{"id":1966,"date":"2022-12-15T16:39:23","date_gmt":"2022-12-15T22:39:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entillinois.fm1.dev\/?page_id=1966"},"modified":"2023-11-09T13:51:47","modified_gmt":"2023-11-09T19:51:47","slug":"buying-a-hearing-aid-answers-to-common-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/audiology\/buying-a-hearing-aid-answers-to-common-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying a Hearing Aid: Answers To Common Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"i-dont-hear-well-what-should-i-do-what-should-i-expect\">I Don\u2019t Hear Well. What should I Do? What Should I Expect?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>First, visit your primary care physician who can refer you to an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist), because many hearing problems can be corrected medically. If you have ear pain, drainage, excess earwax, hearing loss in only one ear, sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss or dizziness, it is especially important that you see an otolaryngologist, as these may be symptoms indicating a serious medical problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/buying-a-hearing-aid.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/buying-a-hearing-aid.jpg 800w, https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/buying-a-hearing-aid-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/buying-a-hearing-aid-256x128.jpg 256w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After your medical exam, the otolaryngologist will send you to obtain a diagnostic hearing test from one of our licensed audiologists (a nonphysician hearing healthcare professional). The audiological evaluation will include tests to assess your ability to hear pure tones and understand speech. The results of these tests will indicate the degree (mild, moderate, severe or profound) and type of hearing loss, (conductive, sensorineural or mixed), as well as other medical information about your ears and health. You will receive a copy of the results and any recommendations if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types-of-hearing-loss\">Types of Hearing Loss:<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Conductive Hearing Loss:&nbsp;A hearing loss is conductive when there is a problem with the ear canal, the eardrum, the middle ear and\/or the three bones connected to the eardrum. This causes a mechanical (conductive) blockage, preventing the full energy of the sound from reaching your inner ear. Two common reasons for this type of hearing loss are excess wax in the ear canal or fluid behind the eardrum. Medical treatment or surgery may be available for these and other forms of conductive hearing loss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sensorineural Hearing Loss:\u00a0A hearing loss is sensorineural when it results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve, often a result of the aging process and\/or noise exposure, but also may be secondary to head trauma, systemic illness or infection, or genetics. Sounds may be unclear or too soft. Sensitivity to loud sounds may occur. Medical or surgical intervention cannot correct most sensorineural hearing losses, but hearing aids may help you reclaim some sounds you are missing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mixed Hearing Loss: A combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"where-do-i-purchase-hearing-aids\">Where Do I Purchase Hearing Aids?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>If your hearing test reveals that you are a candidate for amplification, the next step in the process of getting hearing aids is having a hearing aid evaluation.\u00a0At Hearing Professionals of Illinois, we stress patient education and encourage you to bring your loved ones to this appointment for support. During this appointment, the results of your hearing test will be reviewed again as they provide an outline of what sounds you are hearing and those you are missing. We will then ask you a variety of questions about your daily life and your perception about your hearing.\u00a0These answers will help your audiologist determine what type of hearing aid technology would best serve your specific needs and what you can expect hearing aids to do for you. We will show you actual examples of\u00a0the different styles of hearing aids and review the different features available for each model.\u00a0Your audiologist will answer any questions that you may have and will make sure you are thoroughly educated about hearing instrument technology and what features are the most appropriate for your hearing loss, listening environments and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/hearillinois.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit Hearing Professionals of Illinois Website<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-costs-and-styles-of-hearing-aids\">What Are Costs and Styles of Hearing Aids?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Your level of hearing loss, lifestyle needs and personal preferences all play a role in the hearing aid selection process. Some factors to consider include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Degree of hearing loss (power requirements)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Budget<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Desired appearance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skin sensitivities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anatomical\/medical considerations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ability to see and handle small devices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lifestyle and listening needs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Budget is a significant factor in hearing aid selection. The cost of a prescription hearing aid starts at $950 each and goes up from there depending on the level of technology and number of advanced features a device has, not due to a specific style. There are also fitting and service fees. We offer four levels of technology: entry, standard, advanced and premium. As hearing technology advances, so will the availability of special features across different models and the price. Ultimately, the best way to choose a hearing aid is to discuss your needs and preferences with your audiologist.