Questions & Answers
Hearing questions
What has caused my hearing loss?
There are many causes for hearing loss. Hearing loss can be caused by something so simple as debris in the ear canal, or something that can be surgically corrected through a prosthesis. Certain medications, genetics, noise exposure, history of treatment to the ears, or even childhood infections can cause hearing loss. A hearing evaluation at Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. can get you started in the right direction in finding out your type of hearing loss.
Will it ever improve or will it get progressively worse?
Hearing is much like eyesight. It can change over time. In most cases the change is a decrease in hearing ability. However, occasionally we witness a slight increase in hearing ability, but this is more rare. For this reason, we recommend choosing hearing instruments that can be reprogrammed as hearing changes. This is a service we provide at Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. free of charge to our patients.
How is the hearing problem diagnosed?
Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. provides a thorough hearing evaluation using state-of-the art hearing testing equipment. The state of Minnesota requires at least the following testing prior to fitting a hearing aid: Puretone threshold testing, puretone bone conduction testing, most comfortable listening level testing, uncomfortable listening level testing and speech discrimination testing. Each of these tests can vary in the extent of which the information is gathered. Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. will test your hearing to the greatest detail in order to accomplish the most accurate correction for your hearing.
Hearing aid questions
What are the different kinds of hearing aids available?
There are hundreds of combinations of hearing aids. Sizes range from something that fits over the ear with a tube that connects a mold into the ear, to tiny hearing aids that fit into the depths of the canal of the ear. Many are custom molded to the shape of the ear. The technology that is inside the hearing aid varies as well. Advanced technology has sophisticated noise suppression that quiets noise and learns speech patterns to improve speech in noise. Other features include feedback cancellation, automatic tracking of direction of sound, automatic volume controls, and datalogging systems that collect data and teach the hearing aid how to improve in environments you frequent. Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. will help you with the selection of size and technology that is comfortable, attractive, and appropriate for your budget.
How do I know which one is best for me?
Upon completion of your hearing evaluation at Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc., we will walk you through the process of selecting a hearing aid that matches your comfort. We approach the selection with many variables to consider before suggesting a certain model. We listen to your desires, your goals for better hearing, medical conditions, dexterity considerations and other variables that might affect the benefits you wish to achieve. Once the information is gathered, we can make a recommendation that is most appropriate for you.
Do I need one in each ear?
Sometimes a person can get by using one hearing aid. If there is a hearing loss in both ears, it is most likely two hearing aids are necessary. However, there are exceptions to this. At Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. we will gather all the information for your specific needs, and if it is better to hear equally out of both ears, we will suggest the method to get you there.
What happens if I only have one?
Assuming there is a hearing loss in both ears, one ear will hear better than the other if only one ear is corrected. Our ears are separate entities and have separate assignments to the brain. Primarily, the ability
to hear where a sound came from is the reason we are designed with two ears. Not only that, the combination of hearing with both ears completes the natural ability
we were given to hear slow and fast sounds with the proper mix, and to hear optimally in noisy environments.
to hear where a sound came from is the reason we are designed with two ears. Not only that, the combination of hearing with both ears completes the natural ability
we were given to hear slow and fast sounds with the proper mix, and to hear optimally in noisy environments.
How do hearing aids feel?
One of the objectives of Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. is that we provide hearing aids that the patient forgets are in the ears. We want them to fit comfortably so they feel “invisible.” The more you are conscious of a hearing aid, the less likely you will wear it. So, with that in mind, we carefully craft the hearing aids so they are forgotten in your ears, just subtly doing their work.
What happens if one of them is lost or damaged?
