What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by many factors, including illness and medication, but it is most commonly caused by noise exposure and/or aging.
What is the treatment for hearing loss?
For some individuals, surgery or medication may help with hearing loss. However, for most individuals, hearing aids are the most effective way to improve hearing. This is especially true for those with noise- or age-related hearing loss.
Does my insurance cover hearing aids?
Many insurance policies and Medicare supplements do include hearing aid benefits, whether to cover part or all of the cost of the devices. If you don’t have hearing aid coverage through your insurance, there may be other options for funding—particularly for those who are currently employed.
Will I need a hearing aid for both ears?
Most individuals have hearing loss in both ears and will, therefore, have better results by using two hearing aids (binaural use). Studies have shown that binaural use improves understanding in noisy environments and the ability to localize sounds, among other benefits. However, in some cases, an individual does have hearing loss in only one ear. They might also have one ear that cannot benefit from a hearing aid because its loss is so significant. In these cases, a single hearing aid is recommended.
How do I find out more?
Hearing is an important and often overlooked area of health. Regular hearing tests and the use of hearing aids, when appropriate, can dramatically improve an individual’s quality of life. If you have questions or concerns about your or a loved one’s hearing, it is important to contact your local audiologist to find out more.
When should I get my hearing checked?
You should get your hearing checked if you’re noticing signs like difficulty following conversations, needing to turn up the TV, asking people to repeat themselves often, or hearing ringing in your ears (tinnitus). Even without symptoms, adults over 50 should have a hearing test annually, as hearing loss can develop gradually and go unnoticed. Children and teens may also need testing if there are concerns about speech, learning, or noise exposure.
What should I do with extra hearing aids left behind by a loved one?
Our provider can help you with any extra hearing aids left behind by a loved one—just give us a call and we’ll walk you through your options. In many cases, these hearing aids can be reprogrammed and fitted for another family member or friend. If no one close to you needs them, we can also guide you through where and how to donate them to someone in need.