Frequently asked questions.
My family feels I have a hearing loss. I don’t think I have a problem. How do we settle this disagreement?
Your family may be right. Hearing loss typically occurs very slowly. Others are often more aware of the frequent repetitions and volume changes in the TV than you are, of your problem than you are, and the first to notice changes in your hearing ability. It is frightening to think that you may be losing your hearing, which is why you want to seek help from an Audiologist.
At Audible Difference, your hearing is always evaluated by an audiologist who has graduate education, certification, and licensure, in audiology. This thorough evaluation determines the recommendations that are made including possible medical referral, counseling, hearing aids, and hearing rehabilitation services. Hearing aids are selected from a variety of manufacturers to find the solution for your needs.
Your hearing ability is unique. At Audible Difference, we are your advocate. We look carefully at all your options and help you decide what solutions would best meet your needs.
What are the early signs of hearing loss?
Over 20 million Americans have hearing loss. Early detection and intervention can make the difference between social isolation and successful rehabilitation. Here are some early signs of hearing loss:
Difficulty hearing in background noise.
When others talk, it sounds as though they are mumbling.
TV volume is louder than others find comfortable.
Frequently ask to have things repeated
Difficulty hearing at a distance, such as in church, theater, or movie.
If you suspect you have a hearing problem, ask your audiologist for a comprehensive hearing exam.
A friend of mine is considering purchasing hearing aids. What should she look for?
Performance, price, and style are all considerations when purchasing hearing instruments. Individual differences in hearing loss and physical shape and size of the ears may make one type of hearing aid preferable over another. Good vision and nimble fingers of are also important in changing the batteries of small hearing instruments.
Ask whether there is a trial period, how long it is, and how much she would owe if the hearing instruments were returned.
Finally, encourage your friend to discuss her preferences with her audiologist before the instruments are ordered. Good communication is essential for successful hearing!
I had my hearing evaluated and was told I could benefit from two hearing aids. Can’t I get by with just one?
You use two ears to localize sound, to give sound depth, and to help you hear and pinpoint sound in noise. We know that individuals who wear two hearing instruments need less volume when both are used than if only one instrument is used.
The positions and types of hearing aid microphones have a great deal to do with your ability to take advantage of these benefits. Completely-in-the-Canal instruments are designed to place the microphone inside the ear canal to take advantage of the acoustical shaping that the ear/pinna provides. “Zoom” microphone technologies in behind-the-ear instruments allow users to make their hearing aids less sensitive to sounds coming from behind them.
You may be able to “get by” with one hearing aid, but if your audiologist has recommended two hearing instruments, you owe it to your ears to give them a try.
What are the advantages of digital hearing aids?
Digital hearing aids have been available for over twenty years. They provide greater precision and flexibility in meeting your hearing loss needs and matching your comfortable listening range compared to conventional amplifiers. They can be reprogrammed over and over to meet changes in your hearing or changes in your listening life. Digital hearing instruments come in a range of prices and a variety of styles (Completely-in-the-Canal to Behind-the-Ear models) and are available from all major manufacturers. Every hearing instrument manufacturer has a unique approach to amplifying and shaping sound through their instruments, just as a Steinway, Bösendorfer, Yamaha, and Baldwin are all pianos, but each has its own characteristic sound.
One of the compelling reasons to use digital technology is that it can do things that analog and programmable hearing instruments could not do. Examples of the use of digital signal processing in hearing instruments include: digital feedback suppression, noise reduction, speech enhancement, automatic digital microphone adjustments, optimization of battery consumption and digital frequency compression.
Digital technology is also used to improve the accuracy of hearing instrument selection and fitting, and to provide alternatives in sound processing that meet your needs. Your audiologist combines the knowledge of your hearing loss and communication needs with the technical knowledge and sound processing capabilities of hearing instruments to recommend the most appropriate hearing instruments for you.
What ever happened to Nicolet Instrument Corp.’s hearing aid venture?
