Hearing Aids Overview VIDEO
Hearing Aids – Two Are Better Than One VIDEO
Hearing Aids – Other Considerations VIDEO
What is an Audiologist and why should I see a professional for hearing aid service?
Audiologists have a minimum of a masters degree (M.A., M.S., or M.Ed.) and many have earned either a clinical doctorate (Au.D) or academic doctorate (Ph.D) status. The minimum entrance degree for Audiology will soon become the Au.D. degree. This means that your services are being provided by a professional who has between six and eight years of college education with two to four of those years spent exclusively in the areas of ear and hearing disorders. There are no other professionals better trained or able to serve your hearing needs.
How much do hearing aids cost?
Prices vary greatly depending upon circuit technology and hearing aid size. Prices range between eight hundred dollars and 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 resources department to learn if your insurance includes hearing aid benefits. If hearing aids are covered, ask if pre-authorization is required and specific information about the extent of the benefits.
What level of hearing improvement is reasonable?
This varies from person to person based upon the extent and nature of the hearing loss. Individuals with mild to moderate nerve hearing loss can expect to have good hearing sensitivity and improved word understanding.
Will I be able to understand conversation in noisy situations?
Despite advances in hearing aid technology, hearing in the presence of background noise continues to be a problem. However, directional microphone technology can significantly improve word understanding in some noisy situations. We will be happy to discuss this option during the hearing aid evaluation.
I know people that have hearing aids and do not wear them. Will this happen to me?
Properly selected and fit hearing aids are very successful. We recognize however, that it is important that every hearing aid patient have a thirty-day trial opportunity. This provides ample time for you to learn about amplification. It also allows time for adjustment to improved hearing and affords the audiologist time to fine-tune your instruments. At the end of thirty days, you will have a realistic appreciation of hearing aid performance. If hearing aids do not suit you, the hearing aids can be returned for a full refund minus a small trial fee.
What kind of hearing aids do you sell?
We only use the highest quality products available in the hearing aid industry. Our experience has helped us select the best and most reliable hearing aids in the market. Among the major manufacturers, we use MicroTech, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Starkey, Widex, and others.
What warranty is provided with hearing aids?
The standard industry hearing aid warranty from the manufacturer is for one year and covers repairs, remakes and a one time replacement for loss and/or accidental damage. In addition, Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat adds an additional one year repair warranty on all new hearing aid purchases.