Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hearing device?

Hearing devices are small electronic devices that can be programmed to enhance frequency-specific sounds precisely for the individual’s unique hearing loss.
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At the very basic, the hearing device has a microphone that picks up the sound, an amplifier that enhances the sound, and a speaker that delivers the sound.
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Besides the basic structure, the hearing devices include different kinds of directional microphones, noise management systems, telecoil, precise venting, feedback systems, data logging chips, domes or earmolds, speed, and capability of the platform (computer chip).

What is the best hearing aid?

There is no one device that can be called the best device. It depends on the degree of hearing loss, speech discrimination scores, speech to noise scores, lifestyle, and the pattern of hearing loss. Any hearing device is only as good as it is programmed.

Do I need 2 hearing aids?

If the hearing test indicates hearing loss in both ears, hearing devices are recommended for both ears. Hearing devices in both ears help understand better in noisy situations, lower the volume of sound, localization and give a binaural stimulation of the auditory nerve.

Do I need to change batteries often?

The majority of the hearing devices we work with are rechargeable and do not require changing a battery.However, if a battery-operated hearing device is recommended for your specific needs, batteries will have to be changed every 4-7 days, depending on the size, power, and technology.

Will hearing aids help my tinnitus (ringing ears)?

It’s not a simple answer. It depends on the kind of tinnitus, duration, degree, and loudness. However, the simple answer is that hearing devices can help manage your tinnitus. Hearing devices bring the environmental sounds to the forefront and are capable of pushing the tinnitus to the background, and the tinnitus maskers built into hearing devices can be very helpful.

Will hearing aids make me hear perfectly?

Hearing devices are not a cure for hearing loss nor a replacement for normal hearing. They are one tool to help you with your hearing. Hearing devices are a lot more advanced than they used to be, but they are as good as they are programmed. An audiologist helps to achieve the best possible hearing with the hearing devices by following best practice protocols.

Do hearing devices help with background noise?

Hearing devices with advanced algorithms, faster processors, and technology is able to reduce the background noise effectively when programmed correctly, with real-ear measurements. The effectiveness of hearing devices to an individual can be assessed by an audiologist, using speech and noise testing and a hearing aid test box.

What happens during a hearing evaluation?

The usual hearing evaluation starts with a complete medical history followed by an otoscopic examination of the tympanic membrane, in which a small camera is placed inside the ear canal to get a picture of the eardrum to see for any occlusion or earwax. In cases with earwax, It will be lavaged or looped.

Once we can get a clear view of the eardrum, the actual hearing evaluation will be done in a sound booth.
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During the first part of the test, there will be some air that will be put a slight pressure on the eardrums to see how the eardrums are moving and to assess the health of the middle ear, followed by a few tones which test the auditory pathway across the auditory cortex, the hearing area in the brain.
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The next step would be the basic hearing test which involves you responding, by pushing a button or by raising your hand, to a series of beeps at different frequencies to assess the actual hearing thresholds.

Then an oscillator will be placed behind the ear on the mastoid bone to measure the hearing thresholds directly from the cochlea, the inner ear.

The last part is the most important part of the hearing evaluation to recommend an effective amplification plan is the functional speech testing which measures the actual speech recognition thresholds, speech discrimination capabilities in quiet and noise, and the speech to noise ratio is assessed.
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Further testing might need to be done if tinnitus is the primary concern. The audiologist will explain the complete evaluation and results.

How much do hearing aids cost?

In most cases, the price of the hearing device actually includes the hearing device itself along with the programming, the fitting, the follow-up care, warranty on the hearing devices for repair and service. On average, most of our patients in our office spend around $4000-$5000. Depending on the options it can be cheaper or more expensive.

Are hearing aids covered by insurance?

Unfortunately, I cannot give a blanket answer on this. There are a few insurance companies that have a partial hearing device benefit, although most of the health insurance is only covering for hearing health care services like hearing tests.
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We are in-network with most insurances and we will be able to call your insurance and check on your benefit prior to your appointment. We would also recommend you to call your insurance to make sure of the benefit if any.

What kind of payments do you accept and do you offer financing?

We do accept bank checks or credit card payments and you can use your FSA or HSA.

You also have an option to finance through the care credit, giving you the option for extended payment plans up to 48 months along with a 12 months same as cash option.

Are there any options if I cannot afford hearing devices and have not-so-good credit for a payment plan?

Our goal is to help you hear better. We do not want to turn down anyone if they truly cannot afford better hearing.

We work with some social programs and we try to provide amplification through those programs. We are also in the process of developing the program to provide amplification in exchange for community service.

Although we do not assure anyone or any way that we will be able to provide amplification at no cost.

Can I buy devices online or big box stores or amplifiers?

There are so many things that are available online and can be quite misleading. Amplifiers are not hearing devices. Amplifiers make things louder and excessive amplification without proper prescription can cause further hearing loss.
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Although we do understand that for some people those will be the only affordable options, care needs to be taken to make sure you’re not hurting your ears in the long run.

I just moved into Charlotte or I have purchased hearing devices elsewhere or inherited a pair of hearing devices from my family, would you be able to help with them?

Considering that we are an independent audiology practice we will be able to work with a wide variety of manufacturers. Depending on how old the hearing devices are and the condition of the hearing devices, We will be happy to help. An initial 15-30 min appointment will be scheduled to assess the hearing devices and a proper plan will be sketched out.

Dr. Goutham Gosu is committed to providing the best audiological care to those in and around Charlotte, NC. Read below to learn why folks in Charlotte are choosing to work with Dr. Gosu and the entire team at Hearing Solution Center for their hearing needs.

Why Choose Hearing Solution Center?

Home of Top-Rated Audiologist, Dr. Goutham Gosu

Dr. Gosu takes immense satisfaction in finding solutions for each patients unique listening needs.

Independently Owned Private Practice

We offer devices from all of the best hearing aid brands, without being contractually required to only recommend one brand.

Best Practice Protocols for Every Patient

We are excited to bring this level of patient care to all of his patients at Hearing Solution Center in Charlotte, NC.

Results & Care Explained Clearly

Educating our patients is central to what we do. We help our patients understand their care options, always available to answer any questions with patience.

Average 4.9 Rating with 100+ reviews

Our reviews reflect our commitment to providing excellent service to all who walk through our door.

What our patients are saying

I was so excited to get my hearing aids! I was surprised when I found out they were Bluetooth enabled, it was awesome. I was treated great by the staff and really enjoyed being there! I can now hear my grandchildren when they talk to me. I will always be thankful for that!

This was my first visit to HSC. I appreciate the fact that HSC carries four top brands and repairs them as well. Service is prompt and friendly; professional but not distant. I appreciate the fact that time was taken to answer my questions. I'll be back for my next set of aids.

I have been extremely happy with HSC. They have taken great care of me, helping me get the right hearing aids, working with my insurance, ensuring that the hearing aids work properly and closely monitoring my hearing. Dr. Gosu is a pleasure to work with.

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