Why do you charge for services, when hearing aid dispensers/specialists offer free hearing tests?

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Offices with hearing aid dispensers/specialists generally offer free hearing screenings. As salespeople, the purpose of the screening is to sell a hearing aid, rather than diagnose a medical problem. They must give the tests away for free because they are not allowed to bill for hearing testing- they are not qualified to provide medical or diagnostic services.

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Our audiologists are medical professional that provide comprehensive diagnostic testing to ensure your hearing aid fitting is medically appropriate. Because we are not a sales office, we must bill for our time just as your eye doctor, dentist, and physicians do. Evaluations are covered by insurance in many cases, but may require an order from your primary physician.

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What is the difference between an audiologist and a hearing aid dispenser/specialist?

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An Audiologist is a professional with either a Doctor of Audiology degree (Au.D.) or a Master's degree in audiology. The doctorate requires four years of undergraduate work followed by four additional years of specialized academic work. In order to practice in Michigan, audiologists must obtain and maintain state licensure in audiology.

 

Their extensive credentials allow audiologists to provide comprehensive hearing services, from diagnosis and consultation to hearing aid fitting, adjustments, tinnitus management, and continuing rehabilitation. Audiologists are also trained in extensive electrophysiologic testing for diagnosis of inner ear, auditory brainstem, and vestibular/balance problems.

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A hearing aid specialist is a salesperson that has a state license to provide a basic hearing test and sell hearing aids. In Michigan, a hearing aid specialist is required to have a high school diploma/GED, complete a brief apprenticeship with a licensed hearing aid specialist, and pass a state hearing aid exam. They are not medically trained in diseases of the ear or rehabilitative services.

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How do I know if I should seek help with a hearing loss?

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The most frequent sign indicating a possible hearing problem is difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments. Voices often sound muffled or mumbled. For many patients, family or friends are the first to notice the difficulty, with complaints that the television is louder than normal or that a conversation was missed.

If you or your loved ones have any concerns about your hearing, the audiologist can help you determine whether you are in need of treatment for your hearing loss.

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Why do hearing aid prices differ?

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There are many factors that can affect the cost of hearing aids. All hearing aid manufacturers offer their hearing aids in varying technology levels, which begin with the most basic technology and progressing to the most advanced technology. Your audiologist will work with you to determine the most appropriate technology level that will fit both your needs and your budget.

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Do I need one or two hearing aids?

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The need for hearing aids is dependent upon your hearing loss. Your audiologist will discuss your hearing loss with you and recommend one or two hearing aids. If there is a hearing loss in one ear only, one hearing aid is appropriate. If you have hearing loss in both ears, then you will do best if you obtain two hearing aids.

 

Our brains are wired to hear from both ears, and two hearing aids will help you to hear better in background noise. Hearing loss, whether one ear or two, deprives our brains of sound, over time our brains may start to have diminished response to sound (like speech), which is why if an ear has hearing loss it is important to provide it amplification. This will allow the brain to continue to receive sounds it might otherwise not get.

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What is the life expectancy of hearing aids?

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Hearing aids are essentially like a small computer for your ears. All ears produce some moisture and wax. Electronic devices, such as a hearing aid, are very susceptible to the damaging effects of moisture and wax. Over time, the exposure to moisture and wax and along with daily wear and tear can break down the electronics of the hearing aids.

 

There are two styles of hearing aids, ones that go behind the ear with an ear piece that goes in the ear and then ones that go completely in the ear. The style that fits behind your ear typically last 5-8 years and the style that goes completely in the ear last 3-5 years.

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It is very important to take special care of your hearing aids. Nightly cleaning of hearing aids will help to keep them working well. It is also important to go in to your audiologist’s office quarterly to have them cleaned and checked. At the clean and check appointment, the wax filters, tubing, earhooks and other changeable parts can be replaced to keep hearing aids performing well. Hearing aid clean and check appointments are recommended every three months for the life of your instruments.

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What If I Don’t Think I Can Afford Hearing Aids?

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Financial concerns are very common for patients when deciding to pursue hearing aids. Hearing aids are considered a regulated medical device and most medical devices are expensive. Hearing aids are a high tech medical device and patients should look at them as a financial investment in their hearing health and quality of life. There are many hearing aid options that you can discuss with your audiologist.

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One option that patients will often opt for is financing. There are sources such as CareCredit, which provide patients a chance to purchase hearing aids with no interest financing. This gives patients a means to obtain better hearing that they are comfortable with.

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It is also important to look at what is included in the cost. The cost may not just include the device, but also include future appointments to adjusting, cleaning, and modifications. Some offices may even include batteries. In our practice we like to provide a complete service, which includes lifetime batteries, cleanings, and adjustments for your hearing aids when you pursue them through us.