Frequently Asked Questions
- Is It Safe To Buy Hearing Aids Online
- Can A Hearing Aid Damage My Hearing?
- When Is My Hearing Loss Bad Enough To Consider Wearing Hearing Aids?
- Even Though I Have Hearing Loss In Both Ears, Can I Get Away With One Hearing Aid?
- What Is The Best Hearing Aid Make/Style To Purchase?
- What Should I Consider When Buying A Hearing Aid?
- How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?
- How Long Do Hearing Aid Batteries Last In A Hearing Aid?
- Can Hearing Aids “Cure” Hearing Loss Back To Normal?
Is it safe to buy hearing aids online?
Beware of buying hearing aids by mail order or on-line. Hearing aids are custom made and adjusted for an individual ear. Proper hearing aid fitting requires follow-up appointments to insure your success. By working with a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist, you are purchasing professional care and service including appropriate evaluation, instruction in how to use the hearing aid, follow-up care and support, repair services and proper warranty. By working with a Hearing Healthcare professionals like Bravo Hearing Centre you insure that your money is well spent.
Can a hearing aid damage my hearing?
A properly fitted and maintained hearing aid will not damage your hearing. In fact, regular hearing aid use will help to prevent the onset of auditory deprivation. Use-it or loose it.
When is my hearing loss bad enough to consider wearing hearing aids?
Everyone’s hearing loss and listening needs are different. By working with your Hearing Instrument Specialist, you can determine the extent of your hearing loss and the expected improvement. Just like with eye glasses, you do not need to wait till your hearing becomes a big problem to enjoy corrective benefits.
Even though I have hearing loss in both ears, can I get away with one hearing aid?
We are born to hear with two ears. Naturally, it helps us localize sounds, improves clarity of human speech in noisy situations, and gives a natural, balanced quality to sound. Most people with hearing loss in both ears can hear, localize sounds, and understand speech better with two aids than with one.
What is the best hearing aid make/style to purchase?
There are many styles and makes of hearing aids to choose from. From the behind the ear style to almost invisible, completely in the canal hearing aids. Just because your friend uses a particular hearing aid style does not mean that it is right for you. Your friend’s style of hearing aid may be a totally inappropriate prescription for you. Hearing Instrument Specialist will assist you to make the best decision based on your particular hearing loss and your individual listening needs.
What should I consider when buying a hearing aid?
Most important step when thinking about hearing aid amplification is to find a reputable Hearing Aid Clinic and a trusted professional with whom you feel comfortable and at ease. A Hearing Healthcare professional will guide you through the process of testing your hearing to choosing a hearing aid which best suites your hearing, and esthetic needs. Feel free to ask the specialist about warranties, trial period, follow-up care, and return policy. Be as smart consumer.
How much do hearing aids cost?
There are many factors that need to be considered when estimating the price of the hearing aid: What make and type of aid is it? What added options and accessories does it have? Is it digital or analogue? Did I get my hearing consultation and other services with the aid? One hearing aid can cost $50 (for disposable aids, which you dispose after 30-45 days) up to $5,000 for models with the most cutting-edge technology. If you are an Ontario resident you may be eligible for ADP grant through Assistive Devices Program. Also check if your health plan insurance covers hearing aids.
How long do hearing aid batteries last in a hearing aid?
The amount of time you can expect your hearing aid to last with one battery depends on many factors. The style of the hearing aid, the sound environment the hearing aids are subjected to, the amount of hearing loss. As a rule, the smallest hearing aids from which run on #10 or #312 batteries last about 70 hours on a single battery. If you are wearing it 10 hour a day, you can expect about a week. Larger hearing aids, for example BTE’s, behind the ear models with #13 batteries, can last twice as long. Remember, once the sticker is off your battery, it oxidizes and looses its power slowly, regardless whether you use it with hearing aid or not. Consult your hearing professional regarding the expected battery drain of your particular model.
Can hearing aids “cure” hearing loss back to normal?
Hearing aids do not “cure” your hearing loss. Like eyeglasses, hearing aids provide benefit and improvement. Once you take the hearing aid out of your ear, the hearing loss is still there. By correcting your hearing through proper amplification, hearing aids can substantially improve your quality of life.
