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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Table of Contents
How much do hearing aids cost?Answer: The price of a hearing instrument is determined by many factors.
We offer hearing instruments in all
price ranges from entry level digital instruments to the latest Mobility
(Wireless) Digital instruments.
I have been told there are now hearing aids that eliminate background noise. Do you have this type?Answer: Let me preface by stating
that no hearing instrument can eliminate background noise. However, many of
today's advanced hearing instrument circuits do "manage" noisy situations
better. By providing better stability and selectivity, noisy environments are
less annoying while hearing and understanding is usually improved. For example,
the new
Mobility
Digital Hearing Aid with IRIS technology, utilizes SpeechTrax, Micro-Tech's
noise reduction and
speech preservation system. It was designed to change the way people hear in
noise by allowing the listener to focus on the sounds they want, and reduce the
ones they don’t. Faster and smarter than previous systems, this advanced
algorithm is intended to reduce noise between syllables of speech.
I saw an ad in the newspaper for a $395.00 hearing aid. Will this work for me?Answer: Typically a hearing aid selling for this low price is utilizing an older linear circuit which is not as stable or selective as more advanced circuit designs. Depending on your hearing loss, this may be effective for you in some listening situations but usually will greatly limit the number of listening environments in which you can benefit from the hearing instruments. If your primary concern is, "I hear speech but don't always understand", an inexpensive linear hearing instrument is probably not the answer. Remember, the more advanced the hearing instrument circuit, the more benefits you receive in a wide variety of listening environments. Back to Top
Do I need an appointment to have my hearing checked?Answer: Although we gladly accept walk-ins, appointments
are recommended to avoid waiting. Back to Top
I take a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Can these affect my hearing?Answer: Many medications are ototoxic
(cause a lessening of hearing). This is why we request a list of any medication
you are currently taking or have taken in the recent past. If you have concerns
about ototoxicity you should ask your physician. Back to Top
If I purchase hearing aids from you, what is the length of my warranty and what does it cover?Answer: Although the length of warranty varies with each laboratory, most offer a one year warranty. However, our new Mobility 50 instrument carrys a Three Year Warranty. The warranty covers all parts, labor, modifications, remakes, and workmanship. Many warranties also cover "Loss or Damage Beyond Repair" replacement. In the event your instrument is lost, mis-placed, mysteriously disappears, or is damaged beyond repair, it is replaced with only a nominal charge (deductible/processing fee) usually $100.00 or less. The repair warranty and loss & damage coverage can be renewed at your option. Back to Top
I do not like the feeling of anything in my ear. Are hearing aids going to feel like ear plugs? Answer: The modern hearing
instruments of today are custom fitted to the size and shape of your ears. This
is accomplished by making a mold of your ear with silicone impression material.
The custom fit prevents the hearing instrument from pressing against the sides
of your ear canal. Initially you will feel like you have something in your ear,
however, within a few hours to a few days, the instruments will feel natural in
your ears.
Do you offer payment plans?Answer: We understand the financial burden on many who are existing on retirement income. We do offer convenient payment plans for those who could not otherwise afford hearing help.
Should I Get One or Two Hearing Aids? Answer: We hear with the brain and not the ears. The brain is wired to receive input from both ears. Assuming you have a loss in both ears, two hearing aids should be selected for the following reasons: You need less power when you wear two hearing aids. Stereo listening gives depth perception and two ears gives us the ability to localize where sounds are coming. Better understanding requires both ears. Two ears hear better in noise.
What are the leading causes of hearing loss? Answer: The majority of hearing losses
are a result of aging, called presbycusis and prolonged noise exposure. Other
causes: certain types of illness, ototoxic medications, heredity, middle ear
disease or ear wax.
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Graham Hearing Services, Inc. (800)892-8494 Fort Smith, AR: 1005 Lexington Avenue - (479)783-5250 Poteau, OK: 2708 North Broadway (918)649-0223 Van Buren: 801 Broadway - (479)471-6807
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