When do I know that I need a hearing aid?

Technically it is time to consider hearing aids when hearing levels drop to as low as 35 or 40 decibels (meaning you have difficulty understanding conversations and/or TV, and other everyday sounds).

The avenue to better hearing occurs when:

• The spouse or family member stops being the 'ears' of a hearing impaired individual.
• When the hearing impaired individual
1. Overcomes the denial that life has been changed due to lack of hearing
2. Wants to do something about it and arranges to see a doctor or an audiologist for an examination
3. Understands that he/she needs to be willing to accept the guidance and professional advice concerning the treatment so that he/she can make a good and informed hearing healthcare decisions
4. Must make a commitment to become a hearing aid consumer

What is the best hearing aid?

Instead of shopping for hearing aids based on the brand name, you should focus on the qualifications and education of the person you will seek guidance from in determining the best hearing aid.

I recommend a college degreed audiologist instead of a hearing aid salesman.

What is the best style of hearing aid for mild/moderate hearing loss?

If you still have some residual hearing remaining - Please - do not buy a hearing aid that plugs-up your ear. Stay away from the Completely-in-the-Canal models!

Investigate the new Over-the-Ear models with invisible thin tubes that leave your ear canal open and unplugged. The Over-the-Ear style is the most comfortable and naturally sounding hearing aid for people with mild hearing loss.

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Are hearing aids with larger batteries best for severe hearing loss?

YES

Can new hearing aid technology eliminate distracting background noise?

NO. New hearing aid technology can better manage distracting noise but not eliminate it!

Can I try hearing aids before I buy them?

All reputable hearing healthcare providers offer trial periods of at least 30 days. Manufacturers will not charge for hearing aids that are returned within that period. Always try before you buy. No one can guarantee that you will be happy with the hearing aid!

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How do I make cell phones and other phones louder?

Hardwire phones can be amplified. An amplified telephone can be purchased from your phone company, an audiologist, or from a retail store. Florida residents can request a free telephone from the State with a prescription from a hearing healthcare provider. The application form for the free amplified phone is available at all of our offices.

Cell phone conversations can be improved with a larger phone that has a larger speaker. You can also have better cell phone conversations by using a wired or wireless earphone on your cell phone. Bluetooth receiver technology if compatible with your hearing aid will allow a cell phone conversation to be directly received into your hearing aid.

I recommend you ask your audiologist about Bluetooth receiver technology.

Hearing aid users who do not want to remove his/her aid for a phone conversation should consider a speaker phone or a special telecoil switch on their hearing aid. A Telecoil switch is an inexpensive option on most new hearing aids. Some Telecoil switches answer phone calls automatically and without manual switching. Your audiologist can provide you with detail information.

How much do hearing aids cost?

We sell quality digital hearing aids from $690.00 each to my top-of-the-line model called Nano-digital hearing aid for $2300.00 each. Be cautious of advertising that offers dated specials like buy one and get one free. These are offers based on the manufacturers inflated suggested retail prices. Offers for a very low price hearing aid are often 'bait and switch' advertising tactics.