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Hearing Aids
The following are some frequently asked questions about hearing aids that you might have yourself. Review them at your leisure and feel free to contact us with any clarifications or additional questions you may have.
Hearing Aid Benefits
If you are hearing impaired, you will benefit from wearing hearing aids, period. How much benefit will depend on many
- How long you waited before you did something about your problem.
- How much hearing you have left (residual hearing).
- How much your speech discrimination (word recognition ability) has been affected.
- Your overall health: diabetes, stroke, kidney disease.
- How well you adapt to change.
Your hearing loss didn’t happen overnight. It may take a while to get the maximum benefit from your hearing aids.
The benefits you can expect to get out of hearing aids are limitless, but here are the more common benefits many patients experience
- You will hear sounds that you haven’t heard in years.
- You will hear speech over the phone with more clarity.
- You will hear speech in person more clearly.
- You will perceive sounds as less muffled.
- You will be able to communicate with family and friends more easily.
- You will be able to communicate in noisy environments such as restaurants.
Choosing the right hearing professional is the most important decision a hearing impaired person can make when they’re finally ready to do something about their hearing problem. The correct hearing aid recommendation and fitting is highly dependent on the judgment and skill of the professional selecting the instrument.
The hearing aids we select for you are based on the results of the test, your budget, your lifestyle and a host of other factors. We promise to explain everything to you, without using a bunch of technical terms that are designed to confuse you further.
Hearing Aid Questions
What is a hearing aid?
A hearing aid is a small electronic device that you wear in or behind your ear. It makes some sounds louder so that a person with hearing loss can listen, communicate, and participate more fully in daily activities. A hearing aid can help people hear more in both quiet and in noisy situations.
Will hearing aids improve my ability to hear?
Although hearing aids cannot restore your hearing to normal, they should make significant improvements in your ability to listen with less effort and increase the clarity of what you hear in most environments.
Hearing aids are primarily useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension of people who have hearing loss that results from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, called hair cells. This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. The damage can occur as a result of disease, aging, or injury from noise or certain medicines.
A hearing aid magnifies sound vibrations entering the ear. Surviving hair cells detect the larger vibrations and convert them into neural signals that are passed along to the brain. The greater the damage to a person’s hair cells, the more severe the hearing loss, and the greater the hearing aid amplification needed to make up the difference. However, there are practical limits to the amount of amplification a hearing aid can provide. In addition, if the inner ear is too damaged, even large vibrations will not be converted into neural signals. In this situation, a hearing aid would be ineffective.
Are there different styles of hearing aids?
There are three basic styles of hearing aids. The styles differ by size, their placement on or inside the ear, and the degree to which they amplify sound. The 3 main types of hearing aids are:
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- In-the-Canal (ITC)
Each type has more specific
For more information on the different types of hearing aids, please see our page on Hearing Aid Types.
How do hearing aids work?
Almost all hearing aids now are digital. Digital aids convert sound waves into numerical codes, similar to the binary code of a computer, before amplifying them. Because the code also includes information about a sound’s pitch or loudness, the aid can be specially programmed to amplify some frequencies more than others. Digital circuitry gives
Which hearing aid will work best for me?
The hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the type and severity of your hearing loss, along with your lifestyle. You and your hearing care professional should work together to select a hearing aid that best suits your hearing loss, listening needs, and lifestyle.
Similar to other equipment purchases, style and features affect cost. However, don’t use price alone to determine the best hearing aid for you. Just because one hearing aid is more expensive than another does not necessarily mean that it will better suit your needs.
A hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing. With practice, however, a hearing aid will increase your awareness of sounds and their sources. You will want to wear your hearing aid regularly, so select one that is convenient and easy for you to use. Other features to consider include parts or services covered by the warranty, estimated schedule and costs for maintenance and repair, options and upgrade
Do I have to buy two hearing aids?
If you have hearing loss in both ears, we almost always recommend a hearing aid for each ear. Using binaural hearing aids will help maximize your benefit from hearing aids and make you a more effective listener. For a more detailed explanation of why two hearing aids are preferable, see our article, Two Ears are Better Than One.
