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Frequently Asked Questions:
How much do hearing aids cost?
That is a difficult question to answer because prices can vary as much as they do for watches or cars. The cost depends on the size of the aid and the sophistication of the circuitry. It can range from as little as $850 to as much as $3600. Not everyone needs the highest technology aids to hear better. Generally, the least expensive devices us the conventional technology which has been used for many years. The most expensive hearing aids are very miniaturized and contain the newest and most innovative technologies including programmable and 100% digital hearing aids. With modern hearing aids, you have many choices and it is important to discuss your own particular priorities with your audiologist.
What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who has earned a graduate degree in the diagnosis and management of people with hearing disorders. Audiologists are also licensed by the state to select, fit and dispense hearing aids. The audiologist is not a medical doctor and does not treat hearing disorders with medicine or surgery. Audiologists are experts in understanding how hearing disorders affect people's lives and finding individual solutions for hearing problems.
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Does insurance cover the cost of hearing aids?
Most major insurance companies do not cover hearing aids. Some managed care organizations have negotiated discounted prices on hearing aids from certain providers. If you have received any literature about these discounts, bring it with you to your appointment. We will be happy to contact your insurance company in advance for you, to confirm what benefits you have.
Who are you a provider for?
Albertsons Employees Plan, SCAN, National Ear Care Plan (NECP), Blue Shield of California, Blue Cross, Cigna (HMO or out of network), Aetna, Health Net PPO only, UCFW, Operating Engineers, Orange County Foundation, Orange County Foundation, and Joint Benefit Trust Fund of Teamsters Union. Many managed care organizations negotiate special discounts for their members. Even if we are not listed as a provider, bring your discount information and we will do our best to honor it. For example, we give discounts to members of: Kaiser, Secure Horizons, Consumer Health Advantage and Blue Cross 65 Plus.
Do you give free hearing tests?
No, we do charge a fee because our hearing testing is done by a university-trained licensed audiologist who performs a diagnostic test. Our first concern is to rule out a medical cause for hearing loss. Some private insurance companies do cover the audiogram fee.
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What is the cost of a hearing examination?
 A comprehensive hearing evaluation in our office costs $85. If you do not have insurance coverage for testing, we will reduce the fee to $40. Our specialized testing is performed by an audiologist and includes evaluating your hearing sensitivity for tones, and for speech. Also, the audiologist will check your ears for wax or abnormalities prior to the testing. If you think this evaluation may be covered by your insurance, we can get your insurance details over the phone in advance of your appointment and call to verify your coverage. Sometimes, managed care companies will pay for testing if you are referred by your primary care physician. We would be more than happy to look into it for you.
How much time does the testing take?
We allow a half hour for testing only, or one hour if you think you will want some information on hearing aids.
How do I know which hearing aid is best for me?
You probably don't. You need a complete hearing test to determine whether you are even a candidate for hearing aids. Once medical hearing problems have been ruled out, our audiologist will try to learn more about your individual needs and expectations. She will then offer suggestions for the styles and circuits which will meet your particular needs best, and answer any questions you may have.
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What brand do you carry?
Most people do not realize that a hearing loss is as unique as fingerprints. What may be perfect for one person may be completely inappropriate for another. We work with many different hearing aid manufacturers, because one brand doesn't suit everyone. Our goal is to choose what suits your needs best. Your hearing test, your anatomy and your expectations all affect what aids will be best for you.
What is the process for getting a hearing aid?
The first important step is to be examined by an audiologist to determine the extent of your hearing problem. Following that, the audiologist will explain the test findings in detail, and if needed, refer you for treatment of any medical condition affecting your hearing. If hearing aids are appropriate, she will explain the most suitable styles and technology for your particular hearing problem. When you feel comfortable with the devices selected, the audiologist will make impressions of your ears and order the hearing aids. The instruments will be ready for fitting about two weeks later.
 Does your office offer an evaluation period for hearing aids?
Our practice offers a 60 day evaluation period on most hearing aids we dispense. During that period, our audiologist will take the necessary steps to insure that you are getting the most from your new aids. At any time during the trial period, if you decide that these hearing devices are not working for you, simply return them and your money will be refunded.
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What is Hear For Life®?
Hear for Life® was a national network of experienced audiologists in private practice who followed very high standards of patient care. They believed that setting realistic expectations and providing consistent follow-up care, were the keys to patient satisfaction with hearing aids.
Although the Hear For Life®network no longer exits, we continue to use the name because their high standards still apply to our practice.
Do you repair hearing aids?
 We are fortunate to have an experienced repair expert on staff to service and repair instruments. Most routine in-house servicing costs $20.00 to $25.00 and includes a Midas Vacuum System treatment, which removes moisture, wax and humidity from the instrument, as well as careful cleaning of your aid. Our office is very busy. Appointments are encouraged to avoid disappointment. If we must send your instrument to the lab for repair, the cost is normally $180 to $280 with a six month warranty, and usually takes 7-10 days.
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Insurance reminder.
If we're not listed as providers on your HMO, PPO, Secure Horizons or other plans, and you've been offered discounted hearing services or products through them, bring in the information you've receive and we'll go out of our way to work something out.
Earmold retubing and in-office service.
In hot summer months, one of the most frequent reasons for failure of behind-the-ear aids is a drop of moisture in the tubing. This happens more frequently in old tubes which have shrunk and become hard.
Do you speak to outside groups about hearing?
Hearing loss affects one in ten Americans-one in three over age 65. Yet it is widely misunderstood. Much of this misunderstanding, I believe, comes from overselling of hearing aids in TV commercials and elsewhere. As a result, many people have a negative image of the hearing industry or unrealistic expectations about what hearing instruments can do. That's a shame, because proper hearing care and hearing aids can improve the ability to hear, and to understand speech, and communication is what makes life worthwhile. As an audiologist, I strongly believe that satisfaction with hearing aids depends on being a well-informed consumer, having the right expectations, and having careful consistent follow-up care. If you belong to a group that hosts speaking engagements (and meets within seven miles of my office location), please consider me! I can tailor a talk to your group's interests.
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