INDUSTRY INSIGHT
YOUR HEARING
SPONSORED CONTENT
How Do I
Choose the
Right Hearing
Aid for Me?
E
ach year, dozens of new hearing aids are released onto the
market, giving hearing loss sufferers newer and improved
ways to treat their conditions. But for people who have never
purchased a device before, it can be difficult to know which
devices are worth the money, features and technology.
Key Questions You Need to Ask Before Purchasing a
Hearing Aid:
• Features. Once you know which devices treat your condition,
you should examine which would be best for your lifestyle. Do
you need a device that can connect wirelessly to cell phones and
electronics? Do you want manual controls for volume and programs?
Compare a few models side-by-side to see which are easiest for you to
use and offer the options you are most likely to use regularly.
• Price. Your provider should provide the total cost of each hearing
aid before you buy, and advise you of any discounts, insurance
coverage, and payment options.
• Trial Periods. Always ask your audiologist about free hearing aid
trial periods that allow you to test the device in your own home.
• Warranties. Most new hearing aids include a warranty, but you
should ask your provider exactly what is covered. Go through the
terms of the warranty and ask your audiologist specifically what
repair, loss and damage is covered.
• Repairs. Nearly all devices will need repair at some point. Ask
your audiologist about the repair process, including costs, loaner
devices, and whether repairs are done on-site or sent out.
• Refunds. Your provider should offer a refund if you are not
satisfied with the hearing aid. Inquire how long you are
guaranteed a refund and whether you will be refunded the full
cost of the device.
Hearing is the key to communication, and effective communication
is the key to quality of life. At Eartique, we listen to you to understand
your hearing needs. One in ten suffer from some form of hearing
loss; one in four after age 65. For most, the onset of hearing loss is
so gradual that it is not noticed until quality of life begins to decline.
Untreated hearing loss leads to social isolation, low self-esteem,
anxiety, frustration and even depression.
Please check out our Free Guide to Hearing Aids on our website,
www.eartique.com.
This Industry Insight was written by Beth M. Kenny, AuD, who
earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Science &
Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Arts
in Audiology from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed
her clinical doctorate in Audiology from A.T. Still University in
2005. Beth is certified by the American Academy of Audiology
and has been practicing since 2003.
Debra L. Greenberger, owner of Eartique, received her
master’s degree in Audiology (Hearing Science) from
Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and she is
certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association.
Debra has been diagnosing hearing loss and fitting hearing aids
for over 25 years.
Leslie A. Dunst, MS/CCC-A, is a Clinical Audiologist who has
enjoyed providing diagnostic testing and rehabilitative services
for over 25 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree
in Speech Pathology and Audiology and her Master of Science
in Audiology from West Virginia University. Leslie is also
certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association. Her diverse background spans three states (Ohio,
West Virginia and Pennsylvania) and includes private practice,
ENT offices, and clinical and hospital settings. Leslie is
dedicated to providing quality service to her patients and committed to helping
improve their quality of life by helping them to hear their best. She resides in Peters
Township with her husband and son.
FOX CHAPEL AREA
❘
SPRING 2020
29