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hearing-aid-styles\">Hearing Aid Styles:<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids go over the ear and are connected with tubing to custom-fitted earpieces called earmolds. They are the most powerful hearing aids available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open fit receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) aids are still placed over the ear, but they are extremely small and nearly invisible. This is the most common type of hearing aid and they are available in rechargeable models.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fill the entire bowl of the ear and part of the ear canal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smaller versions of ITEs that sit in the ear canal are called in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The least visible hearing aids are completely-in-the-canal (CIC).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also many assistive listening devices available today, from sophisticated systems used in churches, theaters and auditoriums to small personal systems.&nbsp;Hearing Professionals of Illinois offers a variety of assistive devices to make your life easier.&nbsp;They include FM systems, personal amplifiers, CaptionCall telephones and TV listening systems.&nbsp;There are also a variety of apps, wireless remote controls, remote microphones, telephone and TV adaptors available to connect directly to your hearing aids via Bluetooth technology, turning your hearing aids into personal wireless headsets.&nbsp;Ask your audiologist for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"will-i-need-a-hearing-aid-for-each-ear\">Will I Need a Hearing Aid for Each Ear?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Usually, if you have hearing loss in both ears, using two hearing aids is best. Listening in a noisy environment is difficult with amplification in one ear only, and it is more difficult to distinguish where sounds are coming from.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-other-questions-should-i-ask\">What Other Questions Should I Ask?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Make sure to ask your audiologist about the trial period policy and what fees are refundable if you return the hearing aids during that period. You will want to know how long the hearing aids are covered under warranty and if there is loss\/damage coverage. Ask about hearing aid life expectancy and how often you should return for routine maintenance. Knowing what type of service plan is included with your hearing aids is also important.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-will-happen-at-my-hearing-aid-fitting\">What Will Happen at My Hearing Aid Fitting?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>At the fitting appointment, your audiologist will review how to clean and care for the hearing aids, how to insert and remove them and how to use the charger or change the batteries. Your hearing aids will be programmed to your specific hearing loss and real ear measurements will be used to verify the correct level of amplification is being provided. Adjustments may be made to make sure you are comfortable with the new sounds you are hearing. It is a good idea to bring a family member or close friend to the hearing aid fitting so they can help you remember all the information that is given and be a support for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing Professionals of Illinois offers a 45-day evaluation and adjustment period on all our hearing aids. During this evaluation period, you will return at least twice for check-up appointments. At that time, we will review any information that you need clarified and answer any questions that you may have. Your audiologist will make fine tuning adjustments to the hearing aids if needed, based upon your experiences with them.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-should-i-begin-wearing-the-aids\">How Should I Begin Wearing the Aids?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Start using your hearing aids in quiet surroundings, gradually building up to noisier environments. Eventually you will work up to wearing your hearing aids all waking hours. Keep a diary to help you remember your experiences and report them accurately to your audiologist for adjustments as needed. Report any concerns during your follow-up appointments. Be patient and allow yourself to get used to the hearing aids and the \u201cnew\u201d sounds they allow you to hear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good relationship between the patient and the audiologist is critical to having a successful outcome with hearing aids. We realize that the prospect of having hearing loss and getting hearing aids can be overwhelming, both emotionally and functionally. Not only are we there to provide technical skills, but also to educate and lend the emotional support necessary to achieve success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><div class=\"custom-cta\">\r\n    <div class=\"custom-cta-text\">\r\n        Call Ear, Nose &#038; Throat Specialists of Illinois for more information or to schedule an appointment.\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"custom-cta-phone\">\r\n        <a href=\"tel:+18476745585\" class=\"phone \"><svg width=\"17\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 17 26\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M13 1H3.4C2.07452 1 1 2.07452 1 3.4V22.6C1 23.9255 2.07452 25 3.4 25H13C14.3255 25 15.4 23.9255 15.4 22.6V3.4C15.4 2.07452 14.3255 1 13 1Z\" stroke=\"#0B2874\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<path d=\"M8.13916 20.2H8.25916\" stroke=\"#0B2874\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<span class=\"phone-number\">(847) 674-5585<\/span><\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I Don\u2019t Hear Well. What should I Do? What Should I Expect? First, visit your primary care physician who can refer you to an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist), because many hearing problems can be corrected medically. If you have ear pain, drainage, excess earwax, hearing loss in only one ear, sudden or&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1632,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"class_list":["post-1966","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1966"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1966\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entillinois.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=1966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}