Frequently Asked Questions

What communities do we commonly dispense hearing aids to?

We serve Leesburg,Clermont,Fruitland Park, Minneola, Tavares, Wildwood, Eustis, Mascotte, Groveland, Montverde, Mount Dora, Mt. Dora, Sumterville, Okahumpka, Coleman, Lake Panasoffkee, Ferndale, Oakland, Winter Garden, Webster, Center Hill, Howey-Inn-The-Hills, Howey Inn The Hills, and Yalaha.


What Hearing Aid brands do we commonly dispense to Central Florida residents?

We dispense Siemens, Starkey, Phonak, Oticon, Widex, Sonic Innovations, Beltone, Miracle Ear, and Micro Tech.

How widespread is hearing loss?

* One out of 10 Americans has a hearing loss.
* An estimated 500 million experience hearing loss worldwide.
* One out of 12 30-year-old Americans is already hearing-impaired.
* One out of eight 50-year-old Americans suffers from hearing loss.
* Three out of 1000 children are born with hearing loss.
* 1.4 million children in the U.S. have hearing loss.
* The majority (65 percent) of people with hearing loss are below retirement age.
* 15 percent of "baby-boomers" have hearing loss.
* 29 percent of people over age 65 have hearing loss.
* The majority (60 percent) of people with hearing loss are males.
* More than a third of all hearing loss is attributed to noise: loud music, loud workplaces, loud recreational equipment.
* Of the 10 million Americans aged 45 to 64 who have a hearing loss, six out of seven do not yet benefit from wearing hearing aids.



What you should know about hearing loss.

* Hearing loss is second only to arthritis as the most common complaint of older adults
* Only about 5 percent of hearing losses are improved by surgery or other medical treatment
* The vast majority of hearing loss (95 percent) can be treated with hearing aids
* The majority of people with nerve deafness are helped with hearing aids
* Only 15 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss. Ask your doctor for a hearing screening since it is not a routine part of physical exams.
* The vast majority of hospitals now offer newborn hearing screening before discharge from the hospital.
* Even a mild hearing loss can seriously impact a child's ability to learn in a school environment.
* Successful treatment of hearing loss with hearing aids is associated with greater earning power. * Treatment of hearing loss will improve interpersonal relationships.
* Most public places (i.e. movie theatres, place of worship, government building, schools) are required under the American with Disabilities Act to provide assistive listening devices for the hard-of-hearing.
* Noise above 80-90 decibels on average over an 8-hour workday is considered hazardous. Professions at risk of hearing loss include firefighters, police officers, factory workers, farmers, construction workers, military personnel, heavy industry workers, musicians, and entertainment industry professionals.
* One in four workers exposed to high levels of noise will develop a hearing loss.
* A live rock concert produces sounds from 110 to 120 decibels - easily high enough to cause permanent damage to hearing over a two- to three-hour period. If you have pain in your ears after leaving a noisy area or you hear ringing or buzzing in your ears immediately after exposure to noise consider this a warning sign that the sounds are TOO LOUD.



How do I know if I need a hearing test? (Ask yourself these questions.)

* Do you hear, but not understand, what is being said?
* Do you have trouble hearing the television and/or radio?
* Do you feel that other people seem to mumble or talk too quickly?
* Do you have difficulty hearing people talk when there is background
* noise such as at a restaurant or a social gathering?
* Do you find yourself watching the mouths of people as they talk?
* Do you experience ringing, pain, or fullness in one or both ears?
* Do you frequently ask people to repeat what they say?
* Is anyone in your family hard of hearing or deaf?
* Do you find it difficult to understand others over the telephone?
* Do you tend to hear male voices more easily than female voices?



What questions should I ask a professional about hearing aids?

* What are the differences between basic types of hearing aids?
* What kind of hearing aids would be best for me?
* How are hearing aids priced? Can you break down the cost?
* What's the return or trial period on the hearing aids I'm purchasing?
* Are there service fees that won't be refunded if I return the hearing aids?
* What is covered in these fees, and how much can I expect to pay?
* What kind of post-fitting do you provide?
* Can I expect to come back for minor alterations?
* Do you provide a written contract or purchase agreement?
* Is there a warranty? Who honors the warranty, you or the manufacturer?
* Is there financing available for buying hearing aids?
* Can I get insurance in case they're lost or damaged?
* What's the average lifespan of this hearing aid?
* What happens if my hearing aids stop working?
* What happens if my hearing changes?



What should I consider when buying hearing aids?
There are several factors you should consider when buying hearing aids. Here are some important topics to think about:

Loss Characteristics: The nature and severity of your hearing loss will play a large role in determining which hearing aids are ultimately recommended to you. Your hearing professional can help you understand your unique loss characteristics, and explain the models that would best suit your needs.

Lifestyle: Consider your life, work, free-time activities. What are the things you do that are most affected by hearing loss? What are the things, if any, that you're not able to do because of a hearing loss? Define your needs and set priorities. Your job may also be a factor. If you work outdoors in the elements or travel frequently and are concerned about a hearing aid's durability, you may want to consider a back-up aid.

Technology: Not every technological advance benefits every hearing loss, and it's safe to say that even basic hearing aids can deliver appropriate sound quality. Consult your hearing professional - he or she will help you assess the level of sophistication you need based on a range of issues.

Handling: The smallest hearing aids are the most discreet, but they are, well, small. If your eyesight or dexterity are less than what they used to be, size may indeed matter. Alternatively, some new aids adjust automatically or via remote control. Your hearing professional will instruct you as to your best choices.

Appearance: Hearing aids come in a variety of sizes, from tiny, completely-in-the-canal models to those that sit behind the ear. Many people are overly concerned about appearance, and it's wise to remember that others will be far less aware of your aid than you. Most hearing aids are quite discreet. Keep in mind that hairstyle can also play a role.

Physiology: Physical factors can also influence your selection of a hearing aid. The shape and size of the outer ear and ear canal can make it difficult for some people to wear particular styles. For example, if your canal is extremely narrow, in-the-canal aids may not work for you. Your hearing professional will help determine which hearing aid options are appropriate for you.

One Ear or Two? Two ears are better than one. Binaural, or two-ear hearing, is what helps us determine where sounds are coming from, and to distinguish between competing sounds more easily. If you have a hearing loss in only one ear, you may be fine with one hearing aid. Age- and noise-related hearing loss tend to affect both ears, but your hearing profile for each ear is probably different. If there is a loss in both ears, then you will benefit more with a binaural approach. In addition, some of the benefits of digital technology require two hearing aids. Today, about two-thirds of new purchasers opt for dual hearing aids, and as a group, they report a higher level of satisfaction than purchasers of a single aid. Discuss the pros and cons with your hearing professional.

Will my hearing aids ever need to be replaced?
The most common repairs required by hearing aids are based on dirt and debris blocking the microphones and the receivers. In other words, the majority of repairs required are due to poor maintenance. Your hearing healthcare professional will review with you how to maintain your hearing aids, how to keep them clean and dry, how to change batteries etc. Nonetheless, if the hearing aids are well maintained, generally speaking, they can last 5 to 7 years.

Will it be difficult to get comfortable with my new hearing aids?
People learn and adapt at different rates. Some people need a day or two to learn about and adjust to their hearing aids; most people need a few weeks, and others may need a few months.

Start in a favorable listening environment (such as one-on-one conversations in quiet) and work towards more difficult listening situations. Let your friends and family know you're using your new hearing aids.

Please do NOT wear them to a cocktail party or restaurant during the first few weeks, thinking "this will be a good test!" It will absolutely not be a good test. You should not wear hearing aids in noise until you are very accustomed to them.