Audiology FAQs

Who is an audiologist?

An audiologist is a healthcare professional who diagnoses, evaluates and manages hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children based on his/her extensive experience, training and skills.

Can hearing aids make my hearing worse?

When correctly selected, fitted, programmed and used, a hearing aid can never make your hearing worse. It actually provides the needed amplification to cover your hearing needs in different listening situations, and helps preserve the ability to understand speech by keeping sensory cells active.

What is the average lifespan of hearing aids batteries and can they be recharged?

  1. Battery used for in-the-ear hearing aids: five to seven days
  2. Battery used in behind-the-ear hearing aids: seven to 10 days
  3. Rechargeable batteries

Are hearing aids and cochlear implants water resistant?

The newly advanced audio processors in hearing aids and cochlear implants are not meant to be used underwater while swimming or taking a shower, yet they can withstand damaging factors like sweat and dirt during long usage hours.

Would a hearing aid fall out of the user’s ears?

Hearing aids are custom-designed, taking into account the patient’s ear size and shape. Therefore, the end product is a hearing aid that is designed to fit perfectly into the patient’s ear.

Do hearing tests hurt?

The wide variety of hearing tests implemented on adults and children do not cause any pain.

Why do hearing aids vary in price?

Hearing aids come in a wide range of technological advancements and performance capabilities, thus resulting in devices that vary in cost.

Which type of hearing aid works best for me?

Hearing aids are available in different sizes and styles and are classified according to their performance capabilities. Your audiologist is most suited and qualified to give you the best advice on which hearing aid to pick based on several variables. These include: Your hearing loss type and degree, the listening environments you are usually present in, the required communication options within the hearing aids, cosmetic concerns, dexterity issues if present, and budget.

How long does the hearing test last?

Testing an adult typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes. Testing children can take longer, reaching almost an hour, and might even require several sessions to be completed, depending on the child’s cooperation.

Is it necessary to use hearing aids in both ears?

If the hearing loss exists in both ears then the answer is simply yes. There are a number of reasons why two hearing aids can be better than one:

  1. They offer better hearing when background noise is present.
  2. You get an improved sense of where sounds are coming from.
  3. They prevent the possible deterioration of the unaided ear.

How long do hearing aids last and remain functional?

The average lifespan of hearing aids is approximately five years depending on how well the user takes care of the hearing aid.

How often should I have my hearing checked?

Patients are recommended to have their hearing checked on an annual basis, especially if hearing loss has already been established in a previous hearing test.

My hearing loss is not that significant and I can manage. Why should I bother to get a hearing aid?

Untreated hearing loss can progress, in some cases rapidly, resulting in a condition known as ‘auditory deprivation’, which leads to the person’s inability to distinguish and understand certain words.

If I don’t use the hearing aids would my hearing loss deteriorate?

Untreated hearing loss can progress, in some cases rapidly, resulting in a condition known as ‘auditory deprivation’, which leads to the person’s inability to distinguish and understand certain words.

Does the use of hearing aids deteriorate my hearing loss?

No. The use of hearing aids not only improves your quality of life, enhances your communication capabilities and assists you in better understanding speech, but it also stimulates your ears and prevents further and rapid deterioration of your hearing.

Are hearing aids difficult to manage and deal with?

There is a wide variety of discrete and comfortable options that are, in most cases, virtually unnoticeable and require only cleaning and battery replacement by the patient as everything is operated automatically.

How can I take care of my hearing aids?

The following tips can help extend the lifespan of your hearing aids:

  1. Clean the hearing aids as instructed by the audiologist, as wax accumulation can damage your hearing aids, especially the ones placed in the ear.
  2. Avoid hairspray and other hair products while wearing the hearing aids.
  3. Switch off the hearing aids when not in use; this also extends the battery life.
  4. Keep the hearing aids away from moisture and heat.
  5. Replace dead batteries immediately.
  6. Keep the hearing aids and batteries in a secure location away from young children.
  7. Meet your audiologist every few months to have the hearing aids regularly checked and cleaned.

Should I regularly follow-up after getting my hearing aids fitted?

Follow-up is the most important aspect of any hearing aid fitting, as hearing aids require a period of re-training your hearing. Additionally, periodic adjustments may be required to optimize performance, since the characteristics of the hearing loss might change over time, as might your preference in different listening situations.

Are cochlear implants compatible with FM systems?

Most audio processors in cochlear implants are compatible with FM technology. Always consult your audiologist for detailed information.