Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: It depends upon several factors. First step in the process is to set up an appointment with our office for a complimentary hearing evaluation. Based upon what we find during this test will decide what hearing aid size and hearing aid sound processing technology, analog or digital, is the most appropriate for your hearing loss pattern. We offer 30% to 40% discount on the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), depending upon which model is chosen.
In some months we do receive special promotional pricing from a specific manufacturer. We usually pass this on to you.

The price quote will be provided at the end of the free consultation and complimentary hearing evaluation. The price quote includes:

* Hearing evaluation
* Earmold impressions
* Fitting and programming of the hearing instrument
* 60 days of followup service and adjustments with a 100% refund if you decide to return the instruments.
* 2 year warranty against repair and 2 year, one time replacement warranty against loss or damage with a minimal restocking fee of around $100.

Question # 2 What if I am not pleased with my hearing instruments fitting?

Answer: You have a 60 day trial period which begins the day you are fitted with the hearing instruments. You will need to come in a few times for hearing aids adjustments. During this period if you decide that you do not want the hearing instruments you can return them for a full refund. There are no hidden charges.

Question # 3 Does Medicare insurance pay for hearing aids?

Answer: Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Some insurance plans will assist with the cost of hearing aids. Call your insurance company to see if hearing instruments is a covered benefit. Most insurance companies will not cover Advanced Technology, programmable Analog or Digital, hearing instruments.
We are providers for the following health plans:

* Blue-Cross/ LA Unified School District
* Union Plans: United Healthcare, United Mining, elevator operator, meat cutters Union,etc.
* Workers Compensation Plans
* Medi-Cal Health Insurance, Medi-Cal HMO Plans such as Care 1st, Molina, Blue Cross, or Tower Health Plans
* Cigna Healthcare Plan

We can help you to check for the coverage when you visit us for your complimentary hearing evaluation and inform you accordingly.

Question # 4 How long do the batteries last?

Answer: Usually batteries last approximately 7 to 14 days depending upon the size of the instrument and the type of the instrument. The battery life in a digital instrument is slightly shorter than in an analog instrument of the same size or style. A pack of 4 batteries cost around $ 5.00.

Question # 5 Are digital instruments for everyone?

Answer: There has been some drammatic developments in Digital technolgy. Some manufacturer now have higher power instruments available in Behind-The-Ear style. Digital instruments focus more on clarity of sound rather than loudness. Analog technology is the most appropriate for those with severe to profound hearing loss. This may change in the future.
Digital Circuitry is a bit clearer in noise, may have a noise reduction circuit for reducing constant steadt state noise, and has automatic volume control as a standard feature.

Question # 6 What is the best hearing instrument on the market?

Answer: Some manufacturers offer two( Siemens Music), three (Widex Senso), four(Siemens Prisma), eight (Siemens Signia), nine (Starkey, Sonic Innovations), and sixteen (Siemens Triano) channel hearing instruments. In general more the number of channels better is the accaracy in fitting a variable, frequency dependent, hearing loss. Some simple hearing loss patterns (a flat or constant loss at all frequencies) can be fitted with a basic two channel instrument.
In most typical, age related hearing losses,there is more hearing lost at a higher pitch or frequency, than at a lower.The hearing loss from a noise trauma is more difficult to help than just an age related hearing loss.
The best instrument for you is the one that can meet your needs and offers you a good value, warranty and service.

Question # 7 What are some symptoms of hearing loss?

Answer:

* If you hear conversation loud enough but can not understand the words, or
* If you often ask others to repeat, or
* If you find it difficult to understand conversation in noise, or
* If you have trouble hearing on the telephone, or
* If you have difficulty hearing your spouse, or
* If others mention you play the radio or television too loudly,

you may be experiencing some hearing loss. It usually takes 5 to 7 years before you notice that your hearing dropped 35 % or greater from the normal hearing thresholds.