INDUSTRY INSIGHT
The
Hearing
Aid
Buyer’s
Guide
BETTER HEARING
B
eing in the consumer’s shoes can be a scary place to be when looking
for better hearing. It is difficult to know what to expect from hearing
care providers. This is made more difficult when the consumer doesn’t
know what questions to ask. Here are some questions to ask at your next
appointment.
1.
WHAT ARE THE AUDIOLOGIST’S CREDENTIALS? Know who is going to be working with
you and find out if he/she is an audiologist. Educational requirements for audiologists
include 6-8 years of college and thousands of clinical hours. Audiologist credentials include
“MA, MS, Au.D., or Ph. D.” for master’s or doctoral level education. Audiologists may obtain
board certification with the American Board of Audiology. They specialize in many
areas including adult hearing disorders, pediatrics, education, industrial testing, surgical
monitoring, cochlear implants and more.
WHAT BRANDS OF HEARING AIDS ARE AVAILABLE? Know if you’ll have a selection to
choose from. Locations that carry only one brand will be limited in their options. Know if
you are going to a corporate-owned chain or an independently owned practice. Generally
independent practices have more flexibility and work with multiple manufacturers.
3. HOW MUCH TIME IS ALLOWED ON THE FIRST VISIT? You should feel comfortable with
your choice of provider. When you first visit for a consultation about your options in hearing
aids, you need to have time to discuss your evaluation results, talk about your lifestyle and
what you expect from hearing aids, discuss the options available and different features, go
over pricing and all that is included in the price, and talk about the services provided with
the products. You should expect enough time to answer all of your questions.
4. CAN I TRY ON AN INSTRUMENT IN THE OFFICE? Most locations will have the ability to
demonstrate hearing products in the office to show you some of the features and benefits of
hearing aids.
2.
5.
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6.
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10.
HOW LONG IS THE TRIAL PERIOD AND WHAT HAPPENS IF I RETURN THE HEARING
AIDS? You can expect a minimum of 30 days in the trial period as mandated by
Pennsylvania state law. Find out if you can exchange hearing instruments if you don’t like
the first ones you try. Find out also how much your refund will be if you return your hearing
aids during the trial period. Do not be surprised if the refund is not 100%. Often a small
charge is maintained for the services provided and expenses incurred by your order.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE HEARING AID? The price of hearing aids
is often a bundled price that includes the instruments, the shipping and handling, the
warranty package, the earmold impressions, the service plan for cleanings and
reprogramming, and the time that the audiologist spends with you at each of your
appointments.
WHAT TYPES OF PAYMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE? Hearing aids can be very
affordable. Financing or financial assistance may apply to your situation. You may have
insurance benefits that will help reduce your cost. Ask if the facility accepts your insurance.
It is best to be prepared and call your insurance company ahead of time to check on your
benefits before going to an appointment.
HOW WILL YOU ENSURE MY SATISFACTION WITH NEW HEARING AIDS? Learning
to hear again can be a challenge. Make sure the audiologist will schedule recheck
appointments while you are in your trial period. Ask if the audiologist will take
measurements of your performance to be sure that the hearing aid is a good fit and is
performing well.
ARE THERE ANY CHARGES WHILE I AM UNDER WARRANTY? Many practices will
include the cost of all your visits during your warranty. Ask what is included and what is not.
ARE THERE CLASSES OR TRAINING SESSIONS THAT I CAN TAKE TO LEARN ABOUT
HEARING AIDS? Auditory training and rehabilitation are part of a successful adaptation
period for first-time hearing aid users. Though learning to hear can be challenging to
new users, there are many ways to reduce these difficulties. Ask about rehabilitation
programs, exercise programs for listening ,and other therapies offered through the office.
Suzanne Yoder, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology, Owner
2400 Ardmore Blvd, Ste 401 • Forest Hills
This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Suzanne Yoder, Au.D., of HearWell
Center 412.254.8934; [email protected], www.hearwellcenter.com.
About HearWell Center — HearWell Center is a full-service, independently
owned audiology practice proud to be bringing better hearing to the
people of Pittsburgh since 2007. HearWell Center, located in Forest Hills, is a
hearing care practice that has helped over 1,000 patients with their hearing,
tinnitus, and balance disorders — and offers state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and expert
fitting of hearing technology.
WOODLAND HILLS ❘
SPRING 2018
19