FAQs
At Audiology and Hearing Associates, we believe it is important to educate our patients about their hearing loss and help them find solutions. We are here to answer any of your hearing related questions. Below are some common questions our patients ask us. If you don’t see your question answered below, then contact our office. We would be happy to help you
Is my hearing loss really that bad?
A simple hearing exam will identify the exact degree of your hearing loss. If your hearing loss is severe enough for you to notice, then you should consider wearing hearing aids. Even if you have a mild hearing loss, your hearing can still gradually worsen over time. Hearing aids will significantly slow down the process of your hearing deteriorating and will help you to continue to hear certain tones and frequencies that you might be missing. Preserving your hearing ability is crucial for you to continue communicating your best.
Why can I hear sometimes but other times I can’t?
Often times patients say they can hear, they just can’t understand. This is because hearing loss involves more than just the ears. Because our hearing is connected to the brain, hearing loss can cause your brain to not fully understand the conversation. This is because hearing loss affects your ability to hear certain frequencies, which we need in order to hear clearly and understand.
How much do hearing aids cost?
The price of hearing aids varies depending on the level of technology you choose. Basic levels of hearing aid technology that don’t have any features will be lower in cost compared to hearing aids that have a higher level of technology. Premium hearing aids with a higher level of technology are better suited for every type and degree of hearing loss. They often feature Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeability, automatic adjusting, and have excellent speech in noise capabilities. We will help you find a hearing aid that has all of the features you need and is within your budget.
How long will hearing aids last?
Hearing aids are incredibly advanced and durable devices. When properly cared for they can last for about 5-7 years. It is important to bring your hearing aids in on a regular basis for deep cleanings and adjustments in order to ensure your hearing aids continue to perform their best. Although hearing aids can last for many years, many patients like to upgrade their hearing aids around the 3-5-year mark in order to take advantage of the new technology.
Do I really need two hearing aids? Can’t I use just one?
If you have hearing loss, it is important to wear two hearing aids, not just one. Wearing two hearing aids will help increase the sound all around and help you hear better. They will also help to decrease background noise and will deliver sound to your brain. Most hearing loss is binaural (effecting both ears), so it is necessary to provide the proper amplification to both of your ears so one doesn’t worsen.
Are hearing aids difficult to adjust to?
It is important to remember that hearing aids do take some time to adjust to them. It’s not only your ears that need to adjust to hearing sounds again, but your brain as well. The more often you wear your hearing aids then the quicker you will adjust to them. Your brain has to get used to hearing and processing sounds again, so it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few month before you are fully adjusted.