What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss can have many causes. Most common is the deterioration of inner ear structures due to aging. Occupational and recreational noise exposure are major contributors to pre-mature hearing problems. Even excessive ear wax can cause temporary hearing loss. Young children can frequently have temporary hearing loss as a result of middle ear fluid that can be successfully treated by appropriate medical care.

What is nerve loss?
Hearing nerve loss, also called sensorineural hearing loss, is the most common type of hearing problem. It is the result of damage to the inner ear. Once damaged, it cannot be medically treated or surgically corrected. Hearing loss due to aging and noise exposure are examples of nerve hearing loss. When the loss becomes great enough, hearing aids are the best remedy.

What is that noise that I have in my ears?
Tinnitus is a common symptom indicated by a ringing, roaring, 'cricket-like' or other noise in the ear and/or head. It is associated with a variety of ear conditions but is commonly associated with nerve hearing loss. In most cases, medication and surgical intervention do not effectively cure this problem. In severe cases, tinnitus therapy may be indicated.

What should I do if I think I have a loss?
See your family physician and/or ear specialist (otolaryngology or otologist) for medical assessment and your audiologist for a complete hearing evaluation. If indicated, the audiologist will guide you in regards to amplification.

What will I learn from a hearing evaluation?
You will find out if you have hearing loss and what type of hearing loss you have. In some cases, medical or surgical treatment can restore hearing. If there are no medical or surgical interventions available, your audiologist will guide you toward the appropriate intervention.

How much do hearing aids cost?
Prices vary greatly depending upon circuit technology and hearing aid size. Prices range between eight hundred to three thousand dollars per hearing aid.

Does Medicare or Medicare Supplemental insurance pay for hearing aids?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Hearing aids are not considered necessary or reasonable' according to Medicare guidelines and are generally an out-of-pocket expense.

Does traditional health insurance cover hearing aids?
Typically, standard health insurance does not cover hearing aids. However, there are infrequent occasions when special hearing aid benefits are included in health care coverage. Check with your insurance agent or human resource department to learn if your insurance includes hearing aid benefits, the need for pre-authorization, and the extent of that coverage.