Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept insurance? If so, which insurance companies are you in-network with?
Yes! We are currently in-network with: Medicare, Aetna, United Healthcare, Humana/Tricare, and Anthem/BCBS. If you would like for us to verify your insurance benefits prior to your visit, please complete our insurance form with policy information. As a courtesy, we will submit claims associated with participating insurance plans and/or when requested to do so.
What is the difference between an Audiologist and a Hearing Instrument Specialist?
An Audiologist is a licensed healthcare professional, with an advanced degree, who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing, balance, and other auditory disorders. Currently, the entry-level requirement for audiologists in the U.S. is a Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D) degree.
A licensed Hearing Aid Specialist (HAS) can test, repair and fit hearing aids. In order to become a HAS, an individual must have a minimum HS diploma and must pass a written and practical exam.
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How much do hearing aids cost? Why are they expensive?
Hearing aids come in a wide range of prices. The price is affected by: brand, model, generation, style, technology level, and other features (such as rechargeability, bluetooth compatibility, etc.). Our prices tend to range between $600-$2,750 per hearing aid.
Some hearing aids, especially the latest models with the highest technology levels, can seem expensive. But the premium technology is not necessary for everybody, and many folks will do fine with hearing aids of lower technology/features. Our audiologist will meet with you in a hearing aid consultation appointment so that together you can make sense of all of your options and choose the hearing aid that is best suited for your needs.
Modern hearing aids can be thought of as mini computers. They require a lot of research and development and they are constantly evolving and getting better. They are also individualized and must hold up to harsh conditions (daily wear on the ear being exposed to moisture, ear wax, dust, etc.) Creating a product like this costs money for the manufacturer. Another reason that hearing aids are not cheap is because the price also includes professional time spent in the fitting and follow-up appointments as well as a warranty. Our audiologist spends, on average, 4 hours with each patient by the end of their trial period. Hearing aids usually require several follow-up adjustments in order to get them 'just right'.
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Should I just buy my hearing aids online or over-the-counter?
There are many factors that go into the selection and proper fitting of a hearing aid and there is not a 'one size fits all' solution. To properly select, fit, and program your hearing aids; your audiologist should consider many things about you: type and severity of your hearing loss, lifestyle, size/shape of your ear, budget, speech understanding scores, memory and processing speed, dexterity, vision, if you have a cell phone and what type, if you'd prefer a charger or disposable batteries, and other special needs and requests.
In addition, when programming and making adjustments to your hearing aids; your audiologist will listen to and watch out for any issues you might be having (for example: feedback/whistling, discomfort, poor sound quality complaints, etc.) and then they will use their knowledge and experience to attempt to solve the problem through adjustments with the fit or through reprogramming, etc.
As you can see, the process of properly fitting hearing aids can be complex and multi-faceted. Most people will not be satisfied with the 'one size fits all' options offered via online or through OTC devices.
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Will insurance cover my visit?
Insurance coverage is an agreement between you and your insurance company and coverage is dependent upon multiple factors. For example: coverage may be dependent upon whether or not we are in- or out- of network with your plan, if your plan requires an authorization or referral prior to services, and which goods/services they cover under your individual plan. Many insurance companies will cover a hearing test but some do require an order/referral for the service. Many insurance companies do not cover hearing aids in full, if at all. While we can verify your benefits, please understand that this is not a guarantee of coverage/payment due to these many factors. We recommend that you determine your benefits and coverage for audiology services and/or hearing aids prior to your visit.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes, we offer Care Credit as a financing option. If approved, Care Credit would give you the option of 12 months, 0% financing.
What hearing aid brands do you offer and work with?
As a locally owned and independently operated private practice, we have the flexibility to recommend hearing aids and devices from any of the main manufacturers. Our decision to recommend a specific brand is made based on several unique factors that are individual to each patient. We routinely fit and service hearing aids from Widex, Oticon, ReSound, Signia, Unitron, Starkey, and Phonak. Some hearing aid dispensing offices 'lock' their devices so that they cannot be serviced at offices other than their own. As long as your devices are not 'locked', we can almost always service them.