What is an Audiologist?
What is a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)?
Should I see and Audiologist or a Physician?
What are my hearing aid options?
How much do hearing aids cost?
Are there other ways to treat hearing loss?


What is an Audiologist?

An audiologist serves those with and at risk for hearing and vestibular disorders by diagnosing, interpreting, managing and treating conditions as well as counseling and educating about hearing and vestibular disorders. Audiologists also work to prevent, monitor and conserve hearing in those who are at risk for hearing loss. Audiologists work in private practices, hospital clinics, physician offices, nursing and assistive living facilities, public and private schools, Universities, research laboratories, VA hospitals (and other military), industrial sites and more.

For further explanation please refer to the American Academy of Audiology site.

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What is a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)?

The Au.D. is a degree designator that stands for “Doctor of Audiology.”  It is the most common audiology degree earned today.  Read more about this in Dr. Yoder’s Blog.

Visit the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) site for more information.

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Should I see an Audiologist or a Physician?

The choice of specialist depends often on your preferences. For emergencies go to your local emergency room.  For more guidelines, please refer to Dr. Yoder’s Blog.

HearWell Center strives to meet the needs of each individual patient by working as a team with the other medical specialists in the community. We will communicate with your family doctor and any specialist you see where necessary to ensure proper follow up and treatment.

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What are my hearing aid options?

Many people with hearing loss are candidate for amplification (or hearing aids). For details visit Dr. Yoder’s Blog.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

Two ears are better than one. Binaural hearing (hearing with both ears) allows for better localization, understanding in noise and natural sound quality. It may also prevent auditory deprivation (the loss of hearing due to lack of auditory stimulation).

Hearing aids come in many styles and sizes. The best style and size for you depends on your degree of hearing loss, the shape of your ear, the preferences you have for what you wear and sometimes limitations such as sensitivity issues, dexterity and special circumstances.

Hearing aids also come in different levels of technology and with or without features. This is often the reason why hearing aids vary so much in price. The technology and features determine how well a hearing aid matches your lifestyle and preferences.

HearWell Center will help you chose the right hearing aid and explain the different features and levels of technology appropriate for your needs.

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How much do hearing aids cost?

The cost of hearing aids varies greatly and will depend on the type of hearing aid(s) needed for your loss and lifestyle. The national average cost of a hearing aid is approximately $1800.00. Please call our office to discuss our pricing.

Some insurance plans offer partial or complete coverage toward the purchase of hearing aids often renewing this coverage on a 3-5 year cycle. Check with your insurance carrier for coverage and also check with your memberships for discount programs. Some patients are not even aware that they have coverage for hearing aids.

Hearing aids are considered medical devices and are tax deductible. There may also be a tax credit if the Hearing Aid Tax Credit Act - H.R. 414 passes legislation. Check with a tax preparation specialist or accountant for more information on this. And find more about advocating this bill at the American Academy of Audiology website.

There are several programs to help those without insurance coverage and/or on limited income. Many programs will have a 2-3 month wait time for adults.

There are financing plans available for those that find a monthly payment plan is most desirable. Rates and promotions vary.

HearWell Center can help you determine your costs and payment options. Please call for an appointment.

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Are there other ways to treat hearing loss?

Alternatives to hearing aids include cochlear implants, CROS and Bi-CROS hearing systems, implantable hearing aids, bone anchored hearing aids, bone conduction hearing aid.

Other devices that assist and alert the hard of hearing include:

1. Personal Listening Device*
2. Large or Small Area Listening Device*
3. Television Listening Devices*
4. Amplified Phones or In-line Amplifier (added to existing the phone)
5. Phone Adaptor
6. Cell Phone Adaptor
7. Phone Ringer
8. Doorbell Alert
9. Phone Alert
10. Alarm Clock Alert
11. Smoke Detector Alert
12. Baby Monitor Alert
13. Motion Sensor Alert
14. Audio Device Adaptors (stereo, iPod, radio, etc)
15. Other adaptors and accessories available

*FM, Looped or Infrared transmission depending on your needs.

Hearing care solutions are endless. There is a solution to your hearing challenge. Details for these hearing care solutions can be provided with detailed evaluation of your needs and lifestyle. Call for an appointment.

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