Communication Tip – Audiology Information to Know

Did You Know?


  • More than 750,000 people who live in PA are Deaf or hard of hearing
  • 75% of words can’t be read on the lips with any degree of accuracy
  • 75% of people who could benefit from hearing aids don’t have them or are not using them
  • By age 65, 1 out of 3 people has a hearing loss
  • An Audiologist has a minimum of 6 years of college and post-graduate education and must pass state and national exams
  • A Hearing Aid Dealer has a 6 month apprenticeship and must pass a state exam
Any medical or physical exam can be emotional and a little overwhelming.  To help get you ready for your visit there are many issues for you to consider.  Asking your Audiologist some or all of these questions may help you better understand your options.  When possible, it is usually better to take a friend or family member along to any appointment so that they can help with the questions and answers and especially so that you can have someone to discuss it with after your appointment or test. Some Questions to Consider
  • Will a hearing aid eliminate background noise?
  • Will the hearing aid prevent my hearing from becoming worse?
  • Is there a trial period?
  • Does newer technology and/or higher costs mean better sound quality?
  • Do I need two hearing aids?
  • How long do batteries last?
  • How long do hearing aids last?
  • Does the size of the hearing aid make a difference?
  • Is wearing a hearing aid difficult to get used to?
  • What is an audiogram?
  • What is the difference between digital, analog, programmable and conventional hearing aids?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages for me between an in the ear canal, in the ear or behind the ear hearing aid?
  • What is a T-coil or T-switch in hearing aids?
  • What will my insurance company cover?
  • What kind of maintenance issues should I expect with a hearing aid?
  • What is the Warranty and replacement policy? (Especially Loss and Damage since so many HA are eaten by dogs!)
  • How will I know what to do myself and what I must come back for?
  • What is the return policy?
TO KNOW: All hearing aids come, by law, with a money back guarantee. That can be 30-60 days depending on the clinic.
Remember … a hearing screening is not an audiology exam.  A hearing screening does not provide enough information to prescribe a specific aid.  Hearing tests should not be done in the home.  Accuracy is obtained when tests are performed in a sound proof booth or in an environment where the ambient noise can be controlled.  In fact, “free” hearing tests usually cost more because hearing aid prices may be inflated to cover the cost instead of your health insurance covering the cost of an audiology exam or hearing evaluation.