Ask The Audiologist – January 2025

How can I afford a hearing aid in today’s economy?

A: People are understandably nervous about making investments in today’s unsettling financial environment. Hearing aids are no different. However, hearing loss can greatly impact all aspects of one’s daily life. It is extremely important to not let a hearing loss go untreated. There are multiple levels of technology to address all types of hearing losses and individual budgets. Certain Medicare Advantage plans have started to provide a hearing aid benefit. It is important to contact your medical insurance provider to determine if you have a benefit for hearing aids. At Ambrose Hearing Center, we accept most Medicare Advantage plans and are in-network with most major insurance providers. We know that quality of life is greatly affected by untreated hearing loss and are here to help

My father has worn hearing aids for several years. At home where it is quiet, he seems to hear us well. However, when we go out to dinner or have a lot of family around, he doesn’t seem to be able to understand anything. What can we do?

A: It is not uncommon for a person to have difficulty hearing in background noise, even if they are wearing technologically advanced hearing aids. Most hearing aids sold today are Bluetooth compatible, which allows the person wearing hearing aids to utilize their cell phone as a remote control. This enables the user to make changes to the volume and program the settings of their devices. Here are some strategies you might find helpful: (1) Get your father’s attention before speaking, (2) Ask to be seated in a booth or in a quieter section of a restaurant, (3) Keep hands and objects away from one’s face when speaking, and (4) Avoid multiple individuals talking at once.

I spent a weekend with family but felt isolated due to my hearing loss. I could tell my family was growing weary and frustrated with my requests to repeat themselves or to speak up. I fear that the holidays will be the same but worry about spending money on hearing aids.

A: Hearing loss affects one’s quality of life. Losing connections with family and friends can make a person withdraw from life’s activities. Untreated hearing loss has links to cognitive decline, loneliness, and other ills. But you can take your life back by getting a hearing evaluation to assess which type of hearing aid matches your individual needs and budget. Ambrose Hearing Center can fit every budget and lifestyle. We’re also very sensitive to today’s economic environment and have taken significant steps to help our patients realize the benefits of better hearing. Don’t feel alone. Call us.

How do I decide where to go for hearing aids when there are so many choices?

A: Reputation, patient care and follow-up service should be a provider’s primary concern. With so much confusion in the marketplace over technology and cost, you really must select a provider you trust. An audiologist is a healthcare provider who possesses a doctorate degree in the evaluation, diagnosis and management of hearing conditions, balance disorders and tinnitus. Be sure your audiologist is licensed and has the qualifications to manage your hearing healthcare needs. At Ambrose Hearing Center, our audiologists have been helping individuals with hearing loss for over 40 years. For a complimentary consultation and listening demonstration, please call Ambrose Hearing Center at (570) 391-5216.

I know hearing aids are an investment. How do I care for them?

A: Proper care and routine maintenance of your hearing aids will extend their life. When you receive your hearing aids your audiologist should demonstrate the proper ways to clean your devices. It is important to get into the habit of cleaning and brushing your hearing aids daily to avoid the build-up of ear wax and debris. Always avoid using water or chemicals on your hearing aids. A dry tissue or paper towel will work well to clean the exterior of the devices. Hairspray and haircare products can be especially damaging to the tiny components on hearing aids. Remove your hearing aids when using these products or visiting the hairdresser or barbershop. Hearing aids should also be kept away from water. Do not use these devices while showering or swimming. Excessive moisture and heat should also be avoided.

When not utilizing your hearing aids, it is important to store them in their case. Dogs and cats have been known to cause damage to hearing devices. The hearing aids should also be kept away from small children.

Visiting your audiologist once or twice a year for routine maintenance is also very beneficial. The small components on your hearing aids can be cleaned and changed in the office. It is also a good time to make adjustments to the setting on the devices if you happen to be experiencing difficulties.

To schedule an appointment to have your hearing aids cleaned and serviced, please call Ambrose Hearing Center at (570) 391-5216.

I have been thinking about getting hearing aids, but there are so many factors to consider. How do I know if I need one or two hearing aids, and do I need the type that goes completely in the ear or one that goes behind?

The first step in determining the best hearing aid for you is to schedule a hearing evaluation with an audiologist. An audiologist is trained to diagnose and treat hearing loss. Once a hearing test is completed, your audiologist will be able to determine the type and style of hearing aid that will best suit your needs. Factors such as the severity of the hearing loss and your lifestyle will be discussed to help determine which hearing aids are best for you. When it comes to determining if an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid will be appropriate, there are certain factors from your hearing test that your audiologist will use to help establish your options.

Your audiogram will reveal if you have a hearing loss in both ears. If this is the case, and it is determined that both ears could benefit from a hearing aid, then wearing two hearing aids would provide the most improvement in your hearing ability. Our brain uses the information collected from each ear to identify the source and location of sounds and improve clarity of speech.

There are numerous factors that go into selecting hearing aids. The selection of a hearing aid should be based on the information from your audiogram. It is important to note that price alone should not be used to determine how well a hearing aid will work for you.  Information such as the warranty on the devices, cost for maintenance and follow-up care, and the hearing aid company’s reputation should all be factored into your decision.

For a complimentary consultation and listening demonstration, please call Ambrose Hearing Center at (570) 391-5216.