Hearing Aids FAQs
If you have questions about hearing aids, you have come to the right place. Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center is here to help you find a hearing solution that works for you. Our team of expert audiologists will diagnose your hearing health and identify a treatment plan to fit your specific needs.
If it’s determined that a hearing aid can prove beneficial to address your hearing loss, we can match you with the right hearing aid for your level of hearing loss, budget, and personal goals. Additionally, we also help patients experiencing a range of hearing issues, including tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Click here for information about tinnitus: ringing in the ears.
Click here for more about hyperacusis: decreased sound tolerance a.k.a sound sensitivity.
COMMON FAQS
How do I know if I have diminished hearing?
Doesn’t hearing loss only affect older folks?
If I had hearing loss, wouldn’t my doctor have told me?
What types of hearing changes are most common in older adults?
Is hearing loss hereditary?
How do loud noises impact hearing loss?
Can I protect my ears from loud noises?
Can medications cause hearing problems?
What other factors play a role in hearing loss?
How to clean hearing aids?
How much do hearing aids cost?
How common is hearing loss?
How do hearing aids work?
How do I select the best hearing aid for my needs?
Do hearing aids help tinnitus?
Which brand has the best hearing aids?
I’ve heard some complaints about hearing aids. Are they true?
How often do I have to change out hearing aid batteries?
Are the audiologists at Sound Relief Hearing Center M.D.s?
What is an audiologist?
What is misophonia?
What is a cochlear implant? How do I know if I need one?
What are otolaryngologists?
What are otologists and neurotologists?
Are hearing aid batteries dangerous?
What is an earmold impression?
How to clean hearing aids?
Cleaning your hearing aids can be intimidating. They are tiny, expensive, electronic devices that are very important. With so many different styles of hearing aids, not all are cleaned and maintained the same way.
Please visit our YouTube playlist “‘How To’ Tinnitus and Hearing Healthcare Videos” to find out how to safely and effectively clean your hearing device.
How much do hearing aids cost?
Depending on the type of hearing aid, level of technology, and the severity of your hearing loss, prices can range from $700 up to $2,900 per hearing aid. Most people need two hearing aids, and most insurance providers do not cover the cost – at least not all of it.
Another factor is the services included with the purchase. Some audiologists include services with the purchase of hearing aids while others bill services a la carte. The most expensive component of hearing aid prices is the audiologist’s time. If you buy hearing aids online or through an office that does not hire audiologists, your pricing may be less, but so will your overall care.
Do you accept insurance and what is your payment policy?
We do accept insurance. You can find out more here.
How common is hearing loss?
If you suffer from hearing loss, you are not alone. Approximately 17% (or 36 million) of American adults say that they have some degree of hearing loss. In older adults, hearing loss is a common condition, affecting about one-third of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 and nearly half of those 75 and older. There are many different levels of hearing loss, and by working with an audiologist, you’ll be able to identify a solution that works for your needs.
How do hearing aids work?
Essentially, hearing aids include three parts that allow them to work: the microphone, amplifier, and speaker. Hearing aids amplify sounds via this three-part system. First, the microphone receives natural sound and then converts this into a digital signal. Then, the amplifier works to increase the strength of this signal. And finally, the speaker is used to produce the amplified sound into the user’s ears.
Do hearing aids help tinnitus?
Hearing aids can help some people living with tinnitus, but not everyone. People with normal hearing usually do not benefit from amplification to lessen their perception of tinnitus. Those folks require sound therapy in the form of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) to find tinnitus relief.
Is hearing loss hereditary?
Some forms of hearing loss can be inherited. Not all inherited forms of hearing loss take place at birth, however; some can show up later in life. For example, otosclerosis, which is thought to be a hereditary disease, disrupts hearing later in life as an abnormal growth of bone prevents structures within the ear from working properly. Typically, hearing loss caused by otosclerosis doesn’t begin until 10 to 30 years of age.
Additionally, patients experiencing tinnitus may wonder if this hearing issue is hereditary. Learn more here: is tinnitus genetic?
Which brand has the best hearing aids?
There are many different hearing aid companies, but most agree that the 6 best brands of hearing aids are: Oticon, Widex, ReSound, Phonak, Signia, and Starkey.
Individual preferences play a major role in overall satisfaction, but these hearing aid manufacturers consistently deliver excellent products for the consumer.
What types of hearing aids do you offer and how do you determine which is the best fit for a patient?