What is the average life span of a hearing aid?
The average life of any hearing aid is five years.
What happens if my hearing changes?
If your hearing changes, your digital hearing aids should be adjusted to compensate for the change. Most hearing aids should be able to handle this, but your audiologist will be able to determine if an adjustment can make the new corrections for your hearing or if you will need new hearing aids. As time changes, so
Post-Fitting
Can I expect to come back for further adjustments?
If your hearing changes, your digital hearing aids should be adjusted to compensate for the change. Most hearing aids should be able to handle this, but your audiologist will be able to determine if an adjustment can make the new corrections for your hearing or if you will need new hearing aids. As time changes, so
Can I expect to come back for further adjustments?
Yes. Everyone perceives sound differently and different patients have different hearing needs. In order to
How can I adjust to my hearing aid?
Hearing aids take time and patience to use successfully. Wearing your aids regularly will help you adjust to them.
Become familiar with your hearing aid’s features. With your hearing care professional present, practice putting in and taking out the aid, cleaning it, identifying right and left aids, and replacing the batteries. Learn to adjust the aid’s volume and to program it for sounds that are too loud or too soft. Work with your hearing care professional until you are comfortable and satisfied.
You may experience some of the following problems as you adjust to wearing your new aid.
- My hearing aid feels uncomfortable. Some individuals may find a hearing aid to be slightly uncomfortable at first. Ask your hearing care professional how long you should wear your hearing aid while you are adjusting to it.
- My voice sounds too loud. The “plugged-up” sensation that causes a hearing aid user’s voice to sound louder inside the head is called the occlusion effect, and it is very common for new hearing aid users. Check with your hearing care professional to see if a correction is possible. Most individuals get used to this effect over time.
- I get feedback from my hearing aid. A whistling sound can be caused by a hearing aid that does not fit or
work well or is clogged by earwax or fluid. See your hearing care professional for adjustments. - I hear background noise. A hearing aid does not completely separate the sounds you want to hear from the ones you do not want to hear. Sometimes, however, the hearing aid may need to be adjusted. Talk with your hearing care professional.
- I hear a buzzing sound when I use my cell phone. Some people who wear hearing aids or have implanted hearing devices experience problems with
the radio frequency interference caused by digital cell phones. Both hearing aids and cell phones are improving, however, so these problems are occurring less often. When you are being fitted for a new hearing aid, take your cell phone with you to see if it will work well with the aid.
How can I care for my hearing aid?
Proper maintenance and care will extend the life of your hearing aid. Make it a habit to:
- Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture.
- Clean hearing aids as instructed. Earwax and ear drainage can damage a hearing aid.
- Avoid using hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing aids.
- Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use.
- Replace dead batteries immediately.
- Keep replacement batteries and small aids away from children and pets.
Return Policy
What is your return policy?
Return Policy
Total Hearing Solutions offers a 30-day satisfaction period. This 30-day satisfaction period begins on the day your hearing aids are dispensed. You will pay for the hearing aids when you receive them, but you have 30 days to return them if you change your mind. If you do change your mind, you would be reimbursed the total amount minus a $150 per ear nonrefundable dispensing fee.
Do you provide a written contract or purchase agreement?
Yes. We give you a written purchase agreement when you place your hearing aid order and pay the $150 per hearing aid non-refundable deposit. This purchase agreement indicates the hearing aid you are purchasing and the cost as well as explains our most comprehensive healthy hearing program and our 30-day satisfaction period.
Repair and loss & damage to a 3 year
Is there a warranty, who honors the warranty?
You will receive a two-year
What happens if my hearing aid stops working?
If your hearing aid stops working, check for wax clogs and change the battery. If it is still not working, you can bring it
Do you repair my hearing aids?
If your hearing aid needs a repair, we will attempt to repair it at our office for you, but if the issue persists, it will be sent to the manufacturer.
How much does a repair cost?
If the hearing aid is under warranty, there will be no cost to you unless it is cracked or crushed.
If it is not under warranty, there would be a repair charge to cover the cost of the repair and add a repair warranty to the hearing aid.
If the hearing aid is cracked or crushed, there will be a charge.
Please note, if a hearing aid is over five years old, they are repaired at a higher cost and with a shorter repair warranty.
Purchasing Hearing Aids
Will my insurance cover hearing aids?
Medicare and most insurance
Can I obtain financial assistance for a hearing aid?
Hearing aids are generally not covered by health insurance companies, although some do. Medicare does not cover hearing aids for adults; however, diagnostic evaluations are covered if they are ordered by a physician for the purpose of assisting the physician in developing a treatment plan.
