| Why
do you charge tax? |
| |
The tax law is actually
much more complicated then just having the
primary business in your state. We have
a "nexus" in almost every state
which requires us to charge tax. Although
we don't have a physical retail business
where you can walk in and buy products,
we do have a regional salesforce throughout
the United States. We also have audiologists
who are part of our network in every state
as well.
At
the current time, taxes aren't being enforced
online, however, they are still legally
required by the individual laws of the
state.
|
| |
|
| What
are your shipping rates? |
| |
Cost
of Order |
|
Shipping
Charge |
$0.00
- $25.00 |
= |
$4.95 |
$25.01
- $50.00 |
= |
$6.95 |
$50.01
- $75.00 |
= |
$9.95 |
$75.01
- $100.00 |
= |
$10.95 |
$100.01
- $150.00 |
= |
$12.95 |
$150.01
+ |
= |
$14.95 |
For
international or rush orders, please call
877.864.3277
|
| |
|
| How
much do your hearing aids cost? |
| |
The
cost of a hearing aid relies on many variables
which are out of our control. These variables
include, but are not limited to: severity
of hearing loss, type of aid, style of
aid, manufacturer of aid, options, warranties,
state of purchase, etc.
It
is for this reason that AHAANet does not
recommend or endorse any specific hearing
aids or hearing aid manufacturer and we
can not give you a quote of any kind for
any type of hearing aid. Reliance on any
information provided by AHAANet, AHAANet
employees, or other visitors to the Site
is solely at your own risk. |
| |
|
| What
are the different kinds of hearing loss? |
| |
- There
are three types of hearing loss: conductive,
sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.
- Conductive
hearing loss occurs from loss of sound
sensitivity resulting from abnormalities
of the middle and/or outer ear. The
auditory nerve's function is still
normal, the sound is just impeded
from getting to the inner ear. This
type of loss is common in children
with ear infections; once the infection
is cleared up, the hearing is restored.
- Sensorineural
hearing loss results from abnormalities
of the inner ear and/or nerve paths
to the brain. The auditory cells and
nerve are permanently damaged. This
is the type of hearing loss often
referred to as "nerve deafness".
- Mixed
hearing losses are those that have
symptoms of both conductive and sensorineural
hearing losses.
|
| |
|
| Does
earwax cause hearing loss? |
| |
Earwax or cerumen is an oily, fatty substance
that is created to protect the ear canal.
Each individual creates different amounts
of wax. It is possible for the wax to partially
or completely occlude the ear canal. This
can result in typically a mild to moderate
conductive hearing loss, that once the wax
is removed, the hearing is restored. Your
AHAA Associate can let you know if you
have a wax buildup and how it can be removed. |
| |
|
| Can
I afford a hearing aid? |
| |
-
Your AHAA Associate can
afford you alternative payment plans
that will make your hearing aid affordable.
Several term plans including some
without interest are available.
-
Most AHAA Associates carry
MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.
-
Ask about a possible trade-in for your previous
hearing aids.
-
AHAA has taken the cost out of buying
batteries for the life of your hearing
aids through its unique Complete Hearing Health
CareŽ or CHHC.
-
AHAA Associates participate
with major healthcare plans.
-
Hearing aids vary in cost depending on what
type (linear, programmable, or digital)
and size of hearing aid is selected.
-
To determine what is best for you, talk to
your AHAA Associate regarding
your needs and what you are able to
afford. Most AHAA Associates offer
a wide range of products to fit each
individual's hearing loss and budget.
|
| |
|
| Where
should I go to have my hearing tested? |
| |
There
are several options. An audiologist is one
that specializes in the diagnosis of hearing
loss. Audiologists are university-trained
and are required to be licensed by the state.
Hearing aid dispensers are those that are
specifically trained in hearing aids and
their function. They are required in most
states to be licensed. The Ear, Nose and
Throat physician is often visited to deal
with hearing losses that are medically treatable.