Unlike most audiology practices, Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center is completely independent, so we can fit patients with whichever hearing aid manufacturer is best for the patient. We determine which hearing aid is best for you in one of our 90-minute preliminary hearing tests.
How do loud noises impact hearing loss?
Damage from exposure plays a major role in hearing loss. In fact, frequent exposure to loud noises is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, because high-decibel noises can permanently damage the inner ear. It also contributes to tinnitus (a ringing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sound in the ears).
Some people experience both hearing and tinnitus due to a combination of noise exposure and advanced age. We measure the intensity, or loudness, of a sound in units called decibels (dB). An ordinary conversation with a friend will reach approximately 60 dB, while the noises produced by city traffic can reach up to 85 dB. A firecracker can reach an ear-piercing 150 dB! Noises that reach 85 dB or above can permanently damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
Can I protect my ears from loud noises?
Noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable. The loudness of a sound and the length of your exposure to it will impact the severity of damage possible. To protect your hearing, avoid noises at or above 85 dB, including lawnmowers, snowblowers, motorcycles, firecrackers, and loud music.
Reduce the sound if you can, or wear ear protection if you cannot. For example, lower the volume on your headphones, personal stereo systems, and televisions. When you cannot escape or reduce noise, wear earplugs or other hearing protection devices. If you are a parent, protect your children’s ears as well.
Can medications cause hearing problems?
Yes, some medications cause irreversible damage to the ear; they are limited in their use for this reason. These include aminoglycosides (main member gentamicin) and platinum-based chemotherapeutics, such as cisplatin. In addition, on October 18, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that a warning about possible sudden hearing loss would be added to drug labels of PDE5 inhibitors, which are used for erectile dysfunction.
Some medications may reversibly affect hearing. These include some diuretics, macrolide antibiotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin and ibuprofen. According to a study by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, the link between NSAIDs and hearing loss tends to be greater in women, especially those who take ibuprofen six or more times a week.
If you take any medications, ask your doctor if they are ototoxic, or potentially damaging to the ear. If you take an ototoxic medication, ask if your doctor can substitute another medication or safely reduce your dosage. On the bright side, taking antioxidants can help prevent ototoxic hearing loss – at least to a degree. Never stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting your doctor.
What other factors play a role in hearing loss?
Besides exposure to loud noise, these factors can augment a person’s hearing loss. These are all reasons that you should see an audiologist if you suspect that you may have hearing loss instead of self-diagnosing with Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
Other factors that can influence hearing loss include the following:
- Ear infections
- Blood vessel diseases
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infections such as meningitis, mumps, scarlet fever, and measles
- Traumatic injuries
- Ménière’s disease
- Acoustic neuroma or other cancerous growths in the inner ear
How do I know if I have diminished hearing?
Since hearing loss can occur at any stage of life, has many different causes, and is oftentimes very gradual, you may be unaware that you suffer from it. If you’re uncertain, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to three or more questions, you may suffer from a hearing problem. Consult an audiologist and schedule a hearing exam so that you can identify the issue and explore possible solutions.
- Do you have trouble hearing on the telephone?
- Do you struggle to hear when there is background noise?
- Is it hard for you to follow a conversation when two or more people talk at once?
- Do you have to strain to understand a conversation?
- Do you often feel like people are mumbling or not speaking clearly?
- Do you sometimes misunderstand what others are saying and respond inappropriately?
- Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?
- Do you have trouble understanding women and children when they talk?
- Do people complain that you turn the TV volume up too high?
- Do you often hear a ringing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sound in your ears?
- Do some sounds seem excessively loud?
Doesn’t hearing loss only affect older folks?
This is a misconception. Hearing loss can occur at any time, at any age. In fact, most people with hearing loss (65%) are younger than age 65! There are 6 million American people between the ages of 18 and 44 that suffer from hearing loss, and around 1.5 million are school-age children. So if you believe you suffer from hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist no matter what your age.
If I had hearing loss, wouldn’t my doctor have told me?
Not necessarily. Only about 13% of general physicians routinely screen for hearing loss. Plus, since most people with hearing impairments hear perfectly well in quiet environments (like a doctor’s office), it can be very difficult for a physician to recognize the problem.
So, if you believe you may suffer from hearing loss, consult an audiologist. Only a trained hearing professional can determine the severity of your hearing problem, decide whether or not you could benefit from a hearing aid, and determine which type of hearing device best suits your specific needs.
