Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Enhanced Auditory Resources different than retail hearing-aid centers?
What makes E.A.R. different is that our medical professionals first carefully assess your hearing loss. We then spend time getting to know your lifestyle, personality and needs to create the best solution — not the most expensive. If a hearing aid is needed, we work to find the one that's right for you and ensure that it is properly programmed and fitted.
- I hear fine most of the time, but sometimes people mumble. Other times, I can't understand what people are saying on TV or over the phone. Do I need a hearing aid?
First things first. You should have your hearing evaluated by a qualified hearing professional. The highest frequencies of sound (such as the voices of young children or women and consonants in speech) are the first sounds to be affected by hearing loss, so it may seem like they are mumbling or that a broadcast signal is unclear. In speech or dialogue, some sounds are difficult to understand because consonants tend to be at a higher pitch, yet they are the sounds that give meaning to speech. Hearing loss is typically a gradual process, so you may not be aware of the early signs. It is common to think people are mumbling or there is something wrong with the phone, the TV or the broadcast signal. However, these symptoms may be signs of a more severe condition. That's why it is so important to have your hearing assessed by a professional at the early signs of hearing loss. The earlier you address potential hearing loss, the better, not only for your quality of life but also for keeping all of your treatment options open.
Take the simple 5-minute Hearing Test to help determine if you should be assessed by a hearing professional at Enhanced Auditory Resources (E.A.R.).
- I only have difficulty hearing in crowded restaurants, at the movies, and at lectures. Do I need a hearing aid? Would it help in these settings?
New hearing technology is capable of reducing background noise and uses directional microphones to focus on the speaker. Depending on your lifestyle, personality and your specific hearing loss, you might be a candidate for this. Your first step should be to have your hearing evaluated by a trained hearing professional. He or she can advise you on what options are best for you. There is no reason to get more hearing aids than you really need.
- I've had my hearing tested at centers before and the answer was always to buy a hearing aid. I didn't like the look or feel and it just didn't work. Are there any other options to improve my hearing besides wearing a hearing aid?
At E.A.R., our goal is to identify the best possible solution for each individual – the solution that addresses the specific medical condition causing the hearing loss and considers the individual's lifestyle, personality and needs. In many cases, patients are best served with assistive listening devices, which are inexpensive ways to help hear the television or telephone. It is possible that you are a good candidate for a hearing aid, but you haven't been properly fitted. Transitioning to a hearing aid is an integral part of treating hearing loss. Learn more about selection, fitting and transition.
- I hear most of what people say, but sometimes I misunderstand the sounds of certain consonants like ‘s' and ‘f' or ‘b' and ‘d'. Why is that?
The highest frequencies of sound (such as the voices of young children or women) and the way we hear and understand certain consonants are the first sounds to be affected by hearing loss. Hearing loss is often a gradual process, so you may not be aware of these early signs or recognize them as hearing loss. It is common to think the other person is mumbling or speaking softly. The earlier you address a potential hearing loss, the better, not only for your quality of life but also for keeping all of your treatment options open. Take the simple 5-minute Hearing Test to help determine if your hearing should be assessed by a professional, such as the specially trained clinicians at E.A.R.
- How often should I get my hearing tested?
Just as you get your vision tested and your teeth cleaned and examined regularly, you should have your hearing tested by a hearing professional regularly. People over the age of 50 should have their hearing screened annually by a qualified clinical professional. Hearing loss is often a gradual process and is often overlooked in routine visits to your doctor. Many times, patients are not aware of the early signs or they don't recognize them as hearing loss. It is common to think people are mumbling or the television or telephone is not functioning properly. The earlier you address a potential hearing loss, the better, not only for your quality of life but also for keeping all of your treatment options open.
Take the simple 5-minute Hearing Test to help determine if your hearing should be professionally assessed.
-
What services does E.A.R. offer?
Our consultants provide:
- Comprehensive audiological assessments
- One-on-one consultation and education to patients and families
- Customized training for hearing aids and assistive listening devices
- Referrals to appropriate medical providers
- Personalized hearing-loss-prevention education and devices
- Free education and resource assistance for healthcare providers and community groups by appointment
- What is E.A.R.'s real-life simulation technology and how will it help my family and me understand hearing loss?
One of the most common complaints among hearing-aid users is that, while their hearing aid works well in some situations, it doesn't always function properly in others. Through E.A.R.'s simulation technology, we test each patient with their new device in real-life settings, such as the dinner table, restaurants, driving and religious services. This allows us to make the appropriate adjustments based on each patient's individual needs and ensure that they are comfortable hearing in their everyday settings.
We also invite our patients' loved ones to participate in our real-life simulation. We understand that hearing loss can deeply affect people's relationships with their families, friends and co-workers. Through this technology, loved ones can experience — first-hand — what it feels like to suffer from hearing loss.
- How expensive are hearing aids and the other equipment? Does insurance cover any of the expense?
