Hearing Aid FAQs

If you often ask people to repeat themselves, struggle in background noise, or feel like you “hear but don’t understand,” it’s worth scheduling a hearing test. A professional evaluation is the fastest way to know if hearing aids (or another solution) will help.

Common signs include:

• Trouble hearing speech in restaurants or groups

• Turning the TV up louder than others prefer

• Missing parts of conversations on the phone

• Difficulty with children’s or higher-pitched voices

• Feeling tired or stressed after conversations

• Ringing/buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

Yes — and it’s a classic sign of hearing loss, especially when background noise is present. Hearing loss often reduces speech clarity even when volume seems “okay.”

Seek urgent medical care for sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, drainage, or sudden dizziness/vertigo.

Typically: history + ear exam + hearing thresholds + speech understanding testing. You’ll receive results and recommendations based on your hearing and lifestyle needs.

Common signs include:

• Trouble hearing speech in restaurants or groups

• Turning the TV up louder than others prefer

• Missing parts of conversations on the phone

• Difficulty with children’s or higher-pitched voices

• Feeling tired or stressed after conversations

• Ringing/buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

Yes. Wax buildup can cause muffled hearing, a blocked feeling, feedback/whistling with hearing aids, and sometimes tinnitus-like symptoms.

Ask:

• What type/degree of hearing loss do I have?

• Do I need one or two hearing aids?

• Which features match my lifestyle?

• What’s included in the care plan (follow-ups, cleanings, adjustments)?

• What are the warranty and trial/return terms?

Common styles include:

• RIC/RITE (Receiver-in-Canal / Receiver-in-the-Ear)

• BTE (Behind-the-Ear)

• ITE (In-the-Ear)

• ITC/CIC/IIC (In-the-Canal / Completely-in-Canal / Invisible-in-Canal)

• CROS/BiCROS (for single-sided or asymmetrical hearing loss)

RIC devices are popular because they balance comfort, performance, and features (often great for mild to severe losses, depending on receiver strength).

BTE models can be a great choice for durability, easier handling, and more power — often used for more significant hearing loss or when dexterity is a concern.

They can be, especially if discretion matters. Tradeoffs may include smaller batteries, fewer features, and more sensitivity to earwax/moisture.

Yes. Many people do — and certain styles (like RIC or some ITE options) may feel more comfortable depending on your preferences and ear shape.

Common high-value features include:

• Directional microphones + speech-in-noise settings

• Feedback suppression (reduces whistling)

• Bluetooth for calls/music

• App controls for volume and programs

• Rechargeable batteries

• Remote adjustments (telehealth support)

If you take calls often, stream audio, or want app-based control, Bluetooth can be a big quality-of-life improvement.

Rechargeables are convenient and popular. Disposable batteries can be helpful for travel, backups, or users who prefer swapping batteries instead of charging nightly.

They can help significantly, especially with proper fitting, realistic expectations, and training. Speech-in-noise is one of the hardest environments — the right settings and follow-ups matter.

Tinnitus is ringing, buzzing, humming, or similar sounds that aren’t coming from an external source. It can be occasional or persistent.

For many people, yes. Improving access to everyday sound can reduce tinnitus awareness, and some hearing aids include sound therapy features.

Some devices offer built-in sound generators (masking/sound therapy), calming noise options, and app-based programs.

They can help significantly, especially with proper fitting, realistic expectations, and training. Speech-in-noise is one of the hardest environments — the right settings and follow-ups matter.

Costs vary by technology level, included services, warranty, and accessories. A clinic can give an exact estimate after testing and needs assessment.

Coverage varies widely. Ask your plan about:

• benefit amount

• in-network requirements

• replacement timelines

• prior authorization rules

Often yes (depending on your plan rules). Many clinics also offer financing options.

Patients should expect value beyond the device: professional fitting, verification, follow-ups, cleanings, adjustments, and support.

Many people adjust over several weeks. Your brain is relearning sounds it hasn’t heard clearly in a while.

Commonly: a follow-up in 1–2 weeks, then again around 30–90 days, then routine maintenance checks.

It’s a verification method that measures how the hearing aid performs in your ear canal. It helps ensure settings match your hearing prescription more precisely.

Many people benefit from two for better localization and speech understanding, but recommendations depend on your hearing test results and goals.

Typically:

• wipe daily with a soft dry cloth

• check for wax and debris

• keep microphone ports clear

• replace wax guards/filters as recommended

It depends on earwax and device type. Some people replace them weekly; others less often. Your provider should show you how and how often for your devices.

Many are water-resistant, not waterproof. Sweat and moisture are common causes of problems — use drying tools and avoid storing them in humid areas.

In a clean, dry place (often in a case or dryer/dehumidifier). Avoid bathrooms due to humidity.

Common causes include earwax blockage, poor fit, dome size, or volume/settings. A cleaning or minor adjustment often solves it.

Often, it’s wax blocking the receiver, clogged filters, or debris in the microphone ports. Cleaning and replacing wax guards usually helps.

Battery/charging issues, moisture, or Bluetooth interference can cause dropouts. Try drying the device, fully charging, and resetting Bluetooth.

That can be occlusion. It’s typically fixable with fit changes, venting, or programming adjustments.