Choosing a hearing aid

Q. How many different brands of hearing aids are there?
A. There are many different brands of hearing aids on the market today. The audiologists at Duncan Hearing Healthcare utilize several different brands, because they feel that no one company can work for every patient. They will use your hearing test results along with information you provide to make a decision as to which hearing aid will be best suited for your needs.

Q. Will I need one or two hearing aids?
A. Most people lose hearing equally between ears. In this case we will recommend two hearing aids. We suggest that you take two hearing aids for a thirty day trial, that way you can decide whether one or two hearing aids is best for your needs. Hearing with two ears allows a person to hear better, especially in a noisy situation. Also, patients wearing two hearing aids can localize (tell which direction) a sound is coming from which becomes a safety issue especially if someone is driving or walking on a busy road. We can demonstrate the effects of using one versus two hearing aids using our Life's Soundsuite at your first appointment.

Q. What happens if my hearing aid stops working?
A. If your haring aid(s) stop working we will attempt to repair the hearing aids(s) in the office at no charge to our existing patients (there is a nominal fee if you are not an established patient). If we are unable to fix the hearing aid(s) on site, we can send the hearing aid to the manufacturer for repair. If the hearing aid is under warranty there is no charge for this service, Therefore it is important for your haring aid to be under warranty, we offer optional extended warranties at Duncan Hearing Healthcare and more information can be received regarding this at (508) 674-3334

Q. How much will I pay for my hearing aid?
A. The cost of a hearing aid is determinate by its size, the electronic circuits it uses, and the warranty period. no one hearing aid is right for everyone. While price is always an important consideration, look for value and a relationship with someone you trust rather than the least expensive device available. The audiologist at Duncan Hearing Healthcare will provide you with several options for hearing aids at several price points that are within your financial limits. Keep in mind that all of our hearing aids come with Complete Hearing Heath care which provides quarterly hearing aid cleanings, yearly hearing screenings and batteries for the life on any aid purchased in our office at no additional charge.

Q. Where can I purchase batteries for my hearing aid(s)?
A. We do sell batteries at Duncan Hearing Healthcare in packs of four or eight. Those patients who purchased hearing aids from us do receive their batteries at no additional charge. Therefore they never have to worry about the cost of hearing aid batteries or of running out of batteries.

Q. What are digital hearing aids?
A. Digital hearing aids are the most advanced devices that are available, having a miniature computer processor as the heart of their circuitry. Sound that enters the microphone of a digital hearing aids is transformed into a series of numbers by the processor. These numbers can then be manipulated to affect an almost unlimited number of parameters that change the response for the hearing aid for a patient's particular hearing loss. After this processing, the numbers are then transformed back into sound for perception by the ear. And of course, all of this is done in real time so that the user does not notice a discrepancy between sound perception and the visual aspects of speech.

Though attachment to a computer, all of the parameters of a digital hearing aid can be programmed. The software that is used to modify programmable devices literally provides for a limitless set of changes that can be imprinted into the hearing aid. Furthermore, as the patient's hearing or hearing requirements change; digital/programmable devices can be re-programmed for the patient's new needs. In addition, hearing aids can be digitally programmed on a computer so that you may not require a replacement if your hearing changes slightly- often a simple adjustment on the computer will do the trick.

Q. Who can benefit from using digital hearing aids?
A. Anyone! Digital hearing aids now come in several different levels of technology. Each level contains different features which can be appropriated for different hearing losses and levels of activity. We only fit digital hearing aids at Duncan Hearing Healthcare because we feel that we can improve our patients hearing using the best technology available to us today. Our levels of digital technology include:

• High Definition - the best technology available today, has feedback suppression (no whistling), noise reduction and directional microphones. Designed for those active individuals who need a haring aid to keep up their busy lifestyles.
• Premium - still good quality hearing just not as many extras as the high definition. designed for those active individuals who may have concerns regarding cost.
• Business line - step above entry level but does not have as many features as the premium or high definition. Designed for those individuals who may be in difficult listing situations occasionally but not every day.
• Entry Level - basic digital hearing aids, they work best in quiet situations. Designed for those individuals who may not go out much and want to hear visitors and the television better.

Q. What type of warranty comes with my hearing aid?
A. All hearing aids come with a one year repair policy as well as a one year loss and damage warranty. Some of the higher end digital hearing aids come with a two year warranty. Extended warranties can be purchased as long as it is done before your existing warranty expires.

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