Questions About Hearing Aids:
Do you sell hearing aids? YES. Our audiology staff is very knowledgeable about a wide range of hearing aid technology and we provide expert counseling to help you choose the technology that will meet your needs. Our focus is not on selling you a hearing aid, but on helping you to choose assistive technology that will improve your communication abilities.
How much do hearing aids cost? Hearing aids in this office range from $1000 to $3500 per hearing aid. The cost is dependent largely on by the type of technology and much less on the size and style of the hearing aid.
Does insurance cover the cost of hearing aids? Most major insurance companies do NOT provide hearing aid benefits; however, there are increasingly more managed care operations that have negotiated hearing aid benefits from certain providers. Those insurance programs that have a hearing aid benefit are typically union-negotiated contracts for employees who may be at risk for hearing loss from occupational noise. Our office would be happy to get your insurance particulars and contact your insurance company to determine what, if any, benefits you have.
What is the process for getting a hearing aid? Prior to being fitted with hearing aids it is very important that you be examined by an audiologist or doctor and to determine the extent and type of hearing problem. Following that, the audiologist will explain the test findings in detail and determine if you are a candidate for hearing aids. If so, you and the audiologist will determine together the appropriate amplification for your hearing loss and lifestyle. Once you feel comfortable with the decision you have made about the style and technology, the audiologist will make impressions of your ears and order your hearing aids.
How long does this process take? Usually after the hearing aids are ordered you are scheduled for a hearing aid fitting in two weeks. Once the hearing aid is fit we require a follow up appointment at two weeks and then as often as needed until initial adjustments are made. Once the initial adjustments have been made we recommend follow up every 6 months. We always recommend a one to two month period during which you will be able to access our office during the initial fitting.
Do I pay for my visit when I come for check ups? NO. These visits are typically complementary for 2-3 years.
What if I don’t like my hearing aid? The law in the state of Georgia does not require a trial period, however, we offer a 45-day trial period. If within these 45 days you decide your hearing aids do not meet your satisfaction you can return them. You will get all your money back with the exception of the down payment typically $225-$325.
Do you repair hearing aids? Yes. Our audiologist can check your hearing aid to determine if the problem is something they can repair in our office or whether it requires factory service. If your device is out of warranty and needs to be sent to the factory the cost will be approximately $250 if the hearing aid is less than 3 years old. If the hearing aid is greater than 3 years old the cost may be approximately $250 and if the hearing aid is more than 5 years old, and can still be repaired by the manufacturer, the cost is generally $250 or more.
IS THERE SALES TAX ON HEARING AIDS? NO. Hearing aids are considered a medical device and do not incur a sales tax.
Do hearing aids use batteries? YES. All hearing aids use batteries. There are several sizes of batteries available and different hearing aids use different size batteries. The vast majority of hearing aids use Zinc Air batteries.
Do you sell batteries? YES. Our batteries are sold in packs of 4 to 8 and cost between $4.75 and $8.00
Do I need any other supplies for my hearing aid? For the most part when you receive your hearing aids you will receive all the supplies you need to care for them. However, we recommend all our patients invest in a dehumidifier. Here in South Georgia and North Florida moisture can become a problem for any electrical device. Corrosion sets in readily. Maintaining a routine of dehumidifying your hearing aids is proven to prolong use.
Do you sell hearing aids? YES. Our audiology staff is very knowledgeable about a wide range of hearing aid technology and we provide expert counseling to help you choose the technology that will meet your needs. Our focus is not on selling you a hearing aid, but on helping you to choose assistive technology that will improve your communication abilities.
How much do hearing aids cost? Hearing aids in this office range from $1000 to $3500 per hearing aid. The cost is dependent largely on by the type of technology and much less on the size and style of the hearing aid.
Does insurance cover the cost of hearing aids? Most major insurance companies do NOT provide hearing aid benefits; however, there are increasingly more managed care operations that have negotiated hearing aid benefits from certain providers. Those insurance programs that have a hearing aid benefit are typically union-negotiated contracts for employees who may be at risk for hearing loss from occupational noise. Our office would be happy to get your insurance particulars and contact your insurance company to determine what, if any, benefits you have.
What is the process for getting a hearing aid? Prior to being fitted with hearing aids it is very important that you be examined by an audiologist or doctor and to determine the extent and type of hearing problem. Following that, the audiologist will explain the test findings in detail and determine if you are a candidate for hearing aids. If so, you and the audiologist will determine together the appropriate amplification for your hearing loss and lifestyle. Once you feel comfortable with the decision you have made about the style and technology, the audiologist will make impressions of your ears and order your hearing aids.
How long does this process take? Usually after the hearing aids are ordered you are scheduled for a hearing aid fitting in two weeks. Once the hearing aid is fit we require a follow up appointment at two weeks and then as often as needed until initial adjustments are made. Once the initial adjustments have been made we recommend follow up every 6 months. We always recommend a one to two month period during which you will be able to access our office during the initial fitting.
Do I pay for my visit when I come for check ups? NO. These visits are typically complementary for 2-3 years.
What if I don’t like my hearing aid? The law in the state of Georgia does not require a trial period, however, we offer a 45-day trial period. If within these 45 days you decide your hearing aids do not meet your satisfaction you can return them. You will get all your money back with the exception of the down payment typically $225-$325.
Do you repair hearing aids? Yes. Our audiologist can check your hearing aid to determine if the problem is something they can repair in our office or whether it requires factory service. If your device is out of warranty and needs to be sent to the factory the cost will be approximately $250 if the hearing aid is less than 3 years old. If the hearing aid is greater than 3 years old the cost may be approximately $250 and if the hearing aid is more than 5 years old, and can still be repaired by the manufacturer, the cost is generally $250 or more.
IS THERE SALES TAX ON HEARING AIDS? NO. Hearing aids are considered a medical device and do not incur a sales tax.
Do hearing aids use batteries? YES. All hearing aids use batteries. There are several sizes of batteries available and different hearing aids use different size batteries. The vast majority of hearing aids use Zinc Air batteries.
Do you sell batteries? YES. Our batteries are sold in packs of 4 to 8 and cost between $4.75 and $8.00
Do I need any other supplies for my hearing aid? For the most part when you receive your hearing aids you will receive all the supplies you need to care for them. However, we recommend all our patients invest in a dehumidifier. Here in South Georgia and North Florida moisture can become a problem for any electrical device. Corrosion sets in readily. Maintaining a routine of dehumidifying your hearing aids is proven to prolong use.