove earwax and debris.
- How
can I prevent further hearing loss?
Some individuals are born with a
genetic makeup that results in a predisposition for hearing loss;
however, many people lose their hearing when exposed to damaging noise
levels. The best way to prevent noise exposed hearing loss is to
remain in a quiet environment. This
is unrealistic; therefore, when exposed to excessive noise from gunfire,
factories, lawn mowers, hairdryers, loud music, etc., it is important to
wear ear protection. Stock
earplugs or earmuffs can be purchased from local retailers or the
audiologist can fabricate custom earplugs.
There are hearing protection devices made especially for
musicians and hunters to reduce the damaging effects of loud sounds
while allowing the wearer to hear speech or important sounds often
associated with hunting and music.
|
