Hearing Aid FAQ’s

Wichita Ear Clinic is “hear” to help you with all your hearing aid needs. Below are commonly asked questions. If your question is not listed below, please drop us a note on our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hearing aids are available for all budgets. Purchasing a hearing device is not just a one-time transaction. It involves a relationship between you and your audiologist. Audiologists know that the most important consideration in hearing device selection is not the hearing aid itself, rather it is the skill and knowledge of the professional dispensing the device. The audiologist’s responsibility is to ensure that a suitable device is selected based on the individual’s hearing loss, communication needs, personal preferences and lifestyle as well as to provide an understandable explanation of its benefits and limitations. The audiologists at Wichita Ear Clinic are committed to your aural rehabilitation because they know that it is the most essential part of your hearing healthcare.

The average life of a hearing aid is about 5 years. The need for new hearing devices may occur if a patent’s hearing status changes, however, with the flexibility of the new digital technology for adjustments, purchasing new devices can typically be prolonged.

A lot depends upon how long you have gone without hearing and the degree of hearing loss and type of hearing loss, but as with anything new…it takes time and patience. You may need to learn to filter out unwanted sounds, just as you used to do with normal hearing. Your listening skills should improve as you become accustomed to your hearing aids. It is also important to be realistic and not to expect to hear perfectly in every listening situation.

Besides helping you to hear and understand voices better, properly adjusted hearing devices will allow you to hear sounds that previously may not have been audible. The sound of wrinkling newspaper or water running may be annoying at first; however, after 2 or 3 weeks you will notice an adjustment to the sounds. Gradually increasing the amount of time you wear the hearing aids and following the schedule provided by your audiologist will result in an easier transition to amplified sound. During the initial adjustment period, you may be asked to visit your audiologist so they may monitor your progress and adjust the controls of your hearing device if needed. These follow up visits are crucial to your success.

Hearing evaluations are recommended annually. Hearing evaluations are especially recommended if there is a family history of hearing loss, if you have experienced noise exposure, or if you have noticed a change in your hearing.

The list goes on! Sometimes the hearing aid may not be appropriate for the individual’s hearing needs. The style, circuitry, or other options may not be an optimal choice for that person. The hearing instruments may not be programmed correctly. Occasionally, the cosmetic appeal of the hearing instrument takes precedence over its function of improving hearing.

The expectations of the hearing instrument wearer also need to be realistic. Hearing instruments will not restore normal hearing, but they can greatly improve the ability to hear in a variety of situations. The choice of the best hearing aid depends on many factors and can often be confusing. Our audiologists are experts in choosing the most appropriate hearing assistance and providing support and counseling throughout the adjustment period.

Anyone that tells you they have a hearing aid that will eliminate background noise—run for the hills and don’t look back. NO, hearing aids cannot eliminate background noise, but they can lessen the effects of non-speech noise. WE can help you determine which hearing aid is the best fit for your listening needs.

Selection of a hearing aid depends upon your personal preference, your ear canal size, and your hearing loss. The completely invisible hearing aid known as the Lyric is worn 24/7 and fits deep into the ear canal. The smallest size of a hearing aid is a Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) and fits deep into your ear canal. It is removed by pulling a small, nearly invisible cord. The next size is an In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aid, which fits into your canal and is usually only visible from the side. An In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aid fills your entire ear and a Behind-the-Ear (BTE) lies on top of your ear and goes behind it. The newest style is called a Receiver-In-The-Ear (RIC) hearing aid or a thin tube and is very popular with patients.

There is ample research to support that people with hearing loss are more successful with hearing aids when two hearing aids are worn versus just one, as well as demonstrating some major disadvantages when only one hearing aid is worn. Just as our brain is wired to receive visual input through two eyes to enhance our vision, the same is true for our hearing. Our brain processes sound from both ears to allow an enhanced listening experience and when the brain only receives input from one ear, enhanced hearing abilities are lost.

Hearing aids purchased through Wichita Ear Clinic carry a manufacturer’s warranty for 3 years for loss and damage. We clean, service and program the hearing aids during that time period at no additional charge.

The options for hearing technology have never been more plentiful and complicated. Click here to learn more.