Frequently Asked Questions
Hearing devices are small electronic devices that can be programmed to enhance frequency-specific sounds precisely for the individual’s unique hearing loss.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Further testing might need to be done if tinnitus is the primary concern. The audiologist will explain the complete evaluation and results.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.