What are hearing aid procedures and policy?

Answer 1

You should undergo a complete hearing evaluation by a licensed Audiologist first. You need to find out if the problem is medical which would rule out the need for a hearing aid. It might even be just ear wax. Once you have been identified as a candidate for hearing instruments, you should look for a provider who matches your personality and is qualified/experienced in a variety of instruments and manufacturers. Each manufacturer has its own software development formulae - kind of like apples and Oranges - you should have a choice because what works for one loss might not work for another. During the course of your evaluation, the Audiologist will look in your ears to determine the size, shape and direction of your ear canal, will make sure there is no debris (to include wax or obstruction) in the ear canal and will complete a hearing test (to include word recognition scores to see how your ears manage the sound once amplified appropriately). Word recognition scores that are very low do not point to hearing aid benefit. Once the evaluation is completed an Audiologist will talk to you about your options, the features of the different levels of technology and how those features will impact your individual lifestyle needs. The style of the instruments will be chosen and if the instruments are in stock, you may be fit that day if it is an open style product. A trial period is mandated for first time purchasers of a hearing aid by the FDA....you may be charged for this although many providers are now offering limited trials at no charge.