Total Hearing Solutions does not offer a payment plan option directly through us. However, we work with Care Credit. If you qualify for this, you can finance your hearing aids up to 12 months with no interest.
Hearing Aid Types
Hearing aids come in all different shapes and sizes. Many factors will determine which style your audiologist will recommend for your individual hearing needs. Below
Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)
Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) hearing aids are invisible when worn. This type of hearing aid sits deep in the ear canal ensuring sound travels quickly and accurately to your eardrum. These invisible hearing aids are designed for daily removal.
- 100% invisible when worn
- Hear clearly in noise
- Sculpted for your ear canal
- Highest definition sound quality
- Designed for daily removal
Extended Wear (EW)
Extended Wear hearing aids can be worn up to 120 days 24 hours a day. This type of hearing aid sits deep in the ear canal ensuring sound travels quickly and accurately to your eardrum.
- Wear for up to 120 days straight
- 100% invisible when worn
- Hear clearly in noise
- Sculpted for your ear canal
- Highest definition sound quality
- Must be changed out by a trained Audiologist, Hearing Aid Equipment Specialist or Ear, Nose Throat Physician.
Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
Extended Wear hearing aids can be worn up to 120 days 24 hours a day. This type of hearing aid sits deep in the ear canal ensuring sound travels quickly and accurately to your eardrum.
- Wear for up to 120 days straight
- 100% invisible when worn
- Hear clearly in noise
- Sculpted for your ear canal
- Highest definition sound quality
- Must be changed out by a trained Audiologist, Hearing Aid Equipment Specialist or Ear, Nose Throat Physician.
In-The-Canal (ITC)
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are smaller than the ITE style and are also custom made to fit the size and shape of your ear canal.
- Barely visible in the ear
- Easy to use with the telephone
- May not fit well in small ears
In-The-Ear (ITE)
In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom-made and fit comfortably inside the ear.
- Easy to insert into the ear because of its larger size
- Easy-to-operate larger features such as volume control
- Used to help mild to severe hearing loss
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids sit behind the ear, it amplifies sound and passes the sound down a tube and into customized earmold which fits in your ear.
- Typically offers more power than a custom-made hearing aid
- Robust for active wearers
- Suitable for all degrees of hearing loss
- Large, easy-to-use hearing aids that are very reliable
Mini Behind-the-Ear (miniBTE)
Mini Behind-the-Ear (Mini-BTE) hearing aids are very similar to the Behind-the-Ear style, but is much smaller and less noticeable. This style holds the electronics in a slim case that hooks over the top of the ear and hides behind the top of the ear, the same place where eyeglasses rest. A clear narrow tube follows the front of the ear and carries sound to the tiny ear bud, which sits unnoticeable in the ear canal.
- Allows natural sounds to enter the ear canal
- Can be selected, programmed and fit in a single visit
- Very discreet and appealing to people with cosmetic concerns
- Does not require custom molding
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) or “Open-Ear” hearing aids are the newest design to reduce or eliminate that echo or plugged up feeling wearers can sometimes experience (referred to as the occlusion effect). They are easy to wear and barely noticeable.
- Fits a large range of hearing loss
- Offers the greatest flexibility in programming
- Water resistant and very durable
Hearing Aid Brands
We offer a wide selection of major hearing aid brands to give you a variety of options.
Phonak Hearing Aids
Phonak has the right hearing aid for you – regardless of your type of hearing loss, your lifestyle, your personal preferences, your age or your budget. Keep Reading →
Lyric Hearing Aids
We are proud to be one of the select offices in the United States to offer Lyric Hearing. Lyric was featured on Good Morning America as a new hearing technology that is not only tiny and
Signia
Signia has helped people with hearing loss for more than 130 years and is the largest, most innovative manufacturer of hearing instruments in the world. In fact, one out of every four hearing aids being used worldwide is a Signia. Signia hearing products help hearing care providers deliver personalized hearing solutions to their patients—enabling them to lead richer, fuller lives. Keep Reading →
Oticon Hearing Aids
At Oticon Inc., our goal is to help people with hearing loss fulfill their potential while living the life they choose – with the hearing they have
Hearing Aid Accessories
Hearing aid accessories add functionality to your hearing aids making the use of them even more convenient to fit your lifestyle. Here are some of the accessories we offer to enhance the use of your hearing aids.
Wireless Microphones
With today’s advanced digital hearing aid technology, specialty microphones can be paired compatible hearing aids wirelessly. These microphones allow for enhanced hearing in situations the microphone is designed to overcome.
Phonak Roger Pen
Roger Pen is a cutting-edge wireless microphone that enables people with hearing loss to hear and understand more speech in loud noise and over distance.

