All about hearing aids

How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aid prices vary, depending on many factors. Factors that influence price include…one versus two hearing aids, aural rehabilitation programs, warranty, services included, accessories, circuit sophistication, telephone coils, directional microphones, insurance coverage and other factors too! Please see your hearing healthcare professional (audiologist or hearing instrument dispenser) for an exact price based on your needs and desires.

How long do hearing aids last?

The most common repairs required by hearing aids are based on dirt and debris blocking the microphones and the receivers. In other words, the majority of repairs required are sue to poor/low maintenance. Your hearing healthcare professional will review with you how to maintain your hearing aids, how to keep them clean and dry, how to change batteries etc. Nonetheless, if the hearing aids are well maintained, generally speaking, they can last 5 to 7 years.

Are hearing aids covered by insurance?

Some insurers do cover hearing aids. However, each situation is different! Even though a particular insurer offers hearing aid coverage, you may or may not have it available to you, based on your individual policy. It is always a good idea to call the insurance company and speak with their representative to learn about your personal hearing aid coverage.

What are the different styles of hearing aids?

In general, there are 4 basic styles of hearing aids… Behind the Ear (BTE), In the Ear (ITE), In the Canal (ITC), Completely in the Canal (CIC). There are variations on the four basic styles. Your hearing healthcare professional (audiologist or hearing instrument dispenser) will work with you to help you decide on the best style for you, based on your needs and desires.

What are digital hearing aids?

The term DIGITAL is used so often today, it can be confusing. When the term "digital" is used when referring to hearing aids, it generally means the hearing aid is 100% digital. In other words, the hearing aid is indeed a "complete computer". 100% digital hearing aids have been commercially available since the mid-1990s and they are wonders of modern technology. 100% digital hearing aids can process sound using incredibly fast speeds. Interestingly, most 100% digital hearing aids have some analog components, such as the microphone and the receiver. 100% digital hearing aids transform analog information into a digital signal and process the sound to maximize the speech information you want to hear, while minimizing the amplification of sounds you do not want to hear.

Digital technology is tremendous and it allows the audiologist maximal control over the sound quality and loudness of the hearing aid. Importantly, digital technology allows the audiologist to tailor or customize the sound of your hearing aids to what you need and want to hear. In summary, if you want the best technology —get 100% digital hearing aids.

What are Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)?

You may have certain communication needs that cannot be solved by just using hearing aids. These situations may involve telephone, radio, television, or the inability to hear the door chime, telephone bell, and alarm clock. Special devices have been developed to solve these problems. Like hearing aids, assistive listening devices and alerting devices make sounds louder. Typically, a hearing aid makes all sounds in the environment louder. Assistive listening devices and alerting devices can increase the loudness of a desired sound, like a radio or television, a public speaker, or an alarm system, or may make an auditory alarm (such as a smoke signal) into a visual alarm (such as a strobe light).