So, I have a hearing loss. Do I really need a hearing aid?
You have a hearing loss, so this makes you a hearing aid candidate. Whether or not you get a hearing aid depends on:

  • how much conversation you are missing
  • how much frustration you, your friends or family feel
  • the level of stress you experience in social, group or work situations
  • whether or not you avoid going places because of your hearing loss
My professional recommendation is that if you are a hearing aid candidate, hearing aids will be of benefit. You have to make a decision based on the above considerations. This is best accomplished in consultation with family and friends.

How do I go about shopping for a hearing aid?
You will be spending a significant amount of time and money, so you need to feel comfortable in the office you choose. To that end shop in person, not by phone.

You should know the following:

  • You need a current hearing test. Arrange this yourself or go through your physician.
  • Hearing aids come in different sizes and technologies
  • The price of hearing aids reflects the product/size/technology as well as the professional's services
  • Hearing aids are recommended based on the degree of loss, size of ear canal, manual dexterity, typical listening environments, and what you wish to spend.
If you're not satisfied with your purchase, return to your dispenser to resolve the problem. Check the terms of the return policy before you buy.

How much do hearing aids cost?
Hearing aids range in cost from approximately $1200 to $3,500 for one hearing aid. If you have a hearing loss in both ears, then you will need to consider the price for two hearing aids. Price is based on the size, features, technology:

  • Smaller hearing aids cost slightly more than some of the larger styles
  • The more features you select the more expensive the hearing aid (i.e. digital, multi-channel, multi-microphone, multiple memory, feedback management, digital noise reduction)
  • The latest manufacturer's release will often be the most expensive
Make sure you review all your options with your hearing professional.

What is the difference between an $1000 and a $3500 hearing aid?

  • A $1000 hearing aid could be any size of hearing aid with digital technology with a limited number of features. This usually means that the hearing aid will work well in quiet and mildly noisy situations but may be of limited benefit in significantly challenging listening situations.
  • A $3500 hearing aid could be any size of hearing aid with digital technology with the maximum number of features that a manufacturer has available currently to improve hearing in various situations that are considered challenging. This means that the user can expect much better performance in extremely noisy or difficult listening situations.

Features in a hearing aid are designed to enhance performance in a group situation or any other noisy or challenging listening environment.

Typical features mentioned are multi-channel, directional or multi-microphones,multi-memory, automatic for adjustments, wind noise suppression, echo-blocking, feedback cancellation.

What does a trial period mean when you buy hearing aids?
The trial period should also be referred to as the return period. As a consumer you are entitled to a 30 day return period on your hearing aid purchase. You must use this time to learn how to use your hearing aid properly and if it does not fit comfortably or improve communication for you then you must let the dispensing professional know so that they can correct the problem areas. Keep a written list of your problem areas. Pre-book your followup appointments the day you are fit with your new hearing aids. Keep your followup appointment even if you think everything is working well.

After I buy my hearing aids how much will it cost to maintain them?
There will be the cost of hearing aid repairs and hearing aid batteries.

  • You should know how to clean your hearing aids but even with care you may still have to send them out for a charge repair every one or two years. Currently, repairs are a flat rate at about $150 to $200 with a 6 month warranty. Once your hearing aid is over 5 years of age you may have to pay more to have it repaired.
  • The cost of hearing aid batteries varies from $1-$1.50 per battery. Each battery can last from 3 days to 21 days. Battery life is determined by the hearing aid's size,technology and hours of use. You may pay between $50-$200 per year for batteries for two hearing aids.

How often will I need to buy a new hearing aid?

  • Most hearing aids are replaced after 5 to 10 years of life
  • The manufacturer can usually repair your hearing aid so long as they still have the product parts. Repair costs may increase after the hearing aid is older than 5 years.
  • Usually, there are significant technology advances after 5 years which you may want to try if you are looking for better performance.
  • See your audiologist for a hearing test and hearing aid evaluation of your current hearing aids if you are not sure whether to replace or not.

Why does my hearing aid squeal? How can I stop it?
Squealing or whistling describes what is called Feedback. Feedback falls into 2 categories:

  1. Internal - This type of feedback is due to a part inside the hearing aid being out of place. To fix this the hearing aid must be sent back to the manufacturer for repair.
  2. External - This type of feedback is due to the amplified sound leaking out around the shell of the hearing aid. The shell must either be remade or the size/style of the hearing aid must be changed to reduce the chance of feedback.

My hearing aid works fine in the morning and gradually fades over the day - it never used to do this. What could be the problem?
It could be an accumulation of moisture in the hearing aids. There are a few things you can do to limit moisture buildup. Consider these tips for cruises or trips to hot, humid countries.

  1. Store hearing aids in a "Dri-Aid" Kit or a system that sanitizes and dries called a Dry and Store kit
  2. With behind-the-ear style hearing aids, invest in an "Air Blower" for the earmold tubing / purchase extra earhooks.
There are consumer devices available for drying out moisture /wax. This is a more costly (approx.$350) but effective alternative.

