| Do
all hearing losses require amplification? Not all hearing
losses are treated with amplification. If a medical condition
is thought to exist, patients are referred to an Ear Nose and
Throat Doctor, at which point a different plan of treatment
may be decided upon. |
| Do
we have an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) Doctor on Staff? We do
not have an ENT on staff; however, we do work with various physicians
that specialize in ears to which we may refer patients if necessary. |
| If
I have a medical problem, should I see an audiologist, an ENT,
or my primary care physician? If a problem is known to be
medical, it should first be acknowledged by a physician, whether
it be an ENT or a primary care physician. After evaluation by
a physician, they may choose to refer the individual to an audiologist
for a diagnostic hearing evaluation. |
| How
much do hearing aids cost? The cost of a hearing aid is
generally determined by number and complexity of its features.
Each instrument may cost between $900 and $2800 depending on
the level of technology, and hearing aids are generally selected
based upon the patient's expressed needs. |
| What
is the warranty on the hearing aid(s)? Basic hearing aids
generally come with a one year warranty, while the advanced
hearing aids frequently come with a 2 year warranty. Most warranties
include repairs and a one time loss/damage with a deductable
or a co-pay. Once a warranty comes to an end, the patient has
an opportunity to extend the warranty annually for up to the
limits determined by the manufacturer. (Most manufacturers limit
warranty extension up to 3 years). |
| Is
there a trial period? The Food and Drug Administration mandates
that a patient receive a trial period of at least 30 days. Susan
Sacks Audiology Services offers 60 day trial period. This is
generally seen as an ample amount of time to determine whether
or not a hearing instrument is meeting a patient's expectations.
If the patient feels the instruments are not meeting their expectations,
an exchange may be considered or the patient may return the
instruments for a refund of the purchase amount minus a $100
user fee (per unit). |
| Does
insurance cover the cost of hearing aids? In most cases,
insurance does NOT cover the cost of hearing aids. Most insurances
can be billed for the hearing test, but individual insurance
companies will need to be consulted in order to determine what
will or will not be covered. |
| How
long do they typically last? The life of a hearing aid that
is cared for and maintained is expected to be between 5 and
7 years, varying amongst each individual. |
| What
are the different styles of hearing aids? Hearing aids may
come in a variety of shapes and colors, but for the most part
consist of 2 different styles: custom and behind-the-ear. Custom
instruments are molded to each individual's ear and range in
size. A large custom product will fill the bowl of the ear while
a small custom product fits deep inside the canal. Behind-the-ear
products consist of a device which holds the circuitry components
behind the ear and attaches to an earmold or slim tube that
fits into the canal of the ear. |
| Are
there alternative options to hearing aids? Sometimes a hearing
aid is not the most appropriate solution for a patient. There
are other assistive listening devices to help out hearing impaired
individuals. Some of these options would include phone amplifiers,
TV amplifiers, like "TV Ears", or personal amplification
systems, like "Pocket-Talkers". |
| Can
you guarantee that hearing aids will help me? Hearing aids
will make things louder, but the amount benefit, in terms of
clarity obtained from amplification, will be directly related
to the degree of hearing loss and the amount of damage done
to the auditory system. This can only be determined by an audiological
evaluation. Regardless of the degree of hearing loss, hearing
aids do not completely restore 100% of hearing. |
| Will
my hearing improve with the use of hearing aids? Hearing
aids will not reverse the hearing loss already present in an
individual. The goal of hearing aids is to amplify sound in
order to allow the patient to hear at the best of their capabilities.
|
| What
is the difference between hearing aids available at Susan Sacks
Audiology vs. Beltone? When comparing the services of Susan
Sacks versus a Beltone office, there is little difference in
the technology offered. Dispensing offices such as Beltone and
Miracle Ear often conduct more marketing on a national level
so prices tend to reflect the higher cost of doing business
resulting in a higher price tag for the consumer. |
