INDUSTRY INSIGHT
BETTER HEARING
SPONSORED CONTENT
THE HEARING AID BUYERS GUIDE
Being 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 to ask at your next
appointment.
1. What are the audiologist’s credentials?
Ask who is going to be working with you and find out if he/she is
an a udiologist. Education requirements for audiologists include
6-8 years of college and thousands of clinical hours. Audiologist
credentials include MA, MS, AuD, or PhD for master’s or doctoral
level education. Audiologists may obtain board certification
with the American Board of Audiology or Clinical Competency
Certification through the American Speech-Language and Hearing
Association. Audiologists specialize in many areas including adult
hearing disorders, pediatrics, education, industrial testing, surgical
monitoring, cochlear implants and more.
2. What brands of hearing aids are available?
Ask if you’ll have a selection to choose from. Locations that carry
only one brand will be limited in their options. Know whether 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.
5. 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.
6. What is included in the price of the hearing aid?
The price of hearing aids is often a bundled price, which includes
the instruments, the shipping and handling, the warranty package,
the measurements and impressions, the service plan for cleanings
and reprogramming, and the time that the audiologist spends with
you at each of your appointments.
7. What types of payment options are available?
Hearing aids can be very affordable. Financing plans may allow
for no interest payments within 6 to 12 months or low-interest
payments for longer than 12 months. 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.
8. How will you ensure my satisfaction with new hearing aids?
Learning to hear again can be a challenge. Make sure the
audiologist will schedule re-check 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Suzanne Yoder, Au.D.
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.
18 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Woodland Hills