Frequently Asked Questions

1. What questions should I ask before buying hearing aids?

There are many questions to ask before buying hearing aids. The first three questions are: Do I have permanent hearing loss?
Who should I see about this? and Am I really motivated to use hearing aids and accept my hearing loss?

Some people have hearing problems caused by ear wax, which can be removed by your audiologist at Medical Hearing
Associates, LTD. Sometimes middle ear infections cause a temporary hearing problem which can be eliminated after medical
treatment. In addition, auditory processing disorders can cause hearing problems. If any of these situations (or others) are
present, your audiologist will be able to recognize and diagnose the problem and will refer (if needed) you to someone who
can provide appropriate treatment. Before purchasing hearing aids, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation should be
obtained preferably by a state licensed audiologist at Medical Hearing Associates, LTD. The final question is perhaps the
most important. Many people seek out hearing aids expecting a quick fix to their hearing loss. Hearing, unlike vision, cannot
always be immediately corrected. Hearing aids are just that –aids. Nonetheless, millions of people are successful with hearing
aids. The most successful hearing aid users are those who have a positive attitude about wearing hearing aids, and who
recognize and appreciate that hearing aids offer the ability to hear sounds even if some hearing complications continue.

2. My hearing aid isn’t working. Is there anything I can do to fix it?

Often times when a hearing aid is not working it may be due to several factors. For example, wax will often plug the receiver
tube or tips thereby eliminating a clear pathway for sound. Also, moisture can develop in the tubing especially for behind-the-
ear hearing aids. Dead batteries may also contribute to hearing aids not working. If you find that your hearing aids are not
working right check to see if wax or moisture is blocking the tips or tubing, also replace batteries if needed. If these steps are
not working contact your audiologist at Medical Hearing Associates, LTD for an appointment.

3. How should I care for and maintain my hearing aids?

More than 75 percent of all hearing aid repairs are due to moisture and earwax accumulating in the hearing aid. The vast
majority of these repairs are 100 percent preventable. It is extremely important to clean the entire hearing aid every time it is
removed from your ear by wiping and brushing it. To better protect your investment, use a DRY-AID kit every night!
Electronic dry-aid kits are the best as they include a germicidal light that kills most bacteria and other germs. In addition,
these dry-aid kits also have desiccants to absorb moisture and fans to circulate air around the internal components of the
hearing aid. Get in the habit of cleaning the hearing aid after each use and keeping the hearing aid in the dry-aid kit at night.
The hearing aid is electronic and moisture is the enemy! Preventive maintenance is the key to a trouble free, long life for a
hearing aid. A well maintained hearing aid can easily last 5 to 7 years, maybe longer.  Dry-aid kits can be purchased at
Medical Hearing Associates, LTD.  

4. My hearing aids are making a high-pitched sound. What can I do to get rid of this?

The high-pitched sound sometimes heard by people who wear hearing aids is usually the result of feedback. Feedback can
occur from several sources. For example, feedback is typically caused by sound leaking out of the speaker and finding its
way back to the microphone and being reamplified. Because hearing aids require a tight seal (especially for custom CIC,
ITC, ITE, and BTE styles) if any space is present between the hearing aid and the ear canal sound can potentially leak out.
Often people will report feedback after losing weight. In this case there are products which can act as a “feedback band aid”
to prevent feedback from occurring. Alternatively, new earmolds can be fashioned by your audiologist at Medical Hearing
Associates, LTD. Feedback can also be the result of excessive wax in the ear canal or an internal malfunction of the hearing
aid. Consider consulting your audiologist at Medical Hearing Associates, LTD for cerumen removal or to troubleshoot the
hearing aid.

5. Can you tell me more about hearing aid batteries?

All batteries are toxic and dangerous if swallowed! Keep all batteries (and hearing aids) away from children and pets. If
anyone swallows a battery it is a medical emergency and the individual needs to see a physician immediately.

One question often asked is "How long does the battery last?" Typically they last 7-14 days based on 16 hours per day use
cycle. Batteries are inexpensive, costing less than a dollar each. Generally, the smaller the battery size, the shorter the battery
life. The sizes of hearing aid batteries are listed below along with their standard number and color codes.

