Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing

Hearing loss and health

What causes hearing loss?

Most hearing loss is caused by the ageing process, however regular exposure to loud noises, heredity, and some illnesses can also cause hearing loss. Around 90% of all cases of hearing loss are because the microscopic hair cells in the cochlea (or inner ear) become damaged which limits their ability to detect soft, higher frequency sounds and means that they cannot send a complete signal to the brain. As a result, it becomes difficult to understand the consonants that allow us to understand speech. Also see How our hearing works, Types and causes of hearing loss.

Why I can hear but I can't understand words?

People often lose their hearing for high pitch sounds first while maintaining good hearing for low pitch sounds. The high pitch sounds are what provide the clarity for speech and the low pitch sounds provide the volume. This cause issues understanding certain consonants sounds like “s”, “sh”, “f” and “th”. So you may hear some say the word “fin” but they said “thin”. If you notice these types of misunderstandings, it's time to have your hearing evaluated.

Is hearing loss hereditary?

Some types of hearing loss can be inherited. But not all inherited forms of hearing loss take place at birth. Some can appear later in life.

I have ringing in my ears, what is that?

If you have a ringing, hissing or buzzing sound in one or both ears, you may have a condition called “tinnitus.” There is no cure for tinnitus, but it can be treated with hearing aids and managed with a great deal of success.

Can hearing loss cause anxiety?

Yes. People with hearing loss may become depressed, anxious or withdrawn. There are many ways to alleviate these systems, including taking the first steps to diagnosing hearing loss.

Is hearing loss a normal part of aging?

Most people’s hearing ability diminishes to a certain degree with age. But true hearing loss is caused by other factors such as exposure to loud noise, ear infections, and many other reasons.

How do I get rid of excess ear wax?

We recommend you see your physician to have your ears cleaned if you there is a lot of wax. It's important that ear wax obstructions and buildup is removed before having a hearing evaluation.

Questions around hearing aids

Are hearing aids waterproof?

Most of our BTE and RIC hearing aids are dust-proof and water resistant. Our custom models are not water resistant.

Can hearing aids restore normal hearing?

Hearing aids cannot restore your hearing to a normal level, but rather help to amplify and distinguish sounds in a wide range of listening environments. Success with hearing aids depends on several factors. Individual experiences will vary depending on the severity of the hearing loss, the accuracy of the evaluation, proper fit and the ability to adapt to amplification. Hearings aids do not restore natural hearing, but the assistance they provide may help their wearers live their lives to the fullest. Today’s hearing aids provide better sound quality than ever. Losses that were difficult to fit years ago are now possible due to advancements in hearing aid technology.

How to choose the best hearing aid?

The best hearing aid is going to vary from person to person. There are many factors to consider when choosing a set of hearing aids, including degree of hearing loss, lifestyle and budget. We recommend talking to your Audiologist/ Hearing care professional about the best option for you or visit our Hearing Aid Finder.

How can I hide my hearing aid?

First of all, wearing a hearing aid is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of! You should be proud that you're taking steps toward better hearing. However, if you're looking for a more discreet option, any of our custom hearing options would be just what you're looking for. We would specifically recommend our GENIUS 2.0 Mirage IIC, which is nearly invisible and our most discreet hearing aid.

How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aids vary in cost, depending on your level of loss, the style of hearing aid and the level of technology. We recommend getting your hearing tested by a Audiologist/ Hearing care professional and then discussing with them the best options for you. We also want to make it clear that our hearing aid solutions are all-inclusive. This means that when you purchase a set of hearing aids with us, you also receive complimentary lifetime service, including annual hearing tests, clean and checks, fittings and much more. We're there for you every step of the way!

Do hearing aids make tinnitus worse?

According to the American Tinnitus Association, some tinnitus patients with hearing loss experience total or partial tinnitus relief while wearing hearing aids. There are many variables that determine success. However, if a patient has a hearing loss in the frequency range of the tinnitus, hearing aids may reintroduce the ambient sounds that naturally cover the tinnitus.

Can hearing aids reduce background noise?

No hearing aid can completely eliminate background noise, but technology now allows us to de-emphasize noise like sounds. Many digital aids distinguish between speech and non-speech sounds to help keep wearers engaged in and attuned to conversations, even in noisy situations.

Do hearing aids really work today?

Today’s advanced hearing aids are very effective. Recent developments in technology have resulted in hearing aids that are easy to use, effective, and comfortable to wear.

Aren't all hearing aids the same?

Nothing could be further from the truth! First of all, you can’t be certain of their quality. Moreover, you won’t be offered a FREE comprehensive hearing evaluation or have your hearing aid customized to your needs. Plus, these off-brand devices are seldom backed by an extensive warranty like Amplifon offers.

All about hearing test

How often should I get my hearing tested?

We recommend getting your hearing tested annually so that you, along with your hearing care professional, can track any progression in your hearing loss or changes in your hearing health. Luckily, annual hearing tests are part of our complimentary lifetime service when you purchase a set of Amplifon hearing aids.

Does someone have to come with me to my exam?

Yes, we recommend that someone accompanies you to your appointment, whether that be your spouse, your son or daughter or a friend. This is important so that your hearing care professional can conduct the familiar voice test during the exam.

Hearing care professional or audiologist?

Hearing care professionals specialize in hearing aid fitting and technology. In most every state, they are licensed to both test hearing and to fit hearing instruments to address hearing loss. Audiologists have master’s degrees or higher in audiology. They perform non-medical evaluations of hearing losses, including advanced testing for purposes beyond fitting hearing aids. They also develop non-medical hearing rehabilitation programs. For example, they often create rehabilitation programs for children whose hearing impairment might otherwise cause problems in language development. Many audiologists also dispense hearing aids. When a medical problem is suspected, both hearing aid dispensers and audiologists refer their clients to physicians for diagnosis.

More about Amplifon services

What if I can't get used to hearing aids?

It’s only natural to be apprehensive about wearing a hearing aid. That’s why we’re glad you’re choosing Amplifon. Our Audiologists/ Hearing care professionals are trained to properly fit your new hearing aids. In no time at all, most customers tell us their hearing aid becomes second nature. At Amplifon, you also have the reassurance of a comprehensive after-care plan that includes fitting adjustments.

How do I clean the wax out of my hearing aid?

Your Audiologist/ Hearing care professional will be able to clean the wax out of your hearing aids, just call you local Amplifon clinic and schedule an aftercare appointment. However, if you have excess in your ears, we recommend you visit your physician to have it removed.

Does insurance cover hearing aids?

We accept many types of insurance, but it does vary location. The first step is to get you in for your complimentary hearing evaluation and, at the time of your appointment, we can check your benefits for the insurance.

How often should hearing aid batteries be changed?

Battery life varies based on the battery size as well as active features being used throughout the day, such as wireless streaming and how often some features need to engage and disengage based on your environment. A lot of our hearing aids feature rechargeable batteries, which is extremely convenient! For more information, take a look here.

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