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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Frequently Replied Answers

Will hearing aids restore my hearing back to normal?

No. Hearing aids reduce the effort needed to hear and significantly improve quality of life, but they do not correct your hearing. Some listening situations may still be difficult.
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Will hearing aids damage my hearing?

If your hearing aids are properly fit and maintained, they will not damage your hearing. Wearing hearing aids actually keeps the hearing system stimulated, which prevents loss of speech discrimination over time.
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Do I need two hearing aids?

If hearing loss is present in both ears, two hearing aids are usually recommended. Binaural (two ears) hearing helps to better localize sounds, assist in noisy settings, and provide a more natural sound quality. Most people with hearing loss in both ears can understand more easily with two aids than with one. Your audiologist will tell you if two hearing aids are recommended or not.
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How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aids range in price, depending on level of technology (how sophisticated the internal circuit is) and style. After your hearing is evaluated, your audiologist will help you choose the type of hearing aid that is most appropriate for your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.  More sophistocated hearing aids tend to have a more natural sound quality and make it easier to hear in background noise. Cost should not always be the only factor in deciding which hearing aid to purchase. Financing options are usually available if needed.
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Do I need hearing aids even if I only have a mild hearing loss or “high-pitched” hearing loss?

Everyone’s hearing loss and hearing needs are different. Your audiologist will help you determine if hearing aids are needed and how much they will improve your hearing. High frequency hearing loss can be deceiving because clarity is lacking rather than volume.  Clarity of speech is what leads to understanding.
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I hear well in quiet, but have trouble hearing in noise. Do I need hearing aids?

Often times, people hear well or have little difficulty in quiet situations, but have trouble hearing when background noise is present. Difficulty hearing in noise may be a sign of hearing loss. You should have your hearing evaluated to see if any hearing loss is present. Hearing aids help to reduce background noise and focus in on speech.
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How long will it take me to adjust to wearing hearing aids?

Wearing hearing aids for the first time or wearing new hearing aids requires going through an adaptation period. At first, people’s voices or your own voice may sound loud or sharp, but this will go away with time. Usually the first few weeks will require getting used to the new sound quality as well as making computer adjustments to the hearing aids so that they are comfortable. Be patient during this time period.
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If I get hearing aids, will I be able to hear people if they talk to me from another room or if they are not facing me?

Everyone’s hearing loss is different. Hearing aids may improve this type of situation; however, it may still be necessary to receive visual cues from people when they are speaking.
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Will I be able to hear better over the phone with hearing aids?

Most hearing aid styles have the option for a telephone program, which is designed to make hearing over the phone easier. Ease of telephone use will still depend on the type and severity of your hearing loss. If needed, hearing aid accessories are also available for easier telephone use.
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Do I have to wear my hearing aids all the time?

It is recommended that hearing aids be worn all day, from the time you get up in the morning until the time you go to bed at night. In the beginning stages, you may need to gradually work up to wearing them all day. Hearing aids can not get wet, so they can not be worn in the shower, when swimming or when doing any other types of activities near water. Wearing hearing aids during heavy physical activity or when very loud noise is present is not recommended.
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Is there a lot of maintenance required to wear hearing aids?

Maintenance is easy once you get the hang of it. Hearing aids need to stay clean and free of ear wax, so it helps to either wipe them off with a paper towel or cloth once per day. You will need to change batteries about once every 1-2 weeks. Hearing aids need to be stored in a clean, moisture free environment when not in use. Most hearing aids are able to be programmed so that they are completely automatic (if this is desired), so all you need to do is put them in your ears and go!
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