Q:  Does HearingPlanet sell me the Hearing Aids?

A:  No. We are here to provide you with a simple solution by making an appointment for you with one of our endorsed local clinics. HearingPlanet will work with you to help you understand hearing loss and when you are ready coordinate an appointment with a Hearing Care Professional.

 

Q:  Why should I work with HearingPlanet and not someone else? What makes you different/better?

A:  Finding the right hearing aid can be a confusing process, so we help you navigate through a customized hearing solution for your unique lifestyle, needs and budget. We only work with the best providers. We choose to work with a hearing clinic only when they have a knowledgeable staff and provide great customer service. We know the best clinics in your area, so you get your hearing aids from a healthcare professional you can trust.

Our Hearing Consultants go through a rigorous training and build relationships with our partner clinics to know which clinic will be best for you.

TOP

Q:  How do Hearing Aids work?

A: Hearing Aids consist of four* basic parts: a microphone, a microprocessor (or filter), an amplifier, and a speaker. A hearing aid receives sound waves through the microphone/receiver. The sound waves are transformed into electrical signals that are sent to the microprocessor and filtered (automatically or manually) to match situational listening environments and the patient’s type and level of hearing loss. The filtered electronic signals are sent to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker. The level of technology included in a hearing aid varies depending on the needs of the user.

*Some advanced hearing aid models include a pre-amplifier for initial filtering prior to sound energy reaching the microprocessor.

 

Q: What is the best hearing aid available?

A: This depends on several factors, and is unique to each individual. Your type and degree of hearing loss, preference for Bluetooth connectivity, comfort, and day to day communication demands are all important factors that guide you to the best hearing aid. Once you’ve had a hearing test and consultation, a hearing aid will be recommended for you by a Hearing Care Professional.

 

Q: How do I know which Hearing Aid is best for me?

A: We don’t rate hearing aids in a static chart on HearingPlanet.com because the process of finding the right device for you is dependent on your needs. We recommend working with your Hearing Care Provider to find the device that best suits your lifestyle.

 

Q: What are the different styles of hearing aids?

A: There are several different types of hearing aid styles. Each style provides a different set of advantages to users, as determined by their lifestyle, hearing loss, and desired technology options. Styles include Receiver in Canal or RIC, Behind the Ear (BTE), or In the Ear (ITE – often referred to as ‘Custom’ or under these names: ITC (In the Canal), CIC (Completely in Canal), IIC (Invisible in Canal).

 

Q: How long do hearing aids last?

A:  It depends on how you care for them, how active you are, the style of hearing aid, etc. Although most aids come with a three-year warranty, many of our patients report a hearing aid lifespan between 5 and 7 years. Of course, technological advancements are made constantly and the best technology from 5-7 years ago is behind newer models. Depending on your hearing needs, you may want to upgrade sooner.

 

Q:  Which technology is the most advanced in Hearing Aids?

A: In terms of technology, the most recent platforms and number of programs are a good way to determine which is technologically most advanced. Even the most advanced hearing aid may not be right for your lifestyle needs and your type of hearing loss. That’s why it’s so important to work with a licensed, vetted audiology clinic and an unbiased hearing aid retailer that sells a wide variety of the top brands. 

 

Q: Are there hearing aid devices that have Bluetooth™ technology?

A:  Starkey and ReSound offer direct to hearing aid Bluetooth connectivity to your phone and other paired devices. Other brands like Siemens, Phonak, Unitron, and Widex have Bluetooth capabilities that require an accessory or a free app to connect  directly to your hearing aids and enhance your listening experience in a variety of situations. To find out more about hearing aids and accessories, we recommend reaching out to your Hearing Care Provider.

 

Q:  Is there really a difference between premium and entry-level hearing aids?

A:  Yes, there is a noted difference in the performance of premium and entry-level hearing aids. That does not suggest that everyone should purchase premium level hearing aids as they may not be the right solution for you. Depending on your level of hearing loss, your lifestyle needs, and your preference in style, the perfect hearing aid for you may be an entry-level model. Our own Dr. Laura Richardson  explains the difference in technology and situational needs in a short video on our Listening Environments page. 

TOP