Most hospitals and many universities have
an audiology clinic that provides testing. |
| |
|
| What
are the statistics of hearing loss? |
| |
An
estimated 28 million people suffer from
hearing loss. Hearing loss is present in
3 out of every 10 adults between the ages
of 50 and 64 and 4 out of every 10 adults
ages 65 and over. |
| |
|
| What
are some symptoms of hearing loss? |
| |
- Others
complain you have the television too
loud
- You
have problems hearing birds or wind
- You
have difficulty hearing female voices
or children
- You
have difficulty hearing in groups
- You
find yourself confusing words or making
silly mistakes misunderstanding conversations
- Other
people, or family members, think you
have a hearing loss
|
| |
|
| What
symptoms indicate the need for a medical
evaluation? |
| |
-
Bleeding/draining from your ears
-
Head trauma
-
Sudden hearing loss
-
Balance problems
-
Ear pain
-
Fluctuating hearing loss
-
Ringing in ears
-
Feeling of fullness or pressure in ears
|
| |
|
| What
is the ringing in my head/ears? |
| |
The
ringing sensation that can be detected in
your head, or individual ears, is called
tinnitus. This ringing is usually an indication
of some damage to your auditory system (especially
noise damage). It can be constant or periodic
and on one specific side or in the middle
of your head. There is no magic cure for
tinnitus, but there are methods that can
help you live with it. Sometimes hearing
aids help by bringing more sound to the
brain, thus distracting attention from the
ringing. If you have ringing consistently
on one side, you will want to ask your doctor
about it. |
| |
|
| What
are some causes of hearing loss? |
| |
- Noise
exposure (military, hunting, music,
industrial, racing, power saws, lawn
mowers)
-
Heredity
-
Certain chemotherapy and radiation treatments
-
Certain heavy-duty antibiotics
-
Head trauma
-
Wax
-
Ear infections
-
Viral infections
|
| |
|
| How
is hearing loss classified? |
| |
Your
ability to hear is as unique as your fingerprint.
No two people have exactly the same hearing
impairment.
Hearing
loss is classified by several factors:
degree, understanding ability, location
of loss along the speech frequencies,
and type of loss.
Degree:
Degree refers to the amount/severity of
the hearing loss. Hearing loss is ranked
mild (slight difficulty hearing
in daily environment), moderate
(difficult to hear most sounds in your
daily environment), severe (extremely
difficult to hear all sounds in daily
life) or profound (deaf).
Understanding
Ability: Hearing and understanding
are different. You may be able to hear
sounds but not understand what is being
said. Sometimes understanding ability
is impaired as a result of a hearing loss.
This is usually measured by a percentage
of your understanding random words.
Location
of Loss Along Speech Frequencies:
Usually hearing loss does not affect all
speech frequencies the same. For example,
loud sounds damage hearing ability in
the high frequencies. This creates a problem
hearing sounds that are high in pitch
(i.e.. female or children's voices, birds,
consonant sounds like "s" and "t"). Some
other hearing losses, from head trauma
or ear infections, can affect the low
pitches (i.e.. male voices, loudness,
vowel sounds).
Type
of Loss: There are three types of
hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss: Conductive
hearing loss results from a problem with
the conduction of sound from the outer
ear (part that you see) to the inner ear
(where the nerve is located). This can
result from wax buildup, ear infections,
trauma to the ear, or any other problem
with the eardrum or bones that conduct
sound through the middle ear. Those with
this type of loss have a problem with
volume rather than understanding ability.
Sensorineural
Hearing Loss: Sensorineural hearing
loss involves some sort of deterioration
of the inner ear or the hearing nerve.
The aging process, noise-exposure, some
cancer treatments, illness, and other
degenerative processes could cause this
loss. This type of hearing loss sometimes
impairs understanding ability and causes
those with the loss to be sensitive to
loud sounds.
Mixed
Hearing Loss: Mixed hearing losses
contain some conductive elements and some
sensorineural elements. |
| |
|
| Is
there anything I can do to restore my hearing? |
| |
Usually
hearing loss is permanent. Consult with
your doctor to see if your symptoms are
medical in nature and need any treatment,
especially if you have a sudden hearing
loss. Even hearing instruments will not
restore normal hearing. Hearing instruments
will make previously missed sounds available
at the level of stimulation your auditory
system needs at that particular pitch. |
| |
|
| Why
do I only have difficulty hearing in crowds? |
| |
If
you have difficulty hearing in crowds, you
could have a high-frequency hearing loss.
With this type of loss, you can hear well
in one-on-one situations and even in small
groups. However when you get around distracting
speech/noise, you can hear the noise louder
than the speech. Your normal low-frequency
hearing picks up the low-pitched noise at
a normal-hearing level, while you miss some
of the high-frequency speech sounds, where
your hearing loss is located, that bring
in clarity. This hearing loss is not as
noticeable when speaking with someone without
any competing noise. |
| |
|
| Why
do I have a difficult time hearing female
voices when I can hear male voices easily? |
| |
You
may have a high-frequency hearing loss.
Female voices, children's voices, and even
a majority of speech understanding lies
in the high frequencies. If you have a high-frequency
hearing loss you probably have a hard time
hearing things, such as your wife's voice.
You may hear the low frequency sounds normally
but miss the high frequency sounds. |
| |
|
| I
do not have a problem hearing, but I have
a problem understanding. |
| |
Hearing
and understanding are two different things.