Size 5: RED
Size 10 (or 230): YELLOW
Size 13: ORANGE
Size 312: BROWN
Size 675: BLUE

Today's hearing aid batteries are "zinc-air." Because the batteries are air-activated, a factory-sealed sticker keeps them
"inactive" until you remove the sticker. Once the sticker is removed from the back of the battery, oxygen in the air contacts
the zinc within the battery and the battery is "turned-on." Since many of today's automatic hearing aids do not have "off"
switches, removing the battery from the hearing aid circuit by opening the battery door (when not in use) assures the device is
turned off. Zinc-air batteries have a "shelf life" of up to three years when stored in a cool, dry environment. Storing zinc-air
hearing aids in the refrigerator has no beneficial effect on their shelf life. In fact -- quite the opposite may happen. The cold air
may actually form little water particles under the sticker. Water is made of oxygen and hydrogen. If the water vapor creeps
under the sticker, oxygen may contact the zinc and the battery could be totally discharged by the time you peel off the
sticker! Therefore, the best place to store batteries is in a cool dry place.

6. How long do hearing aids last?

The most common repairs required by hearing aids are based on dirt and debris blocking the microphones and the receivers.
In other words, the majority of repairs required are due to poor/low maintenance. Your hearing healthcare professional at  
Medical Hearing Associates, LTD will review with you how to maintain your hearing aids, how to keep them clean and dry,
how to change batteries etc. Nonetheless, if the hearing aids are well maintained, generally speaking, they can last 5 to 7
years.

7. How do I know if I have a hearing loss?

Signs of a Hearing Loss...

  • Trouble understanding speech from far away, such as in concert halls, theatres, or churches.
  • Difficulty hearing in a group of people or in the presence of background noise.
  • Avoiding social situations where you find it hard to hear or understand others.
  • Ask others to repeat themselves because you have trouble understanding what is being said.
  • Turn up the TV or radio at a much louder volume than others normally do.
  • Hear ringing, roaring, or buzzing in your ears.
  • Think people mumble.
  • If you suspect a hearing loss contact the expert Audiologists at Medical Hearing Associates, LTD.  We recommend
    that you schedule an appointment to determine if you may benefit from amplification.  

8. What are the first steps to getting hearing aids?

  • The Hearing Test

Purchasing hearing aids require a current audiometric evaluation which can be done in the office by our Doctors of  
Audiology, Kathleen M. Haasch, Au.D, and Joseph D. Aussem, Au.D.  

  • The Consultation

After your hearing test has been completed, the audiologist will go over the results and determine what your needs and
expectations are.  They will suggest options for different hearing aids that would work best for your individual needs.  Upon
determining the type of aid to be used, an impression of your ear may need to be made.  The patient is in control of what
options they will pursue.

  • The Fitting

Your new hearing aids will usually arrive in approximately 1 to 2 weeks.  At that time the audiologist will give you the
instructions on your hearing aids' use and maintenance, as well as evaluate the physical fit of the instruments and how well
they meet your hearing condition.

  • The Follow Up

All hearing aids dispensed at Medical Hearing Associates, LTD have a 45 day trial period.  We schedule follow up
appointments to make sure you are receiving the best quality and performance from the hearing aids.

9. What are the different types of hearing aids?

Styles of hearing aids...

The Open Ear hearing device is the most unobtrusive hearing instrument a person can wear.  It keeps the ear canal open to
reduce any plugged-up sensation.  The appropriateness of this style hearing device can be limited based on the degree of
hearing loss.  This is one of the most cosmetically pleasing hearing aids available.  Rechargeable products available.




Behind-the-Ear (BTE) instruments are appropriate for hearing losses from mild to profound.  Directional microphones,
multiple listening programs and a telecoil for compatibility are available for these models.  An earmold is most often used for
these aids, however many models can be fit as an Open Ear product.




A custom In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aid fills the outer portion of the ear and is appropriated for mild to severe hearing
losses.  Features can include directional microphones, multiple listening programs, and a telecoil. The In-the-Canal (ITC)
style hearing instrument is a smaller model than the full-shell ITE and is appropriate for hearing losses from mild to
moderatley-severe.  Options are limited due to size restrictions.  Good manual dexterity is more important for this style. The
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aid is almost invisible.  If cosmetic appeal is important, many have found this to be
the best device for them.  The appropriateness of this style hearing aid is limited based on a persons degree of hearing loss
and manual dexterity. There is not one particular hearing instrument or brand that will work for all types and ranges of hearing
loss.  What may work best for a friend may not be best for you.  We will offer expert advice on the type that is most
appropriate for your hearing loss.  The type selected will depend largely on your individual hearing loss and physical
characteristics of your ear canals.  
In-the-Ear (ITE)
In-the-Canal (ITC)
Completely-In-the-Canal (ITC)