FAQs
How do I know if I have a hearing loss?
If you experience a number of warning signs or if people often tell you that you’re not hearing well, you may have a hearing loss.
If I suspect a hearing loss, what should I do?
The best thing to do is make an appointment for a hearing test with a licensed Beltone hearing care professional. The hearing test will tell you what you’re hearing and what you are missing.
What should I expect when getting my hearing tested?
Your Beltone hearing care professional will first ask you about your lifestyle and hearing needs. You will then be given a comprehensive hearing test, a video ear exam and a word discrimination test. These will explain whether or not you have a hearing loss and will help direct what next steps need to be taken.
How will I know what hearing aids are right for me?
Your Beltone hearing care professional will make the best recommendation for you based on your lifestyle, hearing loss and budget.
How much do hearing aids cost?
The price of hearing instruments varies depending on style and technology selected. We offer a wide variety of products to fit every lifestyle, hearing loss and budget. We work with most insurance companies and have discount programs with many retiree associations, labor unions, and employer organizations. We also offer interest free payment plans.
Can I try a hearing aid before I buy it?
Yes. Beltone offers you the opportunity to “test drive” a hearing aid in the office before you buy it to see what it sounds like in a variety of listening situations.
What is digital technology?
Digital hearing aids convert sound received by the hearing aid’s microphone from an analog to a digital signal. This allows the hearing instrument to produce the exact requirements for a particular hearing loss; always keeping the loudness at a comfortable level.
What is open fit technology?
Hearing aids with open fit technology are designed for cosmetic appeal, comfortable fit and natural sound quality. They do not give the wearer a “plugged up” sensation or distort your own voice.
How frequently should my hearing be tested?
Just like having your vision checked, your hearing should be checked annually to ensure good hearing health.
Do I really need two hearing aids?
Most types of hearing loss affect both ears equally, and while you might think you have one good ear, you most likely have two bad ears. 90% of patients have a need for hearing aids in both ears. The advantages of wearing two aids include the following:
- Localized sound – ability to detect the direction and distance of sounds, which can only be achieved with two ears.
- Balanced hearing – more accurately respond to sounds, like conversation on your left or right sounds.
- Better speech comprehension.
If I had a hearing loss, wouldn’t my doctor have told me?
Only 14% of physicians routinely screen for a hearing loss during a physical.