It is possible to hear something and not
understand. This may be due to a high-frequency
hearing loss. Most consonant sounds are
high in pitch and bring clarity to speech.
They help you discriminate between different
words (i.e.. pick, tick, brick, lick, sick).
If you have a high-frequency hearing loss,
you miss the consonant clarity sounds while
hearing the volume from the low pitches. |
| |
|
| Who
is qualified to conduct a hearing test:
a doctor, an audiologist, a hearing instrument
specialist, or a technician? |
| |
All
are options. A doctor, audiologist, hearing
instrument specialist or a technician can
be trained to perform a hearing test. Medical
interpretations should be left to the doctor.
If you have no medical contraindications,
you are ready for a hearing instrument.
(You may waive your right for a medical
evaluation.) Audiologists and hearing instrument
specialists are trained in the fitting of
hearing instruments. |
| |
|
| What
is the difference between an audiologist
and a hearing instrument specialist? |
| |
Audiologists
have the minimum of a master's degree
in hearing sciences. Audiologists are
educated in hearing, hearing aids, the
balance system and some neurological testing.
Hearing
instrument specialists act as an apprentice
to a professional while taking several
courses on hearing loss and hearing instruments
through a national board. Hearing instrument
specialists test hearing and fit hearing
aids.
Both
have to pass a state examination to be
licensed to fit hearing instruments in
that state. Audiologists and hearing instrument
specialists are trained to fit major manufacturer's
hearing instruments and their programming
software. |
| |
|
| Can
you mail a hearing aid directly to me? |
| |
Mail-order
hearing instruments is illegal in several
states to protect the consumer. Hearing
instruments are custom-made to fit your
ear specifically. Only a hearing healthcare
professional can determine a proper hearing
instrument fitting. In addition, computers
are used to program the hearing instrument
to an individuals particular loss. Your
professional has been trained to program
these instruments based upon your hearing
loss and complaints. Professionals also
take measurements of the amount of benefit,
or amplification, the hearing aid is giving
you. To have your hearing instrument custom-fitted
for you, it is recommended that you follow
up with your professional. |
| |
|
| Will
wearing a hearing aid restore my hearing
to normal? |
| |
Unfortunately,
NO. Hearing aids are exactly as the name
implies, aids. They will not restore
your hearing to normal, but they will make
most sounds available to you at your hearing
level. Research shows that a large majority
of aidable hearing loss can be helped with
hearing aids. |
| |
|
| Do
I need two hearing instruments? |
| |
If
you have a hearing loss in both ears it
is recommended that you wear a hearing
instrument in each ear. You can hear better
out of two good ears rather than one.
Better Hearing With Both Ears
-
With equal inputs coming from both sides
to the brain, it is easier to understand
conversation.
-
With good hearing in both ears, it is
easier to determine the direction, or
source, of sound.
-
When you hear well out of two ears,
it boosts the loudness of the signal.
-
Two good ears hear better in noise than
one.
|
| |
|
| Is
there a hearing aid that can eliminate background
noise? |
| |
No
hearing instrument can completely eliminate
background noise. Most of the time, background
noise is speech, which is the exact same
signal that the hearing aid is trying to
amplify. Some hearing instruments can lessen
the effects of a non-speech noise while
some hearing instruments can boost the sounds
in front of you while decreasing those behind
you. This second method works well when
you are facing the speaker you want to hear
and when you have your back to noise you
do not want to hear. This effect is referred
to as directionality. |
| |
|
| What
is the "best" hearing instrument on the
market? |
| |
There
is not one "best" hearing instrument on
the market. A hearing instrument that works
well for one individual may not produce
the same results for someone else since
everyone has different listening needs.
Each major manufacturer makes a product
that is highly comparable to other manufacturer's
product. The "best" hearing instrument for
you is one that can meet your needs, offers
you a good warranty and service, and one
that your professional is experienced in
fitting. |
| |
|
| What
are the differences between conventional,
programmable and digital instruments? |
| |
Conventional:
traditional analog circuitry acts as a
basic volume control for all sounds, allowing
only for minor adjustments, you have to
turn volume control wheel to adjust loudness.
When comparing to a stereo system,
this system would have a basic volume
control with a record player sound quality.
Programmable:
analog circuitry, can be programmed by
your hearing health-care professional
based on your hearing loss and likes/dislikes,
automatic volume control.
When comparing to a stereo system,
this system would have separate bass and
treble controls with a record player sound
quality.
Entry-level
Digital: digital circuitry, cleaner
and clearer sound quality, programmed
by your professional, automatic volume
control, specific fine-tuning of sounds
based upon your hearing level and likes/dislikes,
is a bit clearer in noise.
