Ask the Audiologists

ask the audiologists image

Are hearing aids tax deductible?

Yes! Hearing aid costs are deductible as medical expenses on your federal income taxes. According to irs.gov, you may also include batteries, repairs and maintenance costs. Another way to get some tax relief is to donate your older hearing aids to a qualified charitable organization that provides hearing aids to people who are unable to […]

ask the audiologists image

Where can I get more information about hearing loss?

There are many useful resources about hearing and hearing loss.  Start your research with the following websites: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association:  www.asha.org/buds American Tinnitus Association:  www.ata.org Better Hearing Institute:  www.betterhearing.org Healthy Hearing:  www.healthyhearing.com Hearing Like Me:  www.hearinglikeme.com Hearing Loss Association of America:  www.hearingloss.org National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:  www.nidcd.nih.gov National Institute for Occupational […]

ask the audiologists image

Should I use one or two hearing aids?

Most people should use hearing aids in both ears. Why? Your ears send information to your brain, where the sound is actually processed. The brain needs information from both sides to determine where the sound is coming from, to understand speech in background noise and to receive the most natural sound quality. Today’s hearing devices […]

ask the audiologists image

How can I keep my hearing aids dry?

Although today’s hearing instruments are water-resistant, they should be kept as dry as possible. Always remove them when bathing or swimming and when getting your hair cut. You may wear them in inclement weather, but keep your head covered, if possible.  A hat, hood or umbrella should do the trick. It’s a good idea to […]

ask the audiologists image

I feel left out of conversations. Could it be my hearing?

Numerous research articles have shown a link between hearing loss and depression, isolation, poor self-esteem and anxiety. Untreated hearing loss reduces your quality of life. Untreated hearing loss has also been linked with potentially earlier onset of dementia. A 2015 research paper reported results from a long-term study of people with hearing loss and their […]

ask the audiologists image

How long should my hearing aid batteries last?

The expected life for hearing aid batteries depends on several factors, including the battery size, style of hearing device, settings programmed into the hearing aid (which depends on your hearing needs) and number of hours of use. Battery life could range from 3-20 days. Ask your audiologist for an estimate of the battery life for […]

ask the audiologists image

I hear great with my hearing aids, but sometimes I still have trouble with television and on the telephone. Is there anything I can do?

Even the most sophisticated hearing aids can’t provide perfect understanding in all listening situations. Today’s wireless digital hearing instruments offer seamless connectivity with smartphones, landlines, computers, televisions and portable music players. An easy-to-use hands-free accessory turns your hearing aids into earphones and serves as a remote control for your hearing aids. It also acts as […]

ask the audiologists image

I have tinnitus, ringing in my ears, and I have had it for many years and have been told nothing can be done. It has gotten much louder lately. Is there anything that can be done?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound with no external sound present. According to the American Tinnitus Association, 45 million Americans experience some type of tinnitus. Reactions can range from mild annoyance to debilitation. Many people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. Any time there is a change in hearing or tinnitus, we recommend a complete […]