Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ | HearingPlanet.com

The following are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about topics ranging from hearing loss to hearing aid technology to questions related to purchasing a hearing aid. Simply click on the topic you're most interested in and you'll be taken to that part of the page. If you want to get back here to the top of the page, each question section will have a link to help you do so. 


 

FAQ About HearingPlanet

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.

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FAQ About Hearing Loss

Q:  I think I might have hearing loss. Where should I start?

A:  A good place to start is our Online Hearing Screening. It takes about 3-minutes to complete and will give you an indication as to the state of your hearing. The next step may be to set up an appointment with a hearing healthcare clinic in your area for a professional evaluation. Confronting hearing loss can be difficult. HearingPlanet is here to help. We have a number of resources available to help you research and learn more about hearing loss and types of hearing aids. Our Hearing Loss section of the website provides educational resources, descriptions of different conditions, tinnitus, and more.

 

Q: Are their different kinds of hearing loss?

A: There are several different types of hearing loss conditions as well as causes of hearing loss. See our Conditions section of the website.

 

Q: Can hearing loss be prevented?

A: You can take steps to protect your hearing and help prevent several types of hearing loss. Please visit our Prevention section for more information.

 

Q: What is Tinnitus? Can hearing aids help with Tinnitus?

A: The condition known as Tinnitus, or “ringing in the ears,” can actually come in several different forms described by those affected as a ‘crackling’, ‘electric’ or ‘whirring‘ sound. There are some hearing aids that Tinnitus Management programs that can help manage the effects of the condition. To learn more about the condition and solutions, please take a look at our Tinnitus section.

 

Q:  What is the difference between a Doctor of Audiology and a Hearing Technician?

A:  It is important to work with a hearing healthcare professional that you can trust.  Many of our providers are excellent Doctors of Audiology.  We also have credentialed hearing instrument specialists in our network.  Both have been vetted and carry a state license to diagnose hearing loss and dispense hearing aids.

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FAQ About Hearing Aids

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. 

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FAQ About Insurance Coverage

Q:  Does my health insurance cover hearing aids?

A: Some insurance companies do include a hearing exam and hearing aid benefit. Others, like Medicare (Part B), have limitations on what is covered. There are a few insurance plans that do a great job of covering our patients with low deductibles. Just ask for a referral to our insurance team when discussing hearing aids with your Hearing Consultant.

 

Q:  Does Medicare (Part B) cover hearing aids?

A:  The quick answer is ‘No.’ Medicare does not typically cover hearing aids, appliances, or fittings. Medicare (Part B) can cover diagnostic hearing and balance with a physician referral.

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FAQ About Hearing Aid Batteries

Q:  How often do I have to change batteries?

A: A: Hearing aid batteries on average last about 6-9 days. Battery life depends on the battery’s size, severity of your hearing loss and how often you use audio streaming.

 

Q: Does HearingPlanet sell Hearing Aid Batteries?

A: Yes. Visit our Online Store to see our selection of Batteries as well as our selection of Hearing Aid Accessories.

 

Q:  How much do batteries cost?

A:  Please check the HearingPlanet online store for battery and accessory pricing.  

 

Q:  How many boxes of batteries should I buy at one time?

A:  No more than 1 box per hearing aid, or 6 months’ worth, at a time. Because we ship batteries every day, we have the freshest batteries in stock and to ensure you have the best batteries, order no more than 2 boxes at a time.  

 

Q:  What is the best way to store batteries?

We recommend keeping them in a cool, dark place – such as a drawer. However, we do not recommend keeping them in a refrigerator or in direct light.

 

Q:  How long will it take to receive batteries from HearingPlanet?

We process orders every weekday, but in order to offer free shipping to our customers, we only ship out twice a week – on Tuesdays and Fridays. Once batteries are shipped, you should receive them in 5-7 business days.

 

Q:  How can I order batteries from HearingPlanet?

There are 2 ways to order batteries:

Through our online store

Call our client support center at 888-807-8163

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