FAQ

What is an Audiologist?

An audiologist is a professional who diagnoses, treats, and manages individuals with hearing disorders. Audiologists have received a masters or doctoral degree from an accredited university graduate program and have specialized training in patient management from birth through adulthood. Audiologists conduct clinical activities with patients, are involved in hearing research, dispense hearing aids and assistive listening devices and teach at universities and medical schools.

How Do I Know If I Have a Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss may occur at any age. Hearing loss can be due to the aging process, exposure to loud noise, infections, head or ear trauma, hereditary factors, as well as a number of other causes.

You should see an audiologist if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty hearing when in a group or in the presence of background noise.
• Difficulty hearing a phone ring.
• Frequently ask people to repeat what they said.
• Turn the TV volume louder than is comfortable for those around you.
• Hear people speaking but have to strain to understand their words.
• Avoid social events because you are embarrassed about not understanding others.
• Frequently complain that people mumble.
  

Interesting Facts About Hearing Loss

298 million Americans are hearing impaired, and an estimated 500 million experience hearing loss.

More than a third of all hearing loss is attributed to noise: loud music, loud workplaces, loud recreational equipment. Noise induced hearing loss, while irreversible, is preventable.

Firearms, music, airplanes, lawnmowers, power tools and many appliances are louder than 80 decibels and potentially hazardous to hearing with prolonged exposure.

Only approximately 10% of hearing losses are helped by surgery or other medical treatment. 90% of hearing losses can be treated with the use of hearing instruments.

Do I Need a Hearing Aid?

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should see an audiologist for a hearing test to determine if you are a hearing aid candidate. The audiologist will discuss your test results and help you make an educated decision about your hearing needs. If a hearing aid is warranted, the audiologist will discuss the styles and technology available to stay within your budget.

Does Insurance cover hearing aids?

At the present time Medicare does not pay for hearing aids. However some other insurances cover a portion of the hearing aids. It is always a good idea to call your individual insurance and check on your coverage.

What is an ALD?

Certain communication needs cannot always be solved with the use of hearing aids alone. Examples of his would be listening to telelvision, hearing the doorbell ring , telephone listening, or hearing the alarm clock. An Assisted Listening Device (ALD) helps makes these specific desired sounds louder.

Some examples of ALD's are: TV listening systems, telephone amplifying devices, personal listening systems, and doorbell amplifiers. Your audiologist will be able to discuss your particular hearing needs and recommend an ALD for your situation.