In 1989, Nicolet Instrument Corp. brought the world’s first commercially available wearable digital hearing aid to market. It consisted of a pocket computer attached to a behind-the-ear hearing aid. By 1991, both pieces had been engineered into a completely behind-the-ear device. Unfortunately, Nicolet was unable to find a joint venture partner to continue research, development, and marketing, so the project was discontinued. Read all about it here: Nicolet Phoenix: A Historical Perspective.
What is the youngest age that hearing can be tested?
Audiologists can test hearing at birth. The earlier a hearing loss is detected, the sooner appropriate treatment can begin. Early identification and intervention is critical for children to develop speech and language development.
In 1993, the National Institutes of Health endorsed universal hearing screening for all infants within the first three months of life. In 1994 the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing released a position statement supporting early identification of hearing loss and early intervention.
Computer technology combined with new information about the ear has led to the development of hearing screening procedures that are quick and painless. Within a matter of seconds to minutes, information can be quickly collected to evaluate how the infants’ ears are working.
I have ringing in my ears. What can be done about that?
Tinnitus or ringing in the ears can be caused by exposure to loud noise and also by many medical conditions. It can be temporary or permanent and can occur in one or both ears. An increase in stress, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and aspirin and caffeine intake can increase tinnitus.
The first step in evaluating tinnitus is to have a thorough general medical evaluation to rule out cardiovascular, pulmonary and neurological factors. You should also see your dentist to rule out TMJ which can be associated with tinnitus. Next, see your audiologist for a thorough evaluation of the hearing system and an audiologist specializing in tinnitus for a tinnitus evaluation.
There are a wide range of treatments for tinnitus including use of medications and use of devices. The type of treatment plan is determined by the type of problem you have.
After I went to a recent rock concert, my ears were ringing and they felt stuffed up. What’s happening?
Your ears are saying, “OUCH!” The ringing and stuffed-up feelings are signs of temporary or permanent hearing damage. If the changes are temporary, they may resolve in a matter of hours or days. The problem is that there is no way to know ahead of time if you have tough ears or fragile ears. Once the damage is permanent, there is no way to repair it. Reducing your exposure and using hearing protection are the only ways to protect your hearing.
There are many types of non-custom and custom molded earplugs. It is important to get the right kind for the type of noise (impulse, machinery, music) you want to soften. Solid plugs are great for mowing the lawn, but not satisfactory for music. So, next time you head for a concert, grab a pair of HI-FI Musicians earplugs. Your ears will quietly thank you.
I'm a medical professional who has a hearing loss. What resources are there for me?
Try the AMPHL (Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses) at www.amphl.org. They have information about amplified stethoscopes, clear masks, as well as other professional information.
Does my insurance cover hearing services and hearing aids?
Audible Difference provides exceptional care for its patients by spending the necessary time with you to get to know your specific needs and then putting together an individualized habilitation plan for treatment. Your needs should come first over the terms of the insurance plan. We will not sacrifice the quality of care we provide based on the mandates of the insurance plan.
Medicare does not cover hearing aids, and so many Wisconsin Medicare supplemental plans do not cover hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans have hearing aid benefits that are subject to the rules of their plans which may restrict your access to providers and types of services and products that are covered. Discount plans (eyeglass, dental, hearing discounts from specific retailers) are sometimes packaged with supplemental plans. These are not part of your insurance plan but are add-on programs designed to make the plan look more attractive.
If you have an insurance plan with a hearing aid benefit, we are pleased to file the claim on your behalf. Your insurance plan is a contract between you and the insurance company. Your coverage may vary and is subject to plan deductibles and co-payments. The amount you owe may be different if your deductible has not been met, annual maximum has been met, or if your coverage table is lower than average. Please be aware that insurance plan quotes are an estimate only. You are responsible for paying your deductible and co-payment at the time of service and paying any balance owed following processing of the claim. We want your needs to come first, not the insurance carrier’s needs.