For Use In:
- loud noise
- over distance
- when there are several speakers.

Phonak Roger EasyPen
The Roger EasyPen is an exciting product for clients who desire ultimate simplicity with full Roger performance and do not need Bluetooth functionality or manual microphone control.
Phonak Roger Clip-On Mic
The Roger Clip-on Mic is an easy-to-use wireless microphone that enables people with hearing loss to enjoy effective one-to-one communication in loud noise and over distance.

For Use In:
- loud noise
- over distance

Phonak RemoteMic
Phonak RemoteMic is a wireless microphone for one-on-one conversations over distance. The RemoteMic is clipped onto the speaker’s clothing. Combined with Phonak ComPilot or ComPilot Air II, it transmits the speaker’s voice directly to both hearing aids over a distance of up to 20 meters (66 ft).

- Listening to a distant speaker
- In smaller meetings

Multimedia Links
Multimedia links are designed to connect audio from sound sources such as televisions and stereos to your hearing aids. Many of multimedia links are capable of doing this wirelessly.
Phonak ComPilot Air II
The small and stylish Phonak ComPilot Air II connects Phonak Venture hearing aids wirelessly to cell phones or Bluetooth-enabled music sources. It can also be used with the Phonak TVLink or the Phonak RemoteMic.

For Use With:
- Cell phone
- Music players and computers
- Remote control of the hearing aids

Phonak ComPilot
Phonak ComPilot connects wirelessly to all Phonak wireless hearing aids and supports audio inputs via 3.5mm Jack and the Europlug socket. Connecting the Roger X receiver to ComPilot allows streaming from Roger microphones. It provides high quality sound when watching TV or listening to music for a longer time period.

For Use With:
- Cell phone
- Music players and computers
- Remote control of the hearing aids
- Analog audio inputs
- Roger/FM receiver

Phonak TVLink
Phonak TVLink is the interface to TV and other audio sources supporting digital audio signals. The TVLink is used with Phonak ComPilot or ComPilot Air II and turns any Phonak wireless hearing aids into a headset with a range of up to 30 meters (100 ft). It offers stereo sound quality and low latency transmission.

Remote Controls
Hearing aids can be adjusted on the go. Remote controls allow for these adjustments to be made discretely.
Phonak PilotOne
The Phonak PilotOne is designed for simplicity and ease-of-use. It features four large buttons that are easy to locate and press, allowing for volume and program adjustments.

Discreet and easy selection of the hearing aid volume and programs.

Phones
Phonak EasyCall
Phonak EasyCall connects hearing aids wirelessly with any Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. It binaurally streams the phone call directly to the hearing aids for maximum speech understanding.

Phonak DECT home phone
Phonak DECT cordless phone is easy to use and designed for people with hearing loss. It is also suitable for people without hearing loss and can be used like a regular cordless phone. The main benefit is the direct binaural streaming to both hearing aids for maximum speech understanding.
Usage:
- Phone calls at home and in small offices.
- Can also be used by family members.

Bundled or Unbundled Hearing Aids
Bundled (Classic Model) | Unbundled (HCC Model) | |
Hearing Aid Cost | Starting cost includes hearing aid price, professional fitting fee; and cost of future appointments, repairs, service, and parts. Length and terms of service package determined by provider. Increases starting cost significantly as the hearing aid mark up is entirely based on the estimated cost of future services. | Cost only includes itemized hearing aid price and professional fitting fee. Lowers starting cost. |
Mobility of service | “Pre-paid” services are limited to the dispensing clinic. Service plan does not roll over should patient change provider. | Services can be provided by any audiologist as they have not been “pre-paid.” Conducive for traveling. |
Cost of routine maintenance | Maintenance costs usually included in starting cost of original purchase, dependent on terms of service plan. | Maintenance costs only charged at time of service. Patient pays when services are provided. |
Rationale | One-time fee for hearing aids and future services. | Transparent billing and lower costs over time. Fee-for-service billing allows the patient to know the value of each provided service. |
Value Hearing Devices
The cost of a hearing aid is determined by the complexity of its computer chip. Top-of-the-line hearing aids have the most advanced computer processing and thus are more expensive. However, even entry-level hearing aids can greatly improve one’s hearing and thus quality of life. In many listening environments, there is no functional difference between top-of-the-line and entry-level devices. That’s why we offer excellent low-cost options with reduced fitting fees. The initial programming and fitting of the hearing aids is identical to the service provided for top-of-the-line devices. Follow up visits are provided fee-for-service. With hearing aids available as low as $325 a device, everyone can experience the benefits of improved communication.
Health care or Consumerism
Context matters when choosing a hearing healthcare setting. In many cases, hearing aids are sold as a consumer product in a retail setting. One can expect a sales focus in a retail setting, as the hearing aids become the number one commodity.
Hearing loss is a medical condition and given the many known risk factors of untreated hearing loss, it should be treated by a healthcare provider. A Doctor of Audiology is the only healthcare professional who specializes in hearing and balance. By pursing care from one of our Audiologists, you can rest assured that your hearing care is being considered in the larger context of your health. We know that hearing aids are one of many tools within a larger treatment plan.