Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I know if I have a hearing problem? How often should I have a hearing test?

     If you are over the age of 55 you should have a baseline hearing evaluation.  Many times hearing loss comes on gradually so that you don’t even realize it is happening.  If you are finding that you are asking others to repeat themselves or that you are having to guess at what people are saying, especially in even slightly noisy environments, you should have your hearing tested. Your family members are often the first ones to notice a decline in your hearing so if they  are telling you that you need to have it tested, listen to them!

     If you already know that you have a hearing loss, you need to have a hearing test annually.  If you wear hearing aids they will need to be adjusted as your hearing changes.  

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I feel that I am too young to wear hearing aids, and that people will see them and treat me differently.  Are there hearing aids that are smaller so that they are hidden?

     Hearing loss can happen at any age.  While it is true that many “older” people have hearing loss.  I see many people in their 30’s and 40’s wearing hearing aids.  This is usually a very critical time for career development and untreated hearing loss can severely impact one’s career trajectory.  Many times untreated hearing loss is much more noticeable than any of the modern hearing solutions. Hearing aids today are sleek and comfortable and most of the time I cannot even see them on my patient’s ears!  Also a lot today’s advanced hearing technology can pair with the bluetooth in your other devices to stream audio directly to the hearing aids. This helps to make phone conversations more clear and eliminates the need to use speaker phone, providing more private phone conversations.  There are also apps that you can use to customize the hearing aid settings in real time to personalize them even further.  

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I work Monday through Friday from 9 - 5.  It is very hard for me to take time off for appointments.  Do you appointment times available on evenings or weekends?

     Yes!  With Blossom Hearing Health’s Concierge Audiology services I come to you!  That means we can accommodate your schedule. I can see you in your home or office at work.  

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How do you test my hearing in my home?  Can I have a family member with me to help me decide what to do about my hearing loss?

     I have sophisticated, portable hearing testing equipment that allows me to make precise measurements of your hearing abilities in almost any quiet, private environment.  I start by taking a thorough history of your hearing and general health. I will visually inspect your ears. If wax is blocking the ear canals I can usually remove it right then and there, as long as it is safe to do so.  I will then assess your hearing and discuss the results with you. It is very helpful to have a trusted family member or friend with you at this appointment. Close family and friends are often very familiar with your hearing difficulties and having their support can have a positive impact on your journey to better hearing.
 

Are there any disadvantages to you coming to my home?  Does that make your services more expensive?

     In 20 + years of programming hearing aids in a quiet retail office setting, many patients tell me the hearing aids sound great in the office but as soon as they get home or out in the “real world” they don’t sound the same.  Seeing you in your “real world” actually provides a more accurate snapshot of the listening environments where you need help hearing. Anything I could do in my office can be done in the privacy and convenience of your home or office.  Since I am coming to you my overhead expenses are low so I am able to keep the prices for my services much lower than the traditional in office hearing care places. You will see that my pricing structure offers you the opportunity to get the best care possible at much more affordable rates. 

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I know several people who have tried hearing aids and didn’t like them.  What if I don’t like them?

     There are many reasons why someone may not like their hearing instruments.  It takes time and patience to get used to something new! I want you to be happy with your decision to improve your hearing so I will help you in getting used to hearing sounds you may not have heard in years. When you get hearing instruments there is a 45 day period in which you can return them for a refund or exchange them for something different. I will work with you to make sure you are delighted with them or we will try something else. 

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I have fairly new hearing aids that I purchased when I lived in another state.  Can you service them and make sure they are programmed appropriately for my current hearing needs?

     As long as I have access to the manufacturer’s software I can program them for your current hearing needs.  

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How often do hearing aid batteries need to be changed?  

     That depends on several factors.  Some batteries need to be changed as often as every 4 or 5 days while some can last up to 2 weeks.  It is not difficult for most people to change the batteries. There are also hearing aids that use rechargeable batteries so you don’t need to change them!  Just plug them in to the charger when you are not wearing them.  

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Can I just order hearing aids off the internet and have you program them for me?

     You have to be very careful when ordering hearing aids through mail order or the internet.  You may not be getting what you think you are. Some can be programmed while others cannot. There may not be any warranty on them for repairs or you may not be able to return them for a refund is they do not meet your needs.  It is always better to seek the advice of a professional for such an important purchase. ​