Hearing Aid Information

Ensure:

1. Testing is completed in sound-proof booth by an Audiologist (if you are not certain of their qualifications, ask!).

2. Hearing aids are latest digital technology.

3. You are comfortable with the office location, office setting, office personnel, etc...since you will need to return for follow-up visits.

Beware of:

 

1. Advertisements showing aids with "Class A or Class D" technology.  These are not digital circuits (Class A is not like Grade A beef and Class D does not stand for digital - these are some of the oldest circuits in the field).

2. Advertisements claiming large coupon discount ($1500 off a pair of aids) - if you have to have that big of a discount, something must be up!

3. Advertisements claiming they are only office in area with latest technology with one aid that fits all (each individual has different hearing/processing needs, hearing aids must be customized for each individual, patient and audiologist work together to select proper aids)

Digital Hearing Aid technology Levels 

 

Demanding Listening Environment Digital  fully automatic adjustments, “hands-off” aid 

12 or 20 channel/bands - precision programming of tones/pitches/volume for sound quality

Automatic sound transition for different listening areas (ie: quiet, noise w/speech, noise and music)

Automatic and Adaptive Front Sensitive/Directional microphone (reduce background noise)

Automatic and Adaptive enhanced feedback cancellation (reduces whistle) 

Adaptive noise management feature (comfort), speech enhancement (clarity)

Automatic wind noise management

Automatic and/or Manual volume control

Automatic Telephone feature – including binaural phone (transmits phone signal to both ears)

Additional manually activated memories (programmed for different listening environments)

Acoustic indicator tones for multi-memory and low battery

 

Active Listening Environment Digital     semi-automatic, “hands-off” maybe some manual control

6 channel/bands - precision programming of tones/pitches/volume for sound quality

Automatic sound transition for different listening areas (ie: quiet, noise w/ speech)

Automatic Front Sensitive/Directional microphone (reduce background noise)

Feedback Cancellation (reduces whistle)

Noise management, Speech enhancement, Wind management

Automatic and/or Manual volume control

Manual or Automatic Telephone feature

Manual Multiple memories (programmed for different listening environments)

Acoustic indicator tones for multi-memory and low battery

 

Easy Listening Environment Digital manual adjustment aid, “hands-on”

4 channel/bands - precision programming of tones/pitches/volume for sound quality

Manual Multiple memories (programmed for different listening environments)

Manual Directional microphone (microphone front sensitive)

Feedback Cancellation (reduces whistle)     

Noise management, Speech Enhancement, Wind Management

Automatic and/or Manual volume control

Automatic or Manual Telephone feature

Acoustic indicator tones for multi-memory & low battery

 

OPTIONS:  Remote control, Wireless Bluetooth connection, Cell Phone and Television accessories

Purchase of hearing aids through Advanced Audiology includes:

• detailed attention to the individual's hearing needs
• intensive informational counseling regarding impact of hearing loss and realistic expectations of amplification use
• free follow-up visits
• friendly and fast service
• comfortable and up-to-date environment
• easy to find location and ample parking
• 6 - 12 month supply of hearing aid batteries

Unfortunately, most insurance policies do not offer coverage for hearing aids, although policies issued through employers such as State of Michigan, School contracts, and General Motors contracts usually have some coverage.