Frequently Asked Questions

About Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, & More

Signs of hearing loss include trouble hearing people when they speak, having to turn up the TV to hear it, muffled hearing, and inability to hear background noises. 

However, hearing loss can be hard to notice because it can occur gradually. To determine if you have hearing loss, schedule an evaluation at Audiology Associates of Westchester.  

A hearing aid is an electronic device placed in the ear that enhances sound by sending signals to the ear. 

While hearing damage can’t be reversed, hearing itself can be improved due to modern day hearing aids. Hearing aids help by sending a signal to the hair cells in your ear, which then send the sound to your brain, which make your brain think the sound is louder. 

• Audiologists - An audiologist has a master’s or doctorate degree in audiology and can test for and treat hearing loss. 
• Hearing Instrument Specialists– As you would expect, a hearing aid specialist can help provide a hearing aid and fit it to match the patient.
• Otolaryngologists- An otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) can diagnose problems with the ears, nose, throat, neck, and head. 

The only way to find out for sure if a hearing aid will help you is to have your hearing tested. Make an appointment today! 

There are two main types of hearing aids: ones that are placed inside the ear and ones that are placed behind the ear. 

Digital and analog hearing aids differ in the ways they move sound waves. While analog ones amplify sound, digital hearing aids convert sound into bits of information that the hearing aid can then pass on to your ear.

The best way to determine what hearing aid will work for you is to have a hearing test performed by Audiology Associates of Westchester.

You will be able to hear more accurately and clearly with a hearing aid in each ear. Wearing just one will make it hard to understand where the sound is coming from.

Most hearing aid users take a few months to acclimate completely to wearing them. Further adjustments may also be required, but it’s normal to take some time to get comfortable. 

Hearing aids are an investment that require some maintenance to last for a long time. Follow these tips to care for yours:

• Avoid heat, moisture, and hair products.
• Follow the cleaning instructions. 
• When not in use, turn them off.
• As soon as batteries die, replace them.

Make sure you put your batteries where children and pets can’t reach them. 

Hearing aids are more advanced today than ever. They are more affordable, smaller, powerful, and inconspicuous. Some of them can even interact with smart phones.

Your insurance company may provide some financial assistance for hearing aids, so we suggest contacting them first. If you find out they do not provide financial assistance, and you don’t have Medicaid or Medicare, call us. 

Some of the most important work we do involves fitting, adjusting, and programming hearing aids. If you purchase a hearing aid online, you will be using a hearing aid that isn’t programmed or fitted to your ear and your needs.