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Hearing Aids

6 Hearing Aid Myths & Facts

Most people don’t think about hearing aids until they need them. This means that there can be a lot of misconceptions when it comes to hearing aids and how they can help optimize your hearing health. The truth is that hearing aids are constantly innovating and changing at a rapid pace, meaning it can be hard to keep up with what’s fact and what’s fiction when deciding on your options. As you work with your Doctor of Audiology, here’s what to know about hearing aids and what they can do for you.

Myth #1: Hearing aids are only for old people

Although most people have a picture in their head of hearing aids that are ancient, loud, and feedback constantly, modern hearing aids actually come with some extremely sophisticated technology that young people can take advantage of. Things like Bluetooth® connectivity, AI adjustment, and even direct streaming from your devices means that you can integrate hearing aids with your lifestyle— and even enhance it!

Myth #2: Hearing aids are big and unwieldy

There are plenty of different types of hearing aids, and not all of them are big or stand out. Some types of hearing aids can be completely concealed inside your ear, and even the bigger models come in different colors and can be accessorized. Modern hearing aids can be a stylish part of your look.

Myth #3: Hearing aids are only for people with advanced hearing loss

Hearing aids can be helpful at all stages of hearing loss— and they can even be more helpful in the early stages by helping to preserve your hearing. The truth is that hearing ability and cognitive function are intimately linked, meaning getting hearing aids during the early stages of hearing loss is an integral part of maintaining your health.

Myth #4: Hearing aids are unaffordable

Although the cost of hearing aids reflects the sophisticated technology used to make them, that doesn’t mean they’re out of budget for most people. There are more options than ever for hearing aids like financing, payment plans, and organizations dedicated to helping people afford hearing aids. Additionally, many hearing aids come with manufacturer warranties that can help offset the cost of things like maintenance and batteries.

Myth #5: Hearing aids can’t help tinnitus

Ear ringing is particularly frustrating, but hearing aids can actually help. This works by providing background noise matched to the precise pitch of your tinnitus to cancel it out so that you can hear everything else clearly instead. Hearing aids are actually one of the best ways to treat tinnitus along with lifestyle changes.

Myth #6: Hearing aids make everything louder

This is a holdover from early hearing aids which actually did make everything louder. Nowadays, hearing aids work digitally by taking in sound, processing it, adjusting it, and then feeding it into your ear at a safe level. This is an extremely precise mechanism that offers unparalleled customization, so you can enjoy sounds comfortably and clearly.

Schedule an Appointment

There’s a lot of misinformation about hearing aids and how they can help, so it’s important to meet with a Doctor of Audiology to learn more. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we can discuss your best options for hearing loss treatment during an appointment at our Livingston office. To learn more and schedule a consultation, we invite you to contact us by calling or filling out our online form.

Click here now to receive your FREE insider’s guide to learn how to make an informed and intelligent decision when purchasing a hearing aid!

Categories
Hearing Aids

What To Know About Insurance & Hearing Aids

It’s normal to stumble over pricing details when it comes to getting hearing aids as part of your hearing loss treatment. That’s because hearing aids can come at a high cost which causes many people to look for cheaper options or drop the idea altogether. What’s important to know is that there are multiple sources for getting financial help with your hearing aids. It can also be helpful to know what to expect from your insurance coverage during your hearing health care plan. Here’s what to know as you discuss your options with your Doctor of Audiology.

Does insurance cover hearing aids?

Hearing aids themselves are not usually covered by most medical insurance policies. However, it’s more common to find coverage for associated costs like hearing tests and fittings for hearing aids. Sometimes, insurance providers also give partial coverage toward hearing aids or even offer separate optional plans for hearing health costs. In some cases, insurance policies provide a designated amount toward the purchase of hearing aids to offset the cost or may require that you purchase from a designated provider in order to get discounts or an allowance deducted from your cost. Each plan will be different however, so we encourage each patient to check with their provider.

What questions should I ask when I call?

When you call your insurance provider to find out about your coverage options, it can be helpful to ask some of the following questions:

  • Does my plan offer any benefits for hearing aids?
  • Are there specific providers in my area that I need to purchase through?
  • If my plan offers an allowance, will I be reimbursed, or can the provider bill my plan directly?
  • Are there limits on models or brands?
  • Is my coverage dependent on a specific degree of hearing loss or other stipulations?

These questions can help you learn the ins and outs of how to maximize your benefits for hearing aid coverage and hearing health care costs. During your appointment with our team, we can help you navigate your benefits.

Are there other options for affording hearing aids?

Yes! Outside of insurance coverage, there are many different organizations that can help you afford hearing aids which usually vary by state— our team can walk you through your best options during your appointment. Additionally, you can finance your hearing aids with programs like CareCredit® to create a payment plan that works with your budget. If you feel like hearing aids are out of your budget, it’s important to talk with our team to find the option that works best for you. Hearing aids are an integral part of treatment for hearing loss, so it’s worth exploring your payment options!

Schedule an Appointment

Hearing aids are more affordable than you think when you have the right support from your Doctor of Audiology. To learn more about hearing aids and how to fit them into your budget, we invite you to contact our Livingston office by calling or filling out our online form.

Click here now to receive your FREE insider’s guide to learn how to make an informed and intelligent decision when purchasing a hearing aid!