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FAQ

• When should I go visit an audiologist?
• I have a ringing in my ears, what is this called? Is it normal?
• I have a hearing loss, what should I do next?
• Why should I consider wearing two hearings aids instead of just one?
• What happens if I decide to purchase a hearing aid then decide it's not for me? Can I return it?
• Why are hearing aids so expensive? I can find some on auction websites or through promotions on the internet.
• Does my insurance pay for hearing aids?
• What insurance do you accept?

When should I go visit an audiologist?

Below is a 'checklist' of questions to ask yourself if you suspect there is a hearing loss. If you answer 'yes' to at least two of the questions, you may want to consider visiting an audiologist (OR have one visit you!) to have your hearing thoroughly evaluated:

1. Are you having trouble hearing the television set?
2. Are you having difficulty hearing on the telephone?
3. Are you having difficulty hearing the doorbell, telephone, clock or other devices?
4. Do you feel that people 'mumble' and don't speak clearly?
5. Do you frequently ask other people to repeat themselves?
6. Do you feel like your hearing is 'cloudy' or 'not clear'?
7. Do other people ask you if you have problems hearing?
8. Do you hear people, but just don't quite make out what they are saying?
9. Do you find yourself avoiding situations because you are not able to hear other people properly?
10. Do you find that your hearing is not what is used to be?

How did you score? If you feel you should have your hearing evaluated, visit www.HomeAudiologyServices.com or call (631) 878-1992 and make an appointment for a professional opinion!

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I have a ringing in my ears, what is this called? Is it normal?

What you're describing is called tinnitus. There are many causes of tinnitus including (but not limited to) hearing loss, medication side effects, and ototoxic drugs. Excessive aspirin consumption can cause temporary tinnitus. For more information, please visit www.ata.org.

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I have a hearing loss, what should I do next?

Not everyone who has a hearing loss needs a hearing aid to compensate for their loss. Depending on their needs, sometimes all that is needed is several assistive listening devices such as an amplified telephone combined with a personal amplified television headset will fulfill an individual's needs.

Call us today to speak with Dr. Beuhler to find out what is the best answer for your needs.

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Why should I consider wearing two hearings aids instead of just one?

There are a number of reasons why wearing two hearing aids are beneficial, but here are our top ten reasons:

1. You'll have better understanding in noisy places.
2. Binaural Hearing (receiving sound in both ears) allows you to better identify the direction of sound.
3. It will create a better sound quality.
4. Wearing two hearing devices creates a smoother tone quality.
5. Binaural hearing creates a wider hearing range.
6. Receiving sound in both ears allows better sound identification.
7. Binaural hearing instruments are more comfortable when loud noises occur.
8. Two hearing devices help create a feeling of balance.
9. Binaural hearing is less tiring and therefore, makes listening a more pleasant experience.
10. They will also keep both your ears active!

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What happens if I decide to purchase a hearing aid then decide it's not for me? Can I return it?

New York State requires a 45-day period to test your device after purchase. At Home Audiology Services, P.C., we give a two-week trial run BEFORE signing a purchase agreement so you can be sure you want to spend that kind of money in addition to the regular 45-day period. No string attached. If, after two weeks, you decide that a hearing device is not for you, we'll take it back and not charge you anything.

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Why are hearing aids so expensive? I can find some on auction websites or through promotions on the internet.

Hearing aids are expensive for several reasons. The hearing aids found through promotions (either on the television or through websites) that cost anywhere between $49.99 and $300.00 are typically one size fits all. They give poor sound quality and can hurt your ears since they aren't custom fit. If you buy hearing aids through auction sites, you may be able to find some that are known to be good quality, but these hearing aid dispensers do not offer the clinical skills and support an Audiologist would be able to offer you. Also, choosing to buy something you have never seen before might be a problem if you need to return them as auction websites are not required to give you that 45-day period to fully return your hearing aids.

Another more important reason to visit an audiologist for a proper fitting is hearing loss may not lead to hearing aids. There may be cerumen (ear wax) build up in your canal or another under lying medical condition.

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Does my insurance pay for hearing aids?

This is probably the most frequently asked question. Though each insurance company has their own guidelines, most have hearing aid allowances which will cover a percentage (if not all) of the hearing aids. The best way to find out if your insurance company can cover your hearing devices is to call and ask what your policy covers.

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What insurance do you accept?

Currently, Home Audiology Services, P.C. takes the following insurances:

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• United Health Care
• Oxford
• Cigna
• GHI
• Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Emblem

Don't see your insurance company on the list? Call your insurance company and ask if you're allowed to see a provider outside your network! If you can, call us today for your appointment!

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