FAQ
Learn more about hearing aids and hearing loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Health
Yes, there are multiple styles and brands of hearing aids. The two most prevalent styles are In-the-Ear (ITE) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE). ITE hearing aids fit invisibly inside the ear canal. A mold will be taken of your ear so the device will fit your needs exactly. With BTE hearing aids, the biggest part of the hearing aid is located behind the ear and a small clear tube leads into the ear. BTE hearing aids can also have more settings and programs due to the larger size and vast improvements in technology.
Most standard hearing aids will last four years or longer on average. Of course, this all depends on your commitment to maintaining your hearing aids and bringing them in for regular cleanings and check-ups. All hearing aids will be subject to natural wear and tear, but with the maintenance suggestions we provide, we can help prolong the life of your hearing aids.
Everyone’s hearing loss and ability to understand sounds is different. The decision to wear hearing aids is entirely up to you. When you come into our office, we will perform a hearing evaluation, which is the only way to know if you need hearing aids or not. Visit us today and we’ll work with you to make your hearing and level of understanding better.
Hearing aids have a microphone that picks up all the sounds around you. They keep the sounds that are important and eliminate noise in the background. Then, the hearing aids amplify the important sounds so that your brain can more easily receive the signal and process what you’re hearing.
Hearing aids can be programmed for different settings depending on the type of environment you’re in. As your hearing loss changes over time, those settings or programs can be altered.
Hearing aids are designed to provide you with clarity and amplification, so you can hear better than you have in years. Unfortunately, they will not restore your hearing back to what was before you had hearing loss. With hearing aids, you will be able to hear better and with better clarity, so you can feel confident to join the conversation again.
In order to get the most out of your hearing aids you should wear them during all waking hours. This allows your brain to adjust to the multiple sounds that are around you in your daily activities and redefine what it means to hear “normally” for you. If you wear your hearing aids inconsistently, your brain won’t have time to adjust and the hearing aids wont’ help you to their fullest extent.
Myth vs. Fact
Hearing aids and hearing loss are a widely misunderstood topic. We want to help you understand the difference between some myths and facts about your hearing health.
Fact: Everyone has a different degree of hearing loss. The range and frequency of sounds you have trouble hearing or understanding are different from anyone else’s. Because of this, we must first test your hearing before we can determine whether or not a hearing aid will help you.
In addition, the longer you wait the worse your hearing ability will get. It’s recommended that you have annual hearing evaluations in order to monitor your hearing ability and take action as soon as you notice any changes.
Fact: With our high-end technology, we are able to do an in-office hearing test and fitting the same day you come in. We will show you how much the hearing aid can help you before you even take the devices home. We make sure that the hearing aids are a perfect fit for you, and that you’re satisfied with your new quality of life.
Fact: Hearing aids very often make a big difference in tinnitus management, as they can have tinnitus masking technology built into them. Many patients use such technology to lead productive lives with their tinnitus successfully managed.
Tips for Patients Who Wear Hearing Aids
- Open the hearing aid battery doors when you’re not wearing them (such as when you’re sleeping). This will prolong the battery life.
- At the end of each day, gently clean your hearing aid by taking a soft tissue and wiping off any excess wax or residue build up from the day’s wear.
- Keep your hearing aids in a safe place. Keep them out of moist areas and way from children or pets. This will help you keep your hearing aids from being lost or damaged.
- Schedule and follow through with follow-up appointments every three months to receive regular maintenance on your hearing aids. That way, we can perform any adjustments as your hearing needs change over time.
- Wear your hearing aids whenever you are awake. This will allow your brain to adjust to your new hearing experience and help you get the most out of your hearing aids and life.
Our Office
1221 W. Spresser St
Taylorville, IL 62568
P 217-824-5210
F 217-524-5211
Mon 9AM-11:30AM; 1PM-4PM
Tues 1PM-4PM
Wed 9AM-11:30AM; 1PM-4PM
Thurs 1PM-4PM
Fri, Sat & Sun Closed