Call Us (916) 930-6347 at or visit http://hearing-aids-sacramento-ca.com

1. Choosing a Hearing Aid Provider
The average American struggles seven
to ten years with a hearing loss before
getting the help he or she needs. People
often do not know who to turn to for help.
They are hesitant to do anything about
their hearing because they do not know
who to trust.
The first step in seeking better hearing is to admit you may
have a hearing problem. The second step is to have a thorough
hearing test.
In the state of California, Licensed Hearing Aid Dispensers test
hearing for the purpose of fitting hearing aids. This testing is not
considered a medical evaluation. Should your case history or
initial hearing test indicate a medical problem, you would
immediately be referred to a doctor for medical attention.
The hearing test is usually done as a complimentary service
with no charge to the client. Hearing aids are typically fit through
a “retail model” of dispensing.
Audiologists, on the other hand, are extensively trained for
diagnostic testing. Many but not all audiologists hold two licenses
- one for diagnostic testing and the other for the fitting of hearing
Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.
(916) 930-6347

2. aids. The price of this testing ranges from $75-$150, and hearing
aids are usually fit through a “medical model” of dispensing.
Whether you choose to work with a licensed hearing aid
dispenser or a licensed audiologist, (I’ll refer to them both as
Hearing Health Providers for the remainder of the column), the
success of your fitting requires four important ingredients. The
ingredients for a successful fitting are:
1) A motivated and informed client
2) The right hearing aid technology
3) A completely competent and caring practitioner
4) A supportive family
If one of these ingredients is missing or even weak, it
compromises your fitting. So let’s review each so that you can be
informed!
A motivated and informed client-No matter what type of
hearing loss you have, you must want to hear better and
therefore, be willing to go through some changes. Learning to
hear through amplification takes an adjustment period. For most,
this period lasts four to six weeks but can take up to several
months for some people.
Your attitude and willingness make a tremendous difference in
how well you’ll adjust to hearing instruments. Also, learn all you
can about hearing loss…your specific hearing loss. Attend local
seminars or classes and read up on hearing loss in general. Be
sure to get at least two opinions before you invest in hearing
instruments.
Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.
(916) 930-6347

3. The right hearing aid technology-Selecting the right hearing aid
circuit for your hearing loss is crucial. In the past, too many
people were fit with hearing aids that were pure amplifiers,
making everything louder but not necessarily clearer. Selecting
the proper technology takes into account your unique hearing
loss, your lifestyle requirements and even your budget.
Competent and caring provider-The person who fits your
hearing instruments must be competent in two areas: people
skills and technical knowledge. It is important that the provider
understands your problems and takes the time to learn about you
and your needs. Be sure you feel comfortable with this person
since you will be working closely with them.
Secondly, the provider must demonstrate a high degree of
technical expertise during the testing and follow-up care. When
you come in with a legitimate complaint about your new fitting,
you want to feel confident that the provider will know what to do
to help you. A successful fitting actually begins after the delivery
of the hearing instruments.
Talking about providers, many people believe that they have to
stay within their HMO when being fitted with hearing aids. Close
to eighty percent of people do not have a hearing aid benefit.
Your HMO may pay for your hearing test but the actual cost of
the hearing devices is usually not covered. Therefore, you, as a
consumer, have much more freedom to choose who you want to
work with. Again, get a least two opinions.
Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.
(916) 930-6347

4. Supportive Family-Hearing loss affects everyone in the family.
That’s why it’s important that a family member or spouse be
present during the hearing test, the decision to invest in hearing
instruments and even some of the follow-up care. The most
motivated client fit with the best technology by an extremely
competent and caring hearing aid provider can fail miserably IF
they do not have a supportive and informed family.
Next month, in part two of “Choosing a Hearing aid provider”
you will receive helpful tips on how to determine if you are
choosing the right person to help you with your hearing.
For More Information Call Us (916) 930-6347 at
or visit http://hearing-aids-sacramento-ca.com
Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.
(916) 930-6347