Along with a wide range of options and styles, today's hearing aids come with a wide range of prices. At E.A.R., we can help you find the solution that's right for you. That doesn't always mean the most expensive. Sometimes the right solution is a simple inexpensive assistive listening device. Other times, patients may be candidates for one of today's more "state-of-the-art" devices.
You should check your insurance policy because it may cover some of the cost. It would also be worthwhile to check the eligibility on your flexible spending medical account if your employer offers this option.
- How long does it take to fit a hearing aid?
The actual fitting of the hearing aid can be done in one visit, although this visit is really just the beginning of our relationship and the process. For best results, properly fitting a hearing aid should be viewed as a process, one that requires a partnership between the hearing professional and you. Statistics show that the more support patients with hearing loss receive as they transition to using their new device, the more successful they are in the long run.
At E.A.R., our specially trained clinicians will help you learn how to best use your new technology, and will work with you as you adapt to hearing and interpreting sounds that you may have not heard for some time. The transition process requires ongoing consultation and follow-up visits, including adjustments to the hearing aid itself. We will be with you every step of the way and will dedicate the time necessary to make sure you are comfortable and are truly back in touch.
- Can I obtain a small hearing aid that would be less noticeable?
Yes, some newer hearing aids are virtually invisible, while others are as stylish and eye catching as fashionable jewelry.
- I have seen hearing aids advertised at discounted prices. Are these hearing aids the same as the ones that you offer?
The hearing aid may be similar, however, the process is likely very different. When you purchase a hearing aid, you are not just obtaining a piece of equipment that you plug into your wall to play music, such as a stereo. You are purchasing a sensitive piece of equipment that is designed to help get you back in touch with the world. At E.A.R., our specially trained hearing professionals help you learn how to best use the hearing aid and work with you as you adapt to hearing and interpreting sounds you may have not heard for some time. Just as hearing loss is a gradual process, adapting to hearing again can take time. The right ongoing support is critical to your success in treating your hearing loss.
- If I have hearing loss in both ears but one is much worse than the other, can I buy just the hearing aid for the "bad" side? If not, why not?
You can, but using a single hearing aid can create distortion and send confusing signals to your brain, similar to using just one corrective lens in your eyeglasses when both eyes need correcting. Most people do better with two hearing aids, although some individuals do choose to use a single hearing aid in the more problematic hearing ear.
- What are the different kinds of hearing loss?
There are three different kinds: Conductive, Sensorineural, and Mixed
Conductive hearing loss results from a problem with the conduction of sound from the outer ear (part that you see) to the inner ear (where the nerve is located). This can result from wax buildup, ear infections, trauma to the ear, or any other problem with the eardrum or bones that conduct sound through the middle ear. Those with this type of loss have a problem with volume rather than understanding ability. In many cases, conductive hearing loss can be treated medically, and does not require amplification.
Sensorineural hearing loss involves some deterioration of the inner ear. The aging process, noise exposure, some cancer treatments, illness, and other degenerative processes could cause this loss. This type of hearing loss sometimes impairs understanding ability and causes those with the loss to be sensitive to loud sounds.
Mixed hearing losses contain some conductive elements and some sensorineural elements.
-
How is hearing loss classified?
Your ability to hear is as unique as your fingerprint. No two people have exactly the same hearing issues. Hearing loss is classified by several factors: degree, understanding ability, location of loss along the speech frequencies, and type of loss.
- Degree: Degree refers to the amount/severity of the hearing loss. Hearing loss is ranked mild (slight difficulty hearing in daily environment), moderate (difficult to hear most sounds in your daily environment), severe (extremely difficult to hear all sounds in daily life), or profound.
- Understanding Ability: Hearing and understanding are different. You may be able to hear sounds but not understand what is being said. Sometimes understanding ability is impaired as a result of a hearing loss. This is usually measured by a percentage of your understanding random words.
- Location of Loss Along Speech Frequencies: Usually hearing loss does not affect all speech frequencies the same. For example, loud sounds damage hearing ability in high frequencies. This creates a problem hearing sounds that are high in pitch (i.e. female or children's voices, birds, consonant sounds like "s" and "t"). Some other hearing losses, from head trauma or ear infections, can affect the low pitches (i.e. male voices, loudness, vowel sounds).
- Type of Loss: Before hearing loss can be treated, it is critical to have the problem assessed by a trained professional to determine the type of loss. The three types are: Conductive, Sensorineural, and Mixed. For more information, see previous question.
- Is there anything I can do to restore my hearing? Is there anything I can do to protect my hearing?
Usually hearing loss is permanent. However, there is much you can do to protect the hearing you have and to prevent further hearing loss. Noise at work and home, exposure to loud music, and the use of personal electronics all increase the risk of hearing loss. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified hearing professional is necessary to determine the specific cause of any hearing loss. It is important to address the cause and not just the symptoms of your hearing loss, especially if it happens very suddenly. At E.A.R., determining if there is a medical condition causing the hearing loss is the first step in finding the right solution to meet your individual needs. In some cases, medical treatment may be more appropriate than amplification.
