Hearing Aids

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hearing Aid Services

The High Cost of Untreated Hearing Loss

Is there any reason why you can’t wait to do something about your hearing loss?

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) conducted a study of more than 2000 hard-of-hearing adults and about 1700 of their family members. In its report, the NCOA concluded that, “untreated hearing loss was associated with increased anger, frustration, paranoia, insecurity, instability, nervousness, tension, anxiety, irritability, discontentment, depression, and fear.”

The study also found that, “in comparison with people who have sought help for their hearing loss, those with untreated loss were more likely to be self-critical, feel a sense of inferiority, suffer from social phobias, and be perceived by others as confused, disoriented, or unable to concentrate.”

The social implications of untreated hearing loss are often profound. These include more stressful marriages and damage to other important relationships; impaired job performance; misperceptions by others who mistake the effects of hearing loss for mental deterioration, confusion, aloofness, etc.; and social isolation when hearing loss makes normal conversation difficult or impossible.

Waiting to treat any health problem is never a good idea.

 

 

 

Hearing Aid FAQ

Can hearing aids be programmed?

Hearing aids are programmable. They can “remember” different settings for each listening environment in your life and you can switch to the appropriate one depending on sound input received from your surroundings. Some hearing aids automatically store data regarding which setting you prefer in certain situations, and will automatically switch to the desired setting in each situation.

Can hearing aids work with wireless devices?

Many hearing aids can sync with wireless devices by using Bluetooth® technology, enabling you to receive direct signals from your cell phone, MP3 player, television, and more. For improved sound clarity and understanding, Bluetooth functionality allows you to connect wirelessly with cell phones, televisions, iPods, iPads, and other electronic devices.

Are there hearing aids that can get wet?

You can swim, sweat and ski while wearing hearing aids.  Water resistant hearing aids aren’t just for swimmers either. Because they are so robust and stay securely in place behind the ear, many people can benefit, including those who perspire heavily, are active in sports, or who garden or work in dusty environments.

Will a hearing aid help me?

If you have an aidable hearing loss, meaning you have some hearing left to work with then the answer is yes.  How much it will help will depend on a whole host of factors including:

  • How long you waited to do something about your problem.
  • How you lost your hearing.
  • Your overall health.

Brands

Hearing Aids We Offer

Phonak

Phonak continuously challenges the limits of technology to help overcome even the most difficult hearing situations. Whatever your degree of hearing loss Phonak has the right hearing aid for you – regardless of your type of hearing loss, your lifestyle, your personal preferences, your age or your budget.

Starkey

Helping millions of patients with never-before-seen hearing aid technologies. Starkey believes every person’s hearing loss is unique that’s why every solution they design is, too.

ReSound

ReSound ecosystem of hearing aids, apps and wireless accessories let you adapt to all kinds of environments and situations and makes sure you hear the sounds you want to hear. Learn More about Resound.

Westone

Our precise, custom-fit hearing instrument earpieces provide comfortable and highly effective sound transmission to the ear for a multitude of applications. Our wide variety of custom-fit hearing protection products protect people in work, recreation and entertainment environments from an increasingly noisy world.

What’s Next?

Getting The Most From Your Hearing Aids

Better hearing is a journey, not a destination.  Here are a few tips to help you on your journey.

  • Wear your hearing aids every day.
  • Your hearing loss didn’t happen overnight, give yourself some time to adjust to better hearing.
  • Different environments may require a longer adjustment period.  Typically the noiser the listening environment is the longer the adjustment period will be.
  • Keep your hearing aids in good working condition.
  • Use the hearing aid batteries recommended by your hearing healthcare professional.  Off brands can damage a hearing aid.
  • Keep your follow-up appointments to allow you time to discuss your questions and concerns.

 

Cleaning & Tune-Ups

Regular maintenance will keep your hearing aid functioning at it’s best for as long as possible. Contact our office to find out more about our cleaning and tuning services. We have same-day service available by appointment as well. Call us today!

Warranties

Our Warranty Plans

We offer several different warranty plans.  These will be discussed with you at the time of purchase.  If you did not purchase your hearing aids from us, please contact our office, we might have a solution.

Supplies

Batteries

A small zinc-air battery powers the majority of today’s hearing aids. The small colored sticker on one side of the battery keeps the battery inactive until you remove the sticker. Once the sticker is removed from the back of the battery, oxygen in the air contacts the zinc within the battery, and the battery is “turned-on”.  Placing the sticker back on the battery will not prolong its life. Zinc-air batteries have a shelf life of up to three years when stored in a cool, dry environment. Storing zinc-air hearing aids in the refrigerator has no beneficial effect on their shelf life, in fact, quite the opposite may happen to cause the battery to discharge before it is used. The best place to store batteries is in a cool dry place.

Get In Touch

We'd love to set up a consultation for you or answer any questions you may have.

office@northwesthearingvt.com

(802) 527-0865

32 Mapleville Depot, St. Albans VT 05478

Mon - Thurs: 8:30am-4:30pm

Same Day Service Available by Appointment