Common Questions: Hearing Aids

Are hearing aids covered by insurance or Medicare?

Medicare does not currently cover hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage Plans, health plan options that are available through Medicare, may have hearing aid coverage.
To…

Best Hearing Aids

I am curious what the best hearing aids are on the market. Are the best hearing aids based on brand, features and price?

BTE Hearing Aids

I have heard behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids are now more popular than custom in-the-ear hearing aids. Do they provide better results?

Can I wear invisible hearing aids?

The shape and degree of your hearing loss will determine which styles may work best for you, with smaller models generally suited for less significant losses and larger styles…

Cheap Hearing Aids

I see cheap hearing aids advertised on TV and in the newspaper. Are these cheaper hearing aids worth trying?

Consumer Reports Hearing Aids

I heard Consumer Reports recently came out with a report on hearing aids. Do they provide actual reviews on various hearing aid brands and models?

Dependency on hearing aids

If I start wearing hearing aids and wear them everyday, will I become dependent on the hearing aids?

Difference between analog and digital hearing aids

I notice that most hearing aids advertised are digital. What is the difference between analog hearing aids and digital hearing aids?

Digital Hearing Aids

Most advertisements I see are for digital hearing aids. Are most hearing aids manufactured today digital and what does that exactly mean?

Do I need hearing aids?

I think I may have hearing loss but am not sure what the next step is. Do I need hearing aids?

Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss

If I don’t treat hearing loss, or if I only get one hearing aid when two are recommended, will my hearing loss get worse?

Expense of digital hearing aids vs analog hearing aids

Are digital hearing aids more expensive than analog? If so, why?

Hearing Aid Accessories

What types of hearing aid accessories are required to use when you purchase new hearing aids?

Hearing Aid Batteries

How often do I need to change hearing aid batteries and when will I know it is time to change them?

Hearing Aid Prices

What is the range of hearing aid prices for today’s digital hearing aids?

Hearing Aid Technology

I have worn hearing aids for 5 years and am looking at getting new ones. What’s the latest technology in hearing aids?

Hearing aids and background noise

I have trouble hearing in background noise. Will hearing aids help?

Hearing aids and earning potential

Yes! A study released by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) in 19991 found that treating a hearing loss was found to have a very significant positive impact on quality of life. People who treated th…

Hearing aids and music

How do hearing aids affect the enjoyment of music?

Hearing aids and sound clarity

Do hearing aids make things sound clearer or just louder?

Hearing aids and telephone use

I have difficulty hearing on the telephone. Will hearing aids help me better?

Hearing aids improve sex life

I was told by a friend hearing aids would improve my sex life. Could you tell me more about this?

Hearing Aids: Two versus One

Do I really need two hearing aids? Can I get by with just one?

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

I am interested in purchasing hearing aids and am wondering how do hearing aids work to amplify sounds for persons with hearing loss.

How do you care for hearing aids? Is there a lot of maintenance involved?

Hearing aids are simple to care for. Most hearing aid repairs are due to moisture and earwax accumulating in the hearing aid. The vast majority of these repairs are preventable….

How long do hearing aids last?

Hearing aids typically last three to five years, although in many cases hearing aids last much longer. The miniature components in hearing aids tend to wear out over time, and…

How often do I need to change my hearing aid batteries?

Hearing aid batteries come in different sizes, with smaller batteries generally having a shorter life than larger ones. The amount of power required to run your hearing aid and…

I was told hearing aids won't help my hearing loss. Is that true?

Hearing aids are recommended for most cases of sensorineural hearing loss, and for many conductive hearing losses that cannot be medically treated. In addition, hearing aid…

Inexpensive Hearing Aids

I am on a budget and am looking for inexpensive hearing aids. Do you know of a company that sells inexpensive hearing aids?

Lost Hearing Aids

I recently purchased new hearing aids and am concerned about losing them. What happens if I lose my hearing aids?

One versus Two Hearing Aids

I have been told I should purchase two hearing aids for my hearing loss. Do I really need to start with two hearing aids or would one for my worse ear be adequate?

Re-use of hearing aids

My father in-law recently passed away and he had just purchased new behind-the-ear hearing aids. I also have a hearing loss and wear hearing aids. Is it possible for me to now be fit with his hearing aids?

Sexy Hearing Aids

Eyeglasses are so fashionable today, available in all the latest trends and fun colors. Is there such a thing as sexy hearing aids? I am looking for hearing aids that fit my personality and make a fashion statement.

Should I wear my hearing aids all day?

Successful hearing aid wearers tend to wear their hearing aids for all waking hours. Once you’re used to hearing sounds again, you’ll probably find you don’t want to be without your hearing aids; however, there are certain situations you should take them off.

Trying hearing aids before purchasing

I am beginning to research hearing aids and was wondering can I try the hearing aids before actually purchasing them?

Used Hearing Aids

Is it ok to wear used hearing aids? I have heard of persons buying used hearing aids on the Internet or inheriting used hearing aids from a family member.

Warranty Options for Hearing Aids

I am beginning to consider purchasing hearing aids and was wondering what kind of warranty options are typically available with hearing aids?

What if hearing aids don't work for me?

I am considering purchasing hearing aids for the first time and am unsure of my decision. What if hearing aids don’t work for me?

Where should I buy hearing aids? Are discount hearing aids as good as expensive ones?

Hearing aids should be fit by a licensed professional – an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist – after a comprehensive hearing evaluation. In addition, the FDA has…

Will hearing aids make me look old?

There’s a saying that hearing loss is more noticeable than hearing aids, and that is true now more than ever given the discreet, cosmetically appealing hearing aid models…

Will my hearing aids whistle?

The technical term for whistling that can occur with hearing aids is acoustic feedback. Acoustic feedback in hearing aids occurs when amplified sound exiting the hearing aid from…