Hearing aids are fit with a policy that covers the replacement of the hearing aid at least during the first year of wearing it. People lose hearing aids. It is often when a person is out of their usual routine such as vacationing, or a stay in a hospital, or taking it out
before going for a swim and forgetting where it was placed. Many times a pet will find it and think it is a treat. Pets are attracted to the hearing aid because of
the scent it picks up in your ear. The pet identifies it as part of you, and finds it a positive stimulation that gets put in the mouth. Manufacturers will replace the unit in the first year. Beyond that, it is good to check with your home-owners insurance company to see if coverage
can be put on for replacement.
before going for a swim and forgetting where it was placed. Many times a pet will find it and think it is a treat. Pets are attracted to the hearing aid because of
the scent it picks up in your ear. The pet identifies it as part of you, and finds it a positive stimulation that gets put in the mouth. Manufacturers will replace the unit in the first year. Beyond that, it is good to check with your home-owners insurance company to see if coverage
can be put on for replacement.
Cost and financing questions
How much do they cost?
There are so many variables that dictate the cost of hearing aids. Realizing that isn’t the answer you are looking for, a ballpark range of pricing for digital hearing aids might be from $1000 to $4000 each in the Twin Cities. At Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. an independent survey revealed we offered the best prices when comparing brand to brand and model to model. We also rated the highest for quality and service.When pricing hearing aids, generally, the smaller the hearing aid is, the more expensive. Also, the more advanced the technology, the more expensive. Smaller does not mean better technology. Better technology is not always smaller. We would love to give you an exact price, but we need to look at your needs and the factors involved in reaching your goals.
What are the payment plans open to me?
Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. accepts all forms of payment including most major credit card companies. We even have an interest free credit program for 12 months without a fee. Ask us for details or apply here.
Does Medicare cover the cost of hearing aids?
Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids. Many of the supplemental insurance programs do. Check with your insurance provider for information regarding coverage. Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. works with most insurance companies who cover some or all of the cost of hearing aids.
Service questions
How often will they need service?
This varies according to the amount of use a hearing aid gets, the size of the aid, and exposure to variables such as ear wax, perspiration, humidity, dust and residue from fingers. It is good to have the hearing aid checked at least once per year. Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. provides free service in order to assure your hearing aid is functioning to its maximum. Our in-house lab allows us to take hearing aids apart and service the inside as well as the outside of the aid while you wait.
How often do the batteries need to be replaced?
Very small hearing aids require very small batteries. Larger hearing aids allow more room for larger batteries. Small batteries have the same voltage, however, less storage capacity. So a very small battery could be drained in 3 to 4 days. Large batteries could last as long as 2 weeks. It also depends how long you wear the hearing aid throughout the day. Average use is 12 hours per day. Sound Hearing Instruments, Inc. gives you batteries free for life when you purchase a hearing aid from us. This removes the cost of batteries from you, so you can use the hearing aids as long as you wish without worry of cost.
How long will they last?
Hearing aids can last many, many years. Each year we take hearing aids that are 15 to 30 years old to Peru to donate to people who are less fortunate. Hearing aids are most often replaced because technology has improved enough to warrant a change, or the hearing aid requires repair often and the frustrations of being without the hearing aid outweigh the cost of replacement.
Your questions deserve thoughtful answers.
Dale Woodard BS, BC-HIS
How is your hearing? Take a moment to ask yourself these questions:
- Do I often ask people to repeat themselves?
- Does it often seem that people are mumbling?
- Do I often feel tired or stressed during conversations?
- Do I often misunderstand conversations?
- Do I miss the point of jokes because I miss too much of the story?
- Do I turn up the volume on televisions or radios so much that others complain?
- Do I have difficulty understanding speech in noisy places?
- Do I find that when I look at people I can more easily understand what they are saying?
If you answered yes to some of these questions, it’s time to get your hearing checked. If you are hearing less than you should be, you can take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. About 10% of Americans have some hearing loss. The figure is more like 30% for persons over age 65.
Most people with hearing loss never get helpful devices they need ether because they are hesitant to acknowledge a handicap of because they don’t think the benefits will justify the trouble and the cost.
A personal no obligation consultation is availed to you when you call for an appointment. Make the first call and step into a world of new sounds.
612.824.8698