FAQs About Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids FAQ

If you are struggling with compromised hearing, you may be a candidate for a hearing aid. On the other hand, other issues may be affecting your hearing, which could require an entirely different treatment approach. We invite you to explore this hearing aids FAQ provided by the doctors at Chesapeake Ear Nose & Throat in Baltimore, MD, which can help you understand candidacy, types of hearing aids, and their capabilities.

How do I know if I need hearing aids?

The first step to knowing whether you need hearing aids is performing a quick self evaluation in the comfort of your home. You may even ask your close friends and relatives to help you. Some things to consider include:

• Do you tend to watch the TV at a very high volume?
• Do you find yourself having difficulty understanding others, especially in large crowds or when speaking on the phone?
• Do you continually have to ask for others to repeat themselves?
• Do you find yourself not participating in conversations when out in public?
• Do you watch others' lips when they are speaking to try and understand them better?
• Do you become frustrated or depressed when you have trouble hearing others?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you need to have your ears checked. A quick hearing test and examination of your ears can reveal whether it’s time to consider hearing aids.

After your comprehensive hearing evaluation, one of our audiologists will sit with you to discuss the best hearing aids available

Why do I need to see a doctor first?

Hearing loss is not always due to deterioration of the inner ear that commonly occurs with age. It can often be the result of a buildup of ear wax or scar tissue, as well as certain diseases, including diabetes and hypothyroidism. Having your ears checked can determine whether your hearing loss is easily treatable with medication or a conservative approach before investing in hearing aids.

What kind of hearing aid do I need?

After your comprehensive hearing evaluation, one of our audiologists will explain your hearing aid options. At Chesapeake Ear Nose & Throat, we offer a variety of hearing aids with different features to meet your budget, needs, ear anatomy, aesthetic concerns, and lifestyle. There is no “one size fits all” hearing aid. Depending on your unique needs, we offer:

• Behind the ear hearing aids
• In-ear hearing aids
• In-canal hearing aids
• Hearing aids that are completely within the ear canal
• Invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids

We also offer hearing aids with Bluetooth® technology that allow phone calls to be routed directed to your hearing aid, giving you the ability to hear and understand phone calls clearly.

Are hearing aids expensive?

Some hearing aids are expensive due to a lack of competition in the marketplace. However, your insurance company may cover some of the cost. If your insurance does not completely cover the cost, or you are paying out-of-pocket, we offer CareCredit® and in-office payment plans to help you manage the cost.

What can I expect from hearing aids?

After being fitted with your custom hearing aids, you will immediately notice an improvement in your hearing and speech. Although you may still struggle in loud environments, such as concerts or parties (as would the average person), you will be able to enjoy engaging in conversation in most situations once again. Depending on the hearing device chosen, your hearing aid may come with features such as noise reduction circuitry, Bluetooth® technology, and volume controls to enhance your hearing experience.

Contact Us Today

If you are experiencing hearing loss of any kind, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible for a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Identifying the issue early can help prevent further hearing loss. Contact our practice online today or by calling (410) 356-2626 to schedule your consultation.