When comparing to a stereo system,
this system would have separate bass and
treble controls with a compact disc sound
quality.
Advanced
Digital: digital circuitry, cleaner
and clearer sound quality, is a bit clearer
in noise, may have a noise-reduction feature
for constant noise sounds, programmed
by your professional, very specific fine-tuning
of sounds based upon your hearing level
and likes/dislikes, automatic volume control.
When comparing to a stereo system,
this system would have a graphic equalizer
for each pitch with a compact disc sound
quality. |
| |
|
| Are
digital hearing instruments for everyone? |
| |
Almost
everyone. Today's digital hearing instruments
provide both clarity and amplification.
Someone with a severe to profound hearing
loss, who is used to conventional technology,
may now be a candidate for digital circuitry.
Ask you local AHAA hearing health care professional
for more information about digital hearing
aids. |
| |
|
| Is
there a digital body aid? |
| |
No.
Candidates for a body aid usually have too
severe of a loss to fit with digital technology. |
| |
|
| How
do I know what size hearing aid I need? |
| |
Different
types of circuitry come in all sizes. Selection
of a size depends upon your personal preference,
your ear canal size, and your hearing loss.
The smallest size is a Completely In the
Canal (CIC) and fits deep into your ear
canal. It is removed by pulling a string.
The next size is a In The Canal (ITC), which
fits into your canal and is usually only
visible from the side. An In The Ear (ITE)
fills your entire ear and a Behind The Ear
(BTE) hooks on to the top of your ear and
goes behind it. Even if the smallest CIC
is not appropriate for you, keep in mind
that hearing aids are less noticeable than
hearing loss. |
| |
|
| My
friend did not have a positive experience
with hearing aids, will the same happen
to me? |
| |
Everyone's
hearing loss is unique. Although someone
you know may have had a negative experience
with hearing instruments, you may not have
the same experience. Professionals' ability
to fit hearing instruments vary, as do hearing
aids and technology. Do not base your hearing
upon someone else's experiences. |
| |
|
| Do
hearing instruments need repair? |
| |
Yes,
occasionally hearing instruments need repair.
Hearing aids are exposed to a damp, waxy
environment on a daily basis. Because of
this, and normal wear and tear, you can
expect to face a repair or two during the
life span of your hearing instrument. Usually
a repair comes with another 1-year warranty.
If your hearing instrument is being repaired
more than you are able to use it, then it
may be time to consider new instruments. |
| |
|
| How
long does it take to adjust to new hearing
instruments? |
| |
You
should notice results within minutes, but
it may take several months to completely
realize the benefits of your new hearing
instruments. Hearing tends to deteriorate
gradually over time, so when sounds are
reintroduced to the brain in a 30-minute
fitting session, it can be overwhelming.
The brain may have to relearn the classification
of some sounds. Even though it may take
several months to completely adjust to hearing
through hearing aids, it should only take
a week or two for you to notice benefits. |
| |
|
| Whose
responsibility is rehabilitation? |
| |
Successful
rehabilitation depends upon you, your hearing
professional, and your support group. It
is very important that you communicate openly
with your hearing professional and that
you understand realistic expectations of
hearing instruments. It is also necessary
for your professional to guide you in your
expectations while making adjustments based
upon your needs. Also, it is very important
to receive support from your friends and
family members. Discuss your experience
with them and explain your need for their
encouragement and understanding. Hearing
aids do not always give immediate results.
They may require technical adjustments by
the professional along with determination
and patience on your part. |
| |
|
| How
much do batteries cost? |
| |
An
average price for batteries is $4.25 for
a package of 4, or about $1.00 per cell.
However, HearBetterNet.com offers you batteries
as low as 60 cents per cell with free shipping.
To order batteries now, click
here. |
| |
|
| How
long do batteries last? |
| |
Usually
batteries last approximately 6-7 days
when the instrument is used full-time
(morning to night, on a daily basis).
If your batteries are lasting less than
6 days, consult with your professional.
It may be time to send your hearing instrument
in for a repair.
*For
free batteries for the life of your aid,
ask your AHAA
hearing
health care provider about Complete Hearing Health
Care. |
| |
|
| Are
batteries harmful? |
| |
Hearing
instrument batteries are harmful if swallowed.
Please keep them out of children's reach
and away from all medications. |
| |
|
| Besides
hearing aids, what is available to help
me hear? |
| |
Assistive
listening devices are available to help
you hear the television, telephone, doorbell,
baby cries, and different listening environments.
Click
here to find out more about some of
these products. |
| |
|
|
