Ask the Audiologist

Our most commonly asked hearing aid questions, answered by Jillian Bassett, Au.D., CCC-A   

How do I know if I need hearing aids? What are the signs that it might be time for a hearing evaluation? 

The first signs are often subtle. You might find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often, especially in noisy places like restaurants or family gatherings. Maybe you’re turning up the volume on the TV louder than others prefer, or you’re having trouble following conversations when there’s background noise. Sometimes, people notice they’re missing parts of conversations or that their speech sounds muffled. If any of these situations sound familiar, or if you just have a nagging feeling that your hearing isn’t what it used to be, it’s probably time to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Think of it as a check-up for your ears – it gives us a clear picture of what’s happening and allows us to discuss the best steps forward for you personally. 

What happens during a hearing test?  

During a hearing test, we perform a thorough and painless hearing evaluation in a soundproof booth. This involves listening to a series of tones and speech sounds at different volumes. A comprehensive hearing test includes a series of tests (all done during the same appointment). To learn more about each test, check out this helpful blog post! 

What happens during a hearing aid consultation? What can I expect? 

Coming in for a consultation might feel a little daunting, but please know it’s a relaxed and informative process.  We’ll start by talking about your hearing history, any concerns you have, and how your hearing is impacting your daily life. Based on the results of your hearing test and our conversation, we’ll discuss whether hearing aids might be beneficial for you. If they are, we’ll explore the different styles and technologies available, explaining the pros and cons of each in relation to your needs and lifestyle. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and we’ll work together to find the best solution for you. 

Are there different types of hearing aids? What factors determine which type is best for me? 

Absolutely! Just like there are different types of eyeglasses, there are various styles of hearing aids, and technology is constantly evolving. Some fit entirely in the ear canal and are very discreet, while others sit behind the ear. We also have different levels of technology within each style, offering varying degrees of features like clarity, noise reduction, and most technologies include Bluetooth connectivity. The best type for you depends on several factors, including the severity and type of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, your dexterity, your cosmetic preferences, and your budget. During your consultation, we’ll carefully consider all these aspects to recommend the options that will provide you with the most benefit and comfort. 

How much do hearing aids typically cost? Are there any financing options or insurance coverage I should know about? 

The cost of hearing aids can vary significantly depending on the level of technology. At Shohet Ear Associates, the services, such as fitting, adjustments, and follow-up care, are included in the price. Think of it as an investment in your quality of life and your ability to  

connect with the world around you. While it’s true that they can represent a significant expense, we’ll always be transparent about the costs involved. We can also discuss any potential financing options available through our clinic or third-party providers. Regarding insurance, coverage varies greatly for each individual. We’ll gladly help you understand your insurance benefits and explore any potential coverage you might have.  

Will hearing aids completely restore my hearing to normal? 

That’s a hopeful question, and while hearing aids are incredibly advanced, it’s important to have realistic expectations. For most people with sensorineural hearing loss (the most common type), hearing aids work by amplifying sounds and making them clearer. They help you hear sounds you might be missing and improve your ability to understand speech. However, they don’t typically restore hearing to ‘normal’. They are sophisticated tools that help you access the sounds around you more effectively. With consistent use and proper adjustments, they can significantly improve your communication and overall quality of life. 

How long will my hearing aids last? 

With proper care, a good pair of hearing aids can typically last anywhere from five to seven years, and sometimes even longer. However, this can vary depending on several factors, including the environment you live in (humidity and dust can be tough on electronics), how well you maintain them, and the technology inside. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and avoiding extreme temperatures and moisture are key to maximizing their lifespan. At your visits, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your specific hearing aids, and we’re always here if you have any questions or concerns about their performance over time. 

How do I properly clean and care for my hearing aids? 

As we just touched on, good care of your hearing aids is essential for their performance and longevity. Fortunately, the daily cleaning routine is usually quite simple. Generally, this involves gently wiping them down with a soft, dry cloth each day to remove any earwax or debris. For some styles, you might need to change a small wax guard periodically. It’s also important to store them in a safe, dry place when you’re not wearing them and to avoid exposing them to extreme heat or moisture, like wearing them in the shower or sauna.   

What should I do if my hearing aid stops working? 

First, check the basics: is the hearing aid turned on? Are the batteries fresh and inserted correctly? Is there any visible blockage in the wax guard, dome, or earmold? Sometimes, a simple battery change, wax guard replacement, or dome cleaning can resolve the issue. If you’ve checked these things and it’s still not working, please don’t try to fix it yourself. It’s best to give our office a call, and we can schedule an appointment for you to come in so we can take a closer look and get you back to hearing your best as quickly as possible. We understand how important your hearing aids are to your daily life. 

Will my own voice sound different with hearing aids? 

It’s very common for people to notice a change in the sound of their own voice when they first start wearing hearing aids. It might sound louder, echoey, or even a little tinny. This is because you’re now hearing your own voice through the hearing aids as well as through bone conduction. Your brain needs some time to adjust to this new way of hearing yourself.  

For most people, this sensation diminishes significantly or disappears altogether within a few weeks as their brain adapts. We can also make adjustments to your hearing aids during your fitting and follow-up appointments to help minimize this effect and ensure your voice sounds as natural as possible to you.  

Will hearing aids help me hear better in noisy environments like restaurants? 

This is a big one for so many folks—one of the most common challenges for people with hearing loss. While no hearing aid can completely eliminate background noise, modern aids have made significant advancements in this area. Many feature sophisticated noise reduction technology and directional microphones that help to focus on the sounds in front of you, like the person you’re talking to, while reducing distracting background noise. It’s important to have realistic expectations – you might still experience some difficulty in very loud situations – but for many people, hearing aids make a significant difference in their ability to participate in conversations in challenging listening environments. 

 

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