I have trouble hearing on the telephone. Is there something I can get to hear more easily on the phone?
There are a few different options:

  1. An in-line amplifier which can be purchased for approx $75. It can be attached to your existing phone if it is not a cordless phone. This device can boost the volume as well as the tone.
  2. A portable amplifier that can be attached onto standard, cordless or payphone handsets. This device can be purchased for about $60.
  3. An amplified telephone can be purchased for under $200.
  4. A telephone coil/switch on a hearing aid can sometimes be added. This option is size/style dependent. This can cost about $60 to $150 per aid.

I have trouble hearing the television and everyone tells me it's too loud. I don't want a hearing aid; I just want to hear my TV better. What can I do?
There are various listening devices for the TV. You can get a wired or wireless system. These devices will attach to the TV in various ways. Make sure the device you buy will work with your TV. An important fact to help you make your selection is whether or not you have an Earphone outlet (look on the front, side or back of your TV). You do not have to have an Earphone outlet on your TV to get a TV listening device Styles and prices range from about $120 up to about $450. Discuss your options with your audiologist.

Are digital hearing aids better? Are there less expensive options that give you similar performance in noise?
Digital hearing aids are better in that they can have more features to enhance your ability to hear well in both quiet and in noise. Some important features to learn about are:

  • Single, dual or multi-channel amplifier
  • Single, directional, or dual microphone
  • Single or multiple memories
  • Telephone switch option
  • Remote control option
The most expensive hearing aids have a digital processor, with multi-channel amplifier, multi-memory and dual microphone features. Less expensive options are available with an analog processor, single channel amplifier and directional microphone. When you buy your hearing aid you should consider the range of features listed above and review the various benefits with your audiologist.

Are smaller hearing aids better?
Smaller is not necessarily better. The bigger the hearing aid the more features and the greater range of power you can get. Simply put, more features means better overall performance in all situations. Currently the most sophisticated hearing aid that allows you to incorporate the maximum number of features possible is the behind-the-ear style hearing aid. It is important to have a needs assessment with your audiologist to determine what features may best suit you. Once you determine this you should then consider the technology/style/size/price/repair rate and battery life before you make your final decision about what to buy. For many people the tradeoff is one of performance vs. aesthetics.

I have a hearing loss. Should I get a hearing aid?
It is important to consider the consequences of untreated hearing loss. A large national study conducted by the Seniors Research group in May 1999 found that hearing-impaired older persons who do not wear hearing aids are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, paranoia and emotional turmoil, compared to people who wear hearing aids. It further reported that most hearing aid users report significant benefits from the aids in family relationships, mental health, and other areas that affect the quality of their lives. For a copy of this study or related articles please call or drop by.

What is the difference between analog and digital hearing aids?
A digital hearing aid does more work than an analog hearing aid. An analog hearing aid will respond to the volume and frequency of the incoming signal whereas a digital hearing aid will respond to the volume, frequency and duration of the signal. A digital hearing aid can perform an analysis of the signal and attempt to determine whether it sounds more like noise or speech so that speech is easier to understand in various settings. For more information go to www.audiology.org and click on consumer resources.

My audiologist tells me I have wax in my hearing aid and I just had my doctor check my ears and he says they are clear. What am I supposed to do about this problem?
The smallest piece of earwax or flaky skin can block the tip of your hearing aid, which stops the sound from coming out. Make sure you explain to your doctor why you need every scrap of wax removed and then if you continue to have problems ask for some advice from your doctor or audiologist on how to limit wax buildup. You may be able to use a wax removal solution or you may need to see your doctor for wax removal periodically. If you have an in-the-ear style hearing aid make sure you have a wax filter. If you plan to buy a new hearing aid consider a behind-the-ear style, which is easier to clean if you have wax buildup problems.

Why doesn't my hearing aid work with my telephone?
Hearing Aids will work with a telephone if they have a telecoil and the telephone being used has telecoil compatibility. If you don't know if your phone is telecoil compatible you must check with the telephone manufacturer. You can make any phone telecoil compatible with a portable device called a Williams Sound TELEMAX phone coupler. This will make any telephone (i.e. Cell phone, cordless phone) compatible with a telecoil in a hearing aid. This device is about $250.

Does my medical care card pay for hearing aids?
Your medical care card does not cover hearing aids. The following is a list of how hearing aids are paid for:

  1. Privately-this is when you must pay the full cost
  2. Worker's Compensation Board -you may qualify for coverage if you ever worked in significantly noisy environments.
  3. Department of Veteran's Affairs-you may qualify for coverage if you were ever in the military.
  4. Government financial assistance (i.e. MSDES, FNIHB)
  5. Extended Health Benefits-if you carry extra insurance check the policy to see if hearing aids are covered.

