I've been a practicing audiologist in western North Carolina since 1981. Following are the most currently held myths about hearing loss and hearing aids. These myths are no longer true...

Myth #1 "Hearing loss can't be prevented in the later years."
Not true! Studies show that the majority of hearing loss in the senior years is due to many years of noise exposure. I have a program available which will assess your risk for hearing impairment and provide preventive measures to preserve your current hearing.

Myth #2 "All hearing aid services are alike impersonal and expensive. "
Not true! I really care. I will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your important questions, take care of your personal hearing needs, and if hearing aids are recommended (I don't always assume so), I'll match your hearing instrument with your lifestyle and financial situation. I'll explain all procedures and findings, make recommendations, and gladly demonstrate the many options available to you. You can count on my expert care, my experience of fitting thousands of individuals with hearing instruments since 1977, and a choice from our complete selection of brand name, world-class hearing aids - all at everyday fair pricing.

Myth #3 "Hearing aids don't work. I've been disappointed before. "
I find the majority of people who are unhappy with their hearing aids have been fit with the wrong one or were not given accurate information about the product they purchased. In North Carolina, anyone can fit hearing aids as long as they are "18 years of age, have completed high school, are free of contagious diseases, of good moral character, apprentices for one year under someone currently selling hearing aids and pass a written exam." Thus you have the hearing aid dealer meeting minimum requirements, and the audiologist with at least a master's degree (and some like myself with a doctorate degree) at each end of the educational spectrum. Audiological training encompasses understanding hearing instruments as only part of the total hearing rehabilitation package.

If a professional recommendation for amplification is made and YOU make the decision to proceed, the following steps will occur:

AUDIOLOGICAL EVALUATION
This is the initial hearing evaluation which determines the presence or absence of hearing loss, the ear(s) affected, the degree of loss, the frequency(s) most affected, and the type of loss. Most hearing losses are sensorineural in nature and are not treatable with surgery or medication. Therefore, hearing aids and other amplification systems will be recommended.

EAR IMPRESSION
Assuming you are ready to begin the amplification process, putty is placed into the ear to allow hearing aids or earmolds to be custom fitted to the shape of your ear. The impression and test results are then sent to the manufacturer so your hearing aids can be made. It takes approximately two weeks to receive the finished product.

HEARING AID EVALUATION AND DISPENSING
Once your hearing aids arrive, we schedule a hearing aid evaluation, a computerized test called speech mapping designed to verify the performance. This probe microphone analysis objectively evaluates the hearing aid(s) performance while worn in your ears. Following the evaluation, there will be an in-depth hearing aid orientation. This will prepare you for adjustment to wearing hearing aids and instruct you on the proper operation and maintenance of the device(s). Family participation is highly encouraged.

HEARING AID CHECK AT 30 DAYS
The benefits of amplification are best determined by using the aids on a daily basis. Each person responds differently to hearing aids, and it is up to you to make a decision as to the benefit. It is your responsibility to wear the hearing aids every day during this period. As an audiologist I can offer my expertise and knowledge in technology, but I'm only a small part of the equation. You must be motivated to wear the devices and participate in the adjustment period. Learning to hear again is not something we do with just our ears, but our brain is involved. The older the brain and the longer one has been hearing impaired, the longer and more difficult the adjustment. Studies show it can take the brain 6 to 24 months to readapt to sound. If for any reason during the month period you are unable to wear the hearing aids, we want you to call and leave a message so we can help immediately.

FOLLOW UP
Most of our hearing aids have a two year warranty. Follow-up visits will be scheduled at 30 days after purchase, at six months and at the end of the warranty period. During the warranty period, these check-ups are provided at no charge. If problems arise between these scheduled visits, an appointment can be made as needed. The hearing aids are repaired at no charge during the two year warranty period. Recasing or remolding of the devices is provided at no charge for one year. After the warranty has expired, additional hearing aid repairs incur charges from the manufacturer. The charges range from $155 to $325 for hearing aids under 5 years of age. An office visit charge will apply after the warranty period.

REFUNDS
If you return an instrument and choose not to be fit with another, Asheville Audiology Services will keep 10% of the cost. We cannot give refunds or exchanges for hearing aids kept longer than 90 days nor for hearing aids showing obvious signs of mistreatment. If you cancel your hearing aid order after the ear mold impressions are made, there will be a $55 charge, per ear.