Why do some places offer free hearing tests and others do not?

There really are no “free” hearing tests.  At some point the cost of providing the assessment needs to be recouped.  Typically, those who offer “free” hearing tests bundle the cost into the price of the hearing instruments.  This makes it difficult for you to see that you are paying for the test.

The confusion arises because there are two types of providers for hearing and hearing instruments, audiologists and hearing aid dealers.  The level of care and service varies between the two providers because of the differences in what their license allows them to do.

An audiologist provides audiologic assessment, (hearing evaluation).  This is much more than a hearing test.  It includes an evaluation of the outer, middle and inner ears and various measures of hearing.  Audiologic assessment gives in-depth information about your ears and hearing ability.  This in-depth information is the most important part of your evaluation.  All of our recommendations are based on the outcome of this evaluation.  It is so important that Medicare and other insurances companies typically allow for an annual hearing evaluation for those with hearing difficultly.   By billing insurance for the assessment, it can keep the price of hearing instruments down.

 

Hearing aid dealers or hearing aid specialists are trained to perform a simple hearing test but cannot assess the outer, middle and inner ears.   They are not recognized by insurance companies as providers for hearing testing or audiologic assessment and cannot bill your insurance, thus the need to offer a “free” hearing test. The "free" hearing test is then used as an enticement to draw people to the practice.

Give yourself good care.  Schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists for an audiologic assessment (hearing evaluation) to have your ears and hearing assessed.  From there, we can determine if you need to see a physician or if hearing aids are appropriate.  

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.
Paula Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

 Image obtained 5-28-14 at: http://theshepherdshook.blogspot.com/

How do know if you need to have a hearing evaluation?

Typically, hearing changes slowly and gradually.  So slowly most people don’t realize it’s changed.  Because the one with decreased hearing ability often is unaware of it, it’s important to listen to the loved ones around you.  They will notice the changes in your hearing behavior.  When they do, it’s time for a hearing evaluation.

Though loved ones often notice it first, you may be aware of some of the signs and symptoms.  You can take the Hearing Quiz.

1. Do family members complain that the TV is too loud? 
2. Do you have difficulty hearing someone talk from another room? 
3. Do you have difficulty with a conversation when in a moving vehicle? 
4. Do you feel people mumble? 
5. Do you hear part of what people say? 
6. Do you have trouble hearing on the telephone? 
7. Do you have noises in your ears? 
8. Have you worked in a noisy place?

If you said yes to any of these questions, you are overdue for a baseline assessment.  We recommend everyone have a baseline evaluation by the age of 40 years.  This will allow us to track future changes in hearing.  Hearing assessment is usually a covered benefit under your health insurance, there is no reason to put it off.   You have much to gain by taking care of your hearing.

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.
Paula Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

 

Image obtained 5-28-14 at: http://www.saferinternet.org/quiz

What is an extended wear hearing aid?

Lyric® Hearing Aids are the world’s first and only extended wear hearing instruments.  These unique instruments are worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week up to 4 months.  They are a hassle-free, 100% invisible hearing solution. 

Effortless Hearing

Lyric is the only hearing aid that can be worn without daily insertion or removal and there are no batteries to change.  It can be safely worn through daily activities such as showering, exercising, sleeping and talking on the phone. 

100% Invisible

Lyric is placed deep in the ear canal, approximately 4 millimeters from the ear drum.  This allows for both the microphone and receiver to fit in the ear canal, assisting with natural sound quality.  It cannot be seen from any angle, at any time.  The programmable device is comfortably placed during a routine office visit.  It is not an implant and it can be removed with a special tool. 

Unique Design

Two soft foam seals are engineered to contour to the ear canal.  They are coated with a technology developed to protect them from moisture and earwax.   The designed team of ENT physicians, audiologists, and engineers built the device around three key concepts:

1.  Sound Quality improves with proximity to the eardrum 
2.  Many people with hearing loss are dissatisfied with their hearing aid options
3.  Many people with hearing loss want a hassle-free, invisible solution

Natural Sound Quality;

Lyric uses the natural anatomy of the outer ear to direct sound to the microphone, where it is then amplified at the ear drum.  Because Lyric takes advantage of the ear’s anatomy, users experience natural sound quality and improved directionality and localization (the ability to hear where sounds come from).  Eighty six percent Lyric users agree that the sound quality is very good.

Risk Free Trial

Phonak, the manufacturer of Lyric offers a 30 day risk free trial with the device.  If your hearing ability, and the size and shape of your ear canal are appropriate, you may be fit with the device immediately.  Simply see a Lyric provider.  Click here to find one in your area.

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.
Paula Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org