What types of hearing changes are most common in older adults?
- Presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss, is the cumulative effect of aging on hearing. Most marked at higher frequencies, this progressive, sensorineural hearing loss develops gradually as a person ages. It most often impacts people over the age of 50, and it is permanent.
Although doctors don’t fully understand why presbycusis occurs, it seems to run in families and it involves damage to the inner ear. People who suffer from presbycusis may find it difficult to tolerate loud sounds or to hear what others are saying.
- Tinnitus, also common in older people, is a ringing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sound in the ears that is not caused by external noise. It can accompany any type of hearing loss, and it is frequently caused by presbycusis, exposure to loud noise, and certain medications.
In addition, tinnitus can indicate other important health problems, like allergies or issues relating to the heart and blood vessels. Tinnitus can come and go, stop altogether, or persist for a lifetime.
How can hearing loss impact an older person’s life?
People with hearing loss often struggle to participate fully in everyday life. They may mistake words in a conversation, miss directions or warnings, or leave a ringing doorbell unanswered.
Older people who can’t hear well may experience depression or choose to withdraw from others to avoid feeling frustrated or embarrassed that they cannot understand what is being said.
In addition, they may become suspicious of relatives or friends who they believe “mumble” or “don’t speak up” on purpose. Hearing loss can isolate older people and may even put them in harm’s way if they are unable to respond to warnings or hear sounds of impending danger. Sometimes people mistakenly assume that an older person is confused, unresponsive, or uncooperative because they don’t hear well.
I’ve heard some complaints about hearing aids. Are they true?
Hearing aid users sometimes express concerns about their devices. You may have heard some of the following three complaints, which are amongst the most common hearing aids complaints:
- My own voice sounds strange. Hearing aids amplify some or all sounds, including the sound of your own voice. Typically, this becomes less noticeable with time and use. If it bothers you, contact Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center so that one of our hearing professionals can address the problem.
- My hearing aid produces whistling sounds or feedback. Hearing aids produce whistling sounds or feedback for several different reasons, all of which are easily resolved. First, if your hearing aid fits too loosely, it will allow the amplified sound to escape from your ear. The microphone receives this sound, causing feedback. Second, you may receive feedback if you stand too close to a surface that reflects sound, such as a wall. Finally, some feedback problems occur because the user turns the device’s volume control too high. You can easily remedy most of these feedback problems on your own. If you continue to experience problems with feedback or whistling sounds, consult an audiologist and bring your hearing aids to the consultation. We can help you find a solution.
- I feel pressure in my ear when I wear a hearing aid. If excess air becomes trapped between your eardrum and your hearing aid, you may experience a sensation of pressure. A hearing professional can alter your device to alleviate the problem if it persists.
How often do I have to change out hearing aid batteries?
Depending on the model and level of use, the battery life of a hearing aid may vary. But in general, most individuals with disposable batteries in their hearing aids need to change these out every three to ten days. Your hearing aid will provide a signal when the battery is close to dying, helping you to better plan out when you need to make a change.
Some may also have the option of using rechargeable batteries for their hearing aids. Rechargeable batteries may be beneficial for those who have trouble replacing their batteries on a regular basis; however, rechargeable batteries generally need to be charged each night and will last for about 18 to 24 hours. Speak with an audiologist to help determine the right hearing aid and battery option for your specific needs.
What is an audiologist?
Audiologists are healthcare professionals that specialize in identifying, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring disorders of the auditory and vestibular system portions of the ear. They are trained to diagnose, manage, and treat a variety of hearing-related conditions, including tinnitus, hyperacusis, hearing loss, and balance problems. In addition, audiologists dispense, manage, and rehabilitate hearing device users. They can also assess candidacy for cochlear implants and map implants.
Audiologists undergo training in anatomy, physiology, hearing aids, cochlear implants, electrophysiology, acoustics, psychophysics, neurology, vestibular function and assessment, balance disorders, counseling, and sign language. Depending on the program they attend and the county where that program is located, an audiologist usually graduates with one of the following qualifications: Au.D., STI, Ph.D., or ScD.
Are the audiologists at Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center M.D.s?
No. Our audiologists are all Doctors of Audiology that specialize in non-surgical options for treating hearing loss and tinnitus. If you require an M.D., Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center can refer you to the doctor that best suits your specific health care needs. However, most people with hearing loss do not need an M.D., because the condition cannot be treated through medication or surgery.
