Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a hearing loss?

Most hearing loss occurs when people age. However, it can result from over-exposure to noise, infections, trauma, congenital or hereditary factors, medications or other causes. About 90% of all cases of hearing loss can be corrected with hearing instruments.

There are over 34 million Americans with some type of hearing loss. Hearing is an integral part of the human experience and when it is diminished, it affects all aspects of that experience. If you are uncertain whether or not you may have a hearing loss, we invite you to call for a free no obligation hearing evaluation today. It may help you decide whether or not you need to take additional steps necessary for amplification.

If you suspect you may have a hearing loss, you should immediately seek professional care from a licensed hearing healthcare specialist. It’s simple, painless and best of all, it’s FREE!

What are the most common types of hearing loss?

Although there are many types of hearing loss, the most common type is sensorineural loss, and the second most common type of loss is conductive loss.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the sound heard in the head or the ears that is not related to any external source. The most commonly reported sounds are ringing, buzzing, hissing and cricket noises. Tinnitus can be constant or periodic, with single or multiple tones.

While tinnitus affects approximately 17% of the population, it creates a clinically significant problem for about 5% of the population. For these persons, the effects of tinnitus can be devastating. Sleep deprivation and lack of concentration create difficulty in day-to-day living situations. Quality of life can decrease rapidly while a person is continually struggling to find a cure for their annoying tinnitus.

Advice For Patients Suffering From Tinnitus:

  •  Avoid silence
  •  Purchase an environmental sound generating device and use it regularly in quiet settings
  •  Protect your ears from dangerous loud sounds
  •  Reduce sodium intake
  •  Drink plenty of water each day
  •  Exercise regularly
  •  Be HOPEFUL! There are a variety of treatment approaches for tinnitus

If you are suffering from tinnitus, seek help immediately! Contact us today to schedule a free hearing evaluation and private consultation.

Do I need to have a hearing test?

Yes, a hearing checkup only takes a few minutes. Without this information, it is impossible to make an informed decision about recommendations for you. When a hearing instrument is indicated, you need a hearing checkup to determine the appropriate model and circuitry. If you don’t have a problem, we’ll be the first to tell you! So, don’t delay your hearing. NOW is the time to get back into life!

What can a hearing instrument do?

Hearing instruments:

  • Make speech easier to understand
  • Make sounds louder
  • Help improve your quality of life by offering you the freedom to communicate more effectively
  • Allow you the opportunity to participate more in life’s activities

What can’t a hearing instrument do?

Hearing instruments WILL NOT:

  • Cure speech understanding loss
  • Allow you to hear speech perfectly in background noise
  • Permit you to selectively hear only what you want to hear
  • Change sound distortion into clear sound

Do I really need two hearing instruments?

The ability to localize sound requires the use of both ears. Binaural hearing (using 2 hearing instruments) is necessary to understand sounds or speech in background noise. We also know that distance hearing dramatically increases with the use of two hearing instruments.

What are the most common hearing instrument styles?

Generally, there are 4 basic styles of hearing instruments: Behind the Ear (BTE), In the Ear (ITE), In the Canal (ITC) and Completely In the Canal (CIC). Of these basic styles, there are additional variations.

However, due to recent technological advances in Hearing Science, another style of hearing instrument has evolved, the Open Ear style.

Do all hearing instruments work the same way?

No. Most of the latest hearing instruments on the market today use digital technology; however, some still use analog technology. Although analog instruments have provided ample amplification and benefit for the past 50 years, digital instruments have spawned a new era of improved sound quality.
Digital products allow your hearing care provider more freedom for fine-tuning each device for better sound quality than analog models. This exciting new technology also offers multiple memories for different listening situations, e.g., noise vs. quiet listening.

How long does it take to have a hearing instrument customized and ready for me to wear?

Within a couple of days after you leave our office we will contact you to come back to fit your devices. However, some products may take longer.

Do you have more than one brand of hearing instrument?

At Modern Hearing, we feel it is important to offer many brands of hearing instruments. This gives us the ability to offer the best product at the best price, based on YOUR hearing loss.

How much do hearing instruments cost?

The price for hearing instruments differs with the types of circuitry, size, style and additional options. A consultation is necessary to determine the appropriate product based on your hearing assessment results and lifestyle needs.

Can I afford hearing instruments?

At Modern Hearing, we have a number of affordable financing options and extended payment plans. We will recommend the best solution for a particular loss and explain several options.

Are hearing instruments covered by my insurance?

While more and more insurance companies cover the cost of hearing instruments, some do not. We will contact your insurance provider to determine if you have coverage. We will be glad to file the necessary forms for reimbursement if you are covered.

Does Medicare/Medicaid cover hearing instruments?

Traditional Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the cost of hearing instruments. However, Medicare Plus Choice may provide limited benefits for hearing instruments. You may want to contact Medicare/Medicaid to determine your eligibility.

What kind of warranty comes with hearing instruments?

All of our products have a three year manufacturer warranty. For added security, you may also purchase additional extended warranties.

Can I try the hearing instrument risk free?

Modern Hearing provides a 45-day trial program that assures patient satisfaction.

What can I expect from my hearing instruments?

It is very important to have realistic expectations regarding the effectiveness of hearing instruments. Hearing instruments will not restore normal hearing. Instead, they will help improve your ability to communicate effectively. Hearing instruments are designed to make sounds louder, and thus, easier to hear.

By re-introducing sounds, you will be able to re-connect with the world around you.

At Modern Hearing we will explain what improvement you can expect from the various solutions available.

Those who opt for hearing instruments experience better relationships with family and friends, higher self-esteem, improved mental health, and greater independence and security.

Imagine the Benefits:

  • Understanding conversations (improving communication)
  • Improved hearing ability
  • Allowing you the opportunity to participate more in life’s activities

How should I care for and maintain my hearing instruments?

Over 75 percent of all hearing instrument repairs are due to moisture and earwax accumulation–which can be prevented. Hearing instruments are electronic and moisture will damage the internal circuitry. It is crucial that you clean your hearing instrument every time it is removed from your ear.