Questions and answers: Hearing aids and hearing loss

How much do hearing aids cost?

The cost varies depending on the size of the hearing aid and the level of technology. The price of one hearing aid can range from $800 up to $2875.

If I am a candidate for hearing aids, what choices would I have in size or technology?

The custom sizes range from the smallest aid that is fit completely inside the ear canal to an aid that fills the bowl of the ear. Hearing aids can also be worn behind the ear. Analog or digital technology is available. Digital hearing aids generally use a higher level of technology which enables automatic adjustment of volume or reduction of background noise.

Will hearing aids make my hearing normal again?

Hearing aids will improve your hearing levels and your ability to participate in conversations, but you will not have normal hearing. You may still encounter difficulty hearing in difficult listening situations, even while wearing hearing aids.

How can I protect my hearing?

Make sure to wear ear protection whenever you are exposed to excessive noise. If you need to shout to be heard, you are probably being exposed to noise that is potentially damaging to your hearing. Research has also shown that people with healthy cardiovascular systems generally have better hearing, so a healthy lifestyle will help to maintain your hearing.

Can medication or surgery correct hearing loss?

Some hearing losses occur from medically treatable problems in the outer or middle ears, such as wax build-up, fluid in the ears, and fixation of the middle ear bones. This type of hearing loss is known as a conductive hearing loss. The audiologic evaluation determines if a hearing loss is conductive and your physician will advise you as to the best treatment for this type of hearing loss.

What can I expect to happen when I come in for a hearing evaluation?

The audiologist performs a variety of tests to determine the extent and type of hearing loss, and works with you to develop recommendations for follow-up. The tests include the traditional test using tones and various speech recognition tests.

The audiologist also uses objective tests to evaluate the function of the middle ear, including the eardrum and the middle ear bones. Another test, the otoacoustic emissions test, may be used to objectively evaluate the function of the outer hair cells in the inner ear.

Who performs the hearing evaluation?

Audiologists perform the hearing evaluations. They hold a master's or doctorate degree in audiology.

Do I need to see an audiologist to have my hearing evaluated?

It is preferable that you see an audiologist to have your hearing evaluated before making any decisions about possible treatment options.

Is ringing in the ears related to hearing loss?

Usually the same damage that causes ringing in the ears also causes hearing loss. The most common cause of ringing (tinnitus) is damage to the outer hair cells in the inner ear following exposure to excessive noise levels.

Can hearing loss be inherited?

Many types of hearing loss are inherited. Genetics research has recently identified several genes associated with hearing loss, and screening tools are being developed to identify these genes.

My child has had many ear infections. Can that lead to permanent hearing loss and/or speech and language delays?

Ear infections do not usually lead to permanent hearing loss unless the child has had long-standing infections without treatment. Speech and language delay is a common consequence of ear infections, because of the fluctuating hearing levels associated with middle ear fluid. Fortunately, the child usually catches up to his peers once his he starts hearing consistently, and speech/language therapy helps those children who don't catch up on their onw.

How can you test hearing for infants or very young children?

We use special behavioral tests to reinforcement infants or young children for responding to sound. We use toys that light up whenever the child responds to his/her name. We also have objective tests that do not require the infant to respond, such as Auditory Brainstem Response testing or Otoacoustic Emissions Screening.

Can infants be fitted with hearing aids?

Thanks to early intervention programs, infants as young as one month can be fit with hearing aids. The hearing aid cases are now small enough to fit behind even the small ears of the infant.

When should I see an ear, nose and throat specialist?

Your family physician will help you to determine when a referral is necessary. The Audiologist may also refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for the following conditions: hearing loss or tinnitus in one ear, middle ear fluid in children that has been present for three months or more, a conductive hearing loss, or vertigo.

Does insurance cover hearing aids or the hearing evaluation?

The audiologic evaluation is covered by most insurance companies. Hearing aids are not usually covered, but check with your insurance company to be sure about your specific benefits.

Does Medicare pay for hearing evaluations?

A. Medicare will pay for hearing evaluations when the patient's physician has determined that the evaluation is medically necessary.

What should I do if my child failed the hearing screening at school?

If you suspect that your child failed the test because of an ear infection or wax in the ears, first take your child to your family physician. If you have concerns about your child's hearing, you should schedule an appointment with the audiologist.

What hearing aid brands to you dispense?

A. We dispense hearing aids from all the major hearing aid manufacturers. We try to choose the hearing aids which will best meet the individual's needs.

What can I do to prevent wax building up in my ear?

Refrain from using Q-tips to clean your ears. This just usually pushes the wax farther into the ear, making it more difficult for the wax to work its way out naturally. Using some type of oil, such as mineral oil, baby oil, or olive oil, will keep wax soft so that it comes out on its own.

Are there any options for people who can't afford hearing aids?

There are many organizations who provide help for people who can't afford hearing aids, such as the Sertoma Club, the Lion's Club, the Hear Now Foundation, and the Hearing Aid Bank. No one needs to suffer the consequences of hearing loss because they can't afford the help.

Do hearing aids need batteries? Are the batteries hard to replace? Where are batteries sold?

All hearing aids use batteries that need to be replaced every one to three weeks. Because the batteries are replaced fairly frequently, the hearing aids are designed to make battery replacement easy. Hearing aid batteries are sold at our clinics, and are also sold at any store that sells other batteries.

Do audiologists teach sign language?

Most audiologists do not teach sign language. We can refer patients and parents of deaf children to community resources for this service.

How often should I have my hearing tested?

If you have a hearing loss that changes or is gradually worsening, we recommend that you have your hearing tested yearly. Otherwise, we recommend that you come in when you have noticed a significant change in your hearing.

How often should I have my child's hearing tested?

The school system provides regular hearing screenings for children. If you have concerns about your child's hearing that are not addressed by the school screening, schedule an appointment for an audiologic evaluation.

How can I keep water out of my children's ears?

If your child has tubes in the ears, chronic outer ear infections, or a hole in the eardrum, he or she needs to protect their ears from water. Several options are available including stock ear plugs, custom swim molds, and "Ear Band-its" which cover the ears.

Can I just try the hearing aids to see if they work for me?

When you purchase hearing aids, Minnesota state law gives you the right to return them within 30 days if you find that you cannot adjust to them.

List of all locations    Map of locations

First published: 05/03/2005
Last updated: 07/11/2005

Reviewed by: Shannon Garlitz, MA, CCC-A; Samira Anderson, AuD