How do I select the best hearing aid for my needs?
When selecting a hearing aid, you will need to take several factors into consideration to find the right device for you. For example, think about the nature and severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, the activities you enjoy, your job, your eyesight, and your dexterity. The size and shape of your outer ear and inner ear canal will also influence your options.
When you visit the Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center, our professional team of audiologists will review all of these factors and assess your test results to help you select the perfect hearing device. Using our expertise, we will provide a recommendation and guide you on your road to better hearing.
Do you offer a trial period for hearing aids and what is your return policy?
Yes, trials usually last between 2 – 4 weeks, and we offer a 30-day return policy.
Do you provide ongoing support and maintenance for hearing aids?
Yes, we do. That will be covered in more detail at your appointment.
What is misophonia?
Misophonia, or hatred of sound, is characterized by intense aversion to specific “trigger” sounds. For example, you might strongly dislike the sound of chewing, breathing, throat clearing, or repetitive sounds (like tapping a pencil or clicking a pen). At Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center, our treatment options for misophonia include sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
What is a cochlear implant? How do I know if I need one?
If you suffer from a certain severe type of hearing loss, your doctor may recommend that you visit an otolaryngologist (a surgeon who specializes in ear, nose, and throat diseases) to learn about cochlear implants. These small electronic devices are placed behind the ear, under the skin, by a surgeon. The cochlear implant picks up sounds, transforms them into electrical signals, and then sends them past the non-working part of the inner ear so that they can reach the brain.
For most people with hearing loss, a hearing aid proves helpful enough that a cochlear implant is unnecessary. However, if you suffer from profound hearing loss and your hearing aid is insufficient, contact an audiologist to learn more about cochlear implants. Your audiologist will conduct a hearing test and assess your candidacy for a cochlear implant.
What are otolaryngologists?
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (also called otorhinolaryngology) is a surgical specialty devoted to the care of adult and pediatric patients with ear, nose, throat, and neck conditions. Physicians in this field are commonly known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors.
Otolaryngologists must complete at least five years of surgical residency training, including at least one year of general surgery and at least four years of otolaryngology training. During their schooling, they acquire the skills needed to manage a variety of problems: sinusitis, allergies, mouth and throat cancer, masses of the neck, voice, and swallowing problems, trauma to the face and neck, ear infections, dizziness, hearing loss, and many other problems arising from the structures of the head and neck.
Within the broad specialty of otolaryngology, there are several subspecialties. Some otolaryngologists pursue more extensive training in one or more of these subspecialties (in addition to general otolaryngology training) and devote their practices to these areas. When doctors pursue subspecialty training, they often engage in research as well, and many of these doctors become leaders in research in their selected field of otolaryngology. Subspecialties of otolaryngology include the following:
- Pediatric otolaryngology (dealing with children)
- Allergy
- Sinus surgery
- Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Head and neck cancer surgery
- Laryngology (voice and swallowing)
- Otology/neurotology
- Skull base surgery
What are otologists and neurotologists?
An otologist/neurotologist is a board-certified otolaryngologist who provides medical and surgical care to patients, both adult and pediatric, with diseases that affect the ears, balance system, temporal bone, skull base, and related structures of the head and neck. Neurologists have a wealth of knowledge in the basic sciences of hearing, balance, nerve function, infectious disease, and anatomy of the head and neck. Their diagnostic, medical, and surgical skills include treatment of all the following conditions:
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Dizziness
- Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ear
- Facial nerve disorders
- Congenital malformations of the ear
- Tumors of the ear, hearing nerve, and skull base
Working as a part of a team with neurosurgeons, neurotologists also manage diseases and disorders of the cranial nerves and skull base.
Are hearing aid batteries dangerous?
Like all batteries, the batteries used in hearing aids are extremely dangerous and toxic if swallowed. For this reason, you should keep all batteries away from children and pets. If you or someone you love accidentally swallow a hearing aid, contact 911 immediately.
What is an earmold impression?
To create a personalized hearing aid, an earmold impression must be made of the ear. Although the process may feel slightly awkward, it will not hurt and it will only take a few minutes. This mold is then sent to an audiologist, who creates the custom-fitted hearing aid.
Can you provide information about any support groups or resources for individuals with hearing loss?
One of our audiologists can provide that during an appointment. Our YouTube channel can be a great resource as well.