I think I hear just fine, but my family doesn't. I can hear if they speak up, I just have trouble if they speak softly and mumble. How can I get them to speak up?
If you have difficulty hearing soft voices or sounds and speech seems unclear at times, then it is likely you have some hearing loss for some speech sounds. To determine if you have a significant loss for some sounds you should have a diagnostic evaluation of your hearing by an audiologist. If the test results indicate that you would be a good hearing aid candidate then hearing aids will be recommended. It is important to understand that hearing aids are designed to emphasize the sounds you have difficulty hearing. Most people who wear hearing aids can hear some sounds without hearing aids, but when they wear their hearing aids they hear more accurately which means communication is once again easy for both the listener and the speaker.

I have been told I need hearing aids. Do I need them for both ears?
If you have a hearing loss in both ears then you may need two hearing aids. It is not possible to say that all people with hearing loss in both ears need two hearing aids without seeing their hearing test results. But if the audiologist says that two hearing aids would be better than one, then that means that both ears can be aided.

If you can hear equally from both ears you can have:

  • Bettering understanding of speech in noisy places
  • Less power if you are using two hearing aids instead of one (when you need two)
  • Improved sound localization for knowing which direction to look when you hear an important sound
  • Improved ability to hear correctly and respond appropriately
  • A relaxation of listening effort
  • A more natural sound quality

I have been told that a hearing aid with 2 microphones will help me hear better in noise than a hearing aid with 1 microphone, why is that?

  • One microphone in your hearing aid will pick up sound from in front and in back fairly equally. When a hearing aid has 2 microphones it emphasizes what is closest and in front of you, instead of what is all around you. The result ... you will hear well in noisy or group situations. Two-microphone hearing aids are available in both analog and digital technology in the In-the-ear and Behind-the ear style hearing aid. The price ranges anywhere from about $1200 per ear up to about $2600 per ear.
  • An intermediate solution for the cosmetically concerned individual is a single microphone with directional characteristics. This can be more limited in the way it responds to a noisy place than two microphones but is better than a single, non-directional microphone. This option is available in the in-the-canal (depending on the person's ear canal size), in-the-ear and behind-the-ear style hearing aids in both analog and digital hearing aids and can range in price between $1000 per ear up to $2000 per ear.

What are multi-channel hearing aids?
Multi-channel, multi-memory, multi-microphone, etc are all features to consider when buying a hearing aid. Please review the following overview of the most common features to consider when purchasing a hearing system:

::: FEATURE ::: ::: BENEFIT :::
AMPLIFIER / PROCESSOR This is the brain of the hearing aid. It can be analog, digital, non-programmable or programmable.
Single Channel This type of amplifier allows for basic adjustments to the frequency response and dynamic range. It will work well for flat or sloping hearing losses in quiet places. This is the most basic and can be analog or digital.
2 channel This type of amplifier provides more fitting flexibility to provide a more natural sound quality in quiet and slightly noisy environments. It will work well for flat or sloping loss. This is the next step up from a single channel amplifier and can be analog or digital.
Multi Channel This type of amplifier provides the most fitting flexibility to provide the most sophisticated processing of sound in quiet and in noisy places. It will work well for flat, sloping or unusually shaped hearing loss configurations. This is considered the premium amplifier type. This is the most sophisticated digital processor type.
MICROPHONE This is the part of the hearing aid that picks up the sounds in your environment and sends it on to the amplifier.
Single microphone A single microphone will pick up sounds from in front, to the side and from behind you. This is often referred to as an omni-directional microphone. This is best in a quiet place.
Directional microphone This is a single microphone but it has a fixed emphasis design to pick up what is in front of you better than what is behind you. This helps to reduce background noise.
Dual microphone This is a combination of 2 microphones designed to enhance the signal nearest and in front of you. Dual microphones can have a fixed or adaptive directional emphasis.Dual microphones have significant benefits for use in noisy environments whether paired with a single or multi-channel amplifier.
MEMORY This is a set of parameters in the hearing device. Each set of parameters may be designed for specific listening environments.
Single Memory A single memory hearing device means you have the same settings in all listening situations. This is good for someone who has a limited variety of listening situations.
Multiple memories Multiple memories in a hearing device means that the device can be set up with different settings for different listening situations. This is helpful for someone who has a variety of listening situations where one memory of settings is not helpful-typically multiple memories are ideal for noisy situations, the telephone, listening to music or any other unique situation where the basic settings are not adequate
REMOTE CONTROL The remote control can increase ease of use and provide additional functions not available with a pushbutton. It is ideal for individuals who have poor sensitivity in their fingers and cannot manipulate the volume control and memory button/switch on the hearing device. This device is also useful for smaller hearing aids that do not have room for the volume control or memory button/switch.
TELECOIL This is a part inside the hearing aid that is activated for use with a hearing aid compatible telephone. If the microphone is shut off while the telecoil is being used then annoying feedback can be avoided when the phone is at the ear resulting in improved comprehension on the telephone.