Frequently Asked Questions

You may have hearing loss if you notice any of the following:

-Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments

-Frequently asking others to repeat themselves

-Turning up the TV or phone volume higher than others prefer

-Ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears (tinnitus)

Hearing loss can develop for many reasons, including:

-Aging (presbycusis): Natural changes to hearing over time

-Noise exposure: Prolonged or repeated exposure to loud sounds

-Ear infections or fluid buildup: May cause temporary or permanent changes

-Genetics: Inherited hearing conditions

-Certain medications: Some drugs can contribute to hearing damage

If you struggle to follow conversations, miss important sounds, or often ask people to repeat themselves, hearing aids may significantly improve your quality of life. The best way to know is through a comprehensive hearing evaluation, where an audiologist can determine whether hearing aids are the right solution for your needs.

Hearing aids are available in several styles, including:

-Behind-the-Ear (BTE): Powerful, reliable, and versatile

-Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): Discreet design with excellent sound quality

-In-the-Ear (ITE): Custom-molded for comfort and ease of use

-Completely-in-Canal (CIC) / Invisible-in-Canal (IIC): Nearly invisible options for eligible users

A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn in or behind the ear. It includes a microphone that collects sound, internal circuits that process and amplify it, and a speaker (receiver) that delivers clearer, louder sound to your eardrum.

No. Hearing aids differ significantly based on the technology inside them. Most modern devices are digital, meaning they convert sound into numerical information before adjusting it. Digital hearing aids can be programmed to amplify certain frequencies more than others, making them highly personalized to your specific hearing needs. Many can also use directional microphones to help focus on speech in noisy environments.

Digital technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, and today’s hearing aids incorporate sophisticated features inspired by modern smartphone innovations. The level of technology and the number of features involved can impact the overall cost, and high-quality hearing aids are typically a significant investment.

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, whooshing, or similar sounds that aren’t caused by an external source. It can be temporary or ongoing, and it may vary from mild to disruptive.

There is currently no universal cure for tinnitus, but many treatments can help reduce how much it affects your daily life. Options may include:

-Sound therapy: White noise or masking sounds to reduce awareness of tinnitus

-Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): Helps the brain adapt and respond differently to tinnitus

-Hearing aids with tinnitus features: May reduce perception of tinnitus while improving hearing

No. Cotton swabs often push earwax deeper into the ear canal, which can cause impaction and lead to discomfort, blockage, or hearing issues. Professional earwax removal is a safer and more effective solution.

Custom earplugs offer several advantages over generic earplugs:

-Made to fit your ears: Molded to your unique ear shape for better comfort and seal

-More effective protection: Helps reduce harmful noise levels more reliably

-Comfortable for long wear: Designed for extended use without irritation