Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aids

Florida Gulf Coast Hearing Center provides premier hearing aids for those suffering from hearing loss throughout Naples, Estero, and the surrounding areas. Our highly trained and qualified staff work side-by-side with our board-certified doctors and audiologists to provide exceptional services and unparalleled customer service. We use advanced fitting techniques and cutting-edge hearing air technologies to ensure our customers receive nothing less than the best. Our state-of-the-art facility has technology and devices not available at most hearing aid dispensaries. Below, we’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions about hearing aids.

What Is A Hearing Aid?

A hearing aid is a small, electronic device worn to hear sounds better, understand speech more clearly, and provide an improved means of communication overall. Hearing aids carry sounds from the environment into the ear, making them louder. This is accomplished through a computer chip with an amplifier programmed to adjust sound based on your hearing loss and listening needs.

How Do I Know If I Need A Hearing Aid?

To know if you need a hearing aid is to understand the signs of hearing loss. If you are experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, you may need hearing aids. You can also undergo a hearing test to determine if hearing aids are right for you. The signs of hearing loss include the following:

Difficulty understanding conversations
Sounds seem muffled or difficult to hear
Trouble hearing people over the phone
Frequently turning up phone or television volume
Ringing sensation in one or both ears (tinnitus)
Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
Sensitivity to or pain in response to specific sounds

How Do I Wear A Hearing Aid?

Wearing hearing aids is relatively easy but can be a bit confusing, especially for first-time wearers. First, place the hearing aid behind the ear, so the ear wire rests comfortably on the ear, close to your head. Second, insert the ear-tip into the ear canal while holding the lower part of the ear wire. Third, your finger along the wire to ensure the hearing aid fits properly.

Do I Have To Wear Two Hearing Aids?

While it is not necessary to wear two hearing aids if you only have hearing loss in one ear, it is more common for people to experience hearing loss in both ears. This is especially true if the hearing loss is age-related. If you have hearing loss in both ears, we recommend wearing two hearing aids, as this will significantly improve your hearing. We can program each hearing aid separately to match the exact level of amplification you need. It is normal to have varying levels of hearing loss in each ear.

How Long Do Hearing Aid Batteries Last?

How long hearing aid batteries last depends on several factors, including hearing loss level, the style or type of hearing aid you’re using, how long you use your hearing aids per day, humidity and heat, battery type, and capacity if you remove the batteries when you aren’t using your hearing aids, and more. But on average, hearing aid batteries can last anywhere from three to 22 days.

How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?

Because hearing aids are generally not covered by health insurance, they can be expensive. We offer a wide range of hearing aids. Prices vary from $1,550/pair and up. Our top priority is to get you, our patients in the hearing instruments that are best suited for your specific kind of hearing loss and lifestyle.

What Style Of Hearing Aid Should I Wear?

With various styles of hearing aids available, it can be challenging to choose. But our professionals can help you determine which style of hearing aid will best benefit you and your unique needs. Below, we’ve gone into detail about each hearing aid style that’s available:

Completely-in-canal (CIC) – This type of hearing aid is “invisible” and therefore one of the most cosmetically-appealing options available. It also has a natural sound reception.
In-the-canal (ITC) – This style of hearing aid has good cosmetics, a long battery life, and some limited manual control options available.
In-the-ear (ITE) – These hearing aids have various manual control options, long-lasting battery life and are for those with mild to severe hearing loss.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) – This hearing aid has the most control options, the most extended battery life, and the most durable. Behind-the-ear hearing aids suit the broadest range of hearing loss.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) – This style of hearing aid is rechargeable, Bluetooth®-capable, available in various color options, and virtually unnoticeable when worn.
Open-fit – These hearing aids are cosmetically-appealing, produce natural sound quality, are easy to insert, and are comfortable for the wearer.

Should I Wait To Get Hearing Aids If I Think My Hearing Will Get Worse?

Don’t put off hearing better for fear you may need to replace your devices later. We’ll teach you the proper maintenance techniques to help your hearing aids stay in good condition.

Can I Purchase Hearing Aids At Your Location?

Yes, we sell hearing aids at Florida Gulf Coast Hearing Center. We offer a wide range of hearing aid styles and provide our customers with professional fittings as well.

Contact Florida Gulf Coast Hearing Center Today

For the best hearing aids and hearing aid services in Naples & Estero, FL, choose Florida Gulf Coast Hearing Center. We carry a wide variety of hearing technology in different levels and styles, all from top-of-the-line manufacturers. We’ll help you find the best fit and style for your unique needs and lifestyle. To learn more about hearing aids and the services we offer, contact us today.