Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids
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How do I know if I am experiencing hearing loss?
Some symptoms of hearing
loss include: problems hearing in crowds, difficulty with female
or children's voices, thinking people mumble, having to ask people
to repeat, turning the television up louder than other people do, and
family members telling you that you have a hearing problem. If
you think you have a hearing loss, ask a family member if they have
noticed you having difficulty and schedule a hearing evaluation.
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Why should I correct a hearing loss?
If you think
you have a hearing loss, the best thing you can do for yourself
and those around you, is to have a hearing evaluation to see
if you are a candidate for hearing aids. You may not know what
you are missing if you never give hearing aids a try. Better hearing
makes listening less stressful and can improve relationships with friends
and family.
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Why
do people refuse help for hearing loss?
A lot of people do not
accept help for hearing loss because hearing loss is wrongly
associated with growing older. Most people do not want to admit
that they are getting older. Also many people have heard about other
people's negative experience in the past with hearing aids. Hearing
aid technology has made drastic improvements over the past few years.
Keep in mind that every hearing loss is different and every person
has different listening needs. This means that every person will have
different expectations and a different experience.
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Where should I go for hearing help?
If you
suspect you have a hearing loss, you should speak with your medical
doctor about it. More than likely, your doctor will recommend
a hearing evaluation by a licensed hearing health care professional.
The hearing evaluation will help determine where your hearing
loss is and what would be your best options for help. If you need assistance
in finding a local hearing health care professional, you can
call us at (800)
866-6240 or email us at info@hearingaidhelp.com.
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What is the cost of a hearing
aid and professional fees?
Hearing aids usually have the professional's
services included in the price. It is very important that you
ask if it is included before you order the instrument. Hearing
aids including professional's fees usually range from $700 to
$4700. If a hearing aid price does not include professional fees, you
can expect to pay up to $1000 for those services. There are a few sites
on the web that offer hearing instruments at wholesale prices.
If you would like to know some of these sites you can call us at (800)
866-6240 or
email us at info@hearingaidhelp.com.
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What
types of hearing aids are available?
When selecting a hearing
aid, you can select circuit and you can select size. Circuit
options include: conventional, programmable, and digital. Size
options are: BTE, ITE, ITE
half-shell, ITC, and CIC.
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Should I
buy more than one hearing aid?
If you have a hearing loss in
both ears, it is recommended that you consider two hearing instruments.
You will receive maximum benefit with good hearing in both ears.
For more information on this topic you can email us at info@hearingaidhelp.com or call (800)
866-6240.
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Is
there a trial period for hearing aids?
When you purchase a hearing
aid, you should be offered a trail period in the range of 30-60
days. Payment will be required when you order or receive the
hearing instruments but you will have a time period to have several
adjustments to the aids and to decide if the hearing aids are
meeting your needs. Return policies vary among clinics. It is important
that you understand what this policy is before you order your instruments.
If you should return
a hearing aid most, if not all, of your money should be refunded.
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How long do hearing aid batteries last?
Hearing aid batteries
usually last a week when the hearing aid is used most of the
waking day, every day. If you experience short battery life,
contact your hearing health care professional.
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Are there organizations I can contact
regarding hearing aids and hearing loss?
There are several organizations that
offer support and assistance regarding hearing loss. We have
links to these in our "Links" section.
You can also call us at (800) 866-6240 or email us
at info@hearingaidhelp.com.
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