HOW TO GUIDE 2013
choose a heaRING aID sPecIaLIsT
Learning how to choose a hearing aid is just as important as buying a hearing aid.
Important Points... • Don’t Leave Without a Test. after your get your hearing aid, don’t leave the office without checking whether it fits and works properly. • Check the Price tag. hearing aids can cost anywhere between $1,200 and $2,500 and may not be covered by some insurance plans. • Follow-Up. Most manufacturers allow a 30 days trial period, so follow-ups are a must. You’ll want assurance that your device is working perfectly within that period. • Get Educated. ask your clinician about aural education and rehabilitation, some of which can be done at home or through group sessions. This may make your transition to using a hearing device even more seamless.
Hearing loss is often a slow and gradual process, so by the time you’re ready to look into a hearing aid, you may already have a specialist in mind. If not, now’s a great time to start and it could be as simple as getting a referral from your primary care physician. If you are more inclined to research and ask around for recommendations, there are several things to keep in mind. Choosing the right specialist is important to properly addressing your specific needs. Take your time and choose a professional that will get you in a comfortable device that works for you. A reputable clinician should work with you every step of the way to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible with the device you choose. Hearing aid devices are completely different today than the ones your grandparents relied on, and the technology is advancing all the time. You will have options, so make sure to do your research before you make an appointment. Only you know what you can live with every day and this way, you’ll know what questions to ask. Your hearing aid clinician should have extensive experience in all different kinds of hearing aid devices and should be able to explain the difference between each. Varying shapes, sizes and brands apply to different situations and your specialist should not have a loyalty to any one manufacturer. A good clinician will listen to your needs and answer all of your questions. He or she should be able to offer information about your hearing aid and additional resources if necessary. Always feel comfortable contacting your specialist if you are uncomfortable or if you feel the
The number one thing to remember is that your hearing device will only be as good as your hearing health professional. device isn’t working properly. You deserve the best care possible. Making the right decisions The number one thing to remember is that your hearing device will only be as good as your hearing health professional. Once you’ve scheduled your appointment, ask a friend or relative to come along with you. Two people hear and remember more, so you may want a back up set of ears. Most people suffer from some degree of hearing loss for an average of five to seven years before they go in for a hearing aid. Because the process is so slow, most don’t realize there’s a problem until their hearing has degenerated quite a bit. Unfortunately, the worse the hearing loss, the more difficult it is for your brain to adjust to hearing aids. Try to act quickly if you think you may be having a problem hearing. During your visit, you should be given a hearing test in a soundproof booth. This lets the specialist know what kind
of hearing loss you have and how much it’s progressed. Your hearing aid will be programmed specifically for you, which is why several follow-up appointments for adjustments and tests are performed. Not everyone will find the perfect fit for their degree of hearing loss, and for these cases, there are custom options. You may want to consider this fact if you’re looking for cheaper options online or at a big box retail store. Take the time and money to get fit properly by a professional. That being said, with a hearing specialist, you should be able to try before you buy. Ask for demonstrations of the hearing aids he or she recommends for you. Sometimes, a simulated sound field can demonstrate how the hearing aid works in particular situations. For instance, it will work differently in noisy and quiet situations and should be adjustable. You don’t want add-ons you don’t need, but it won’t hurt to ask what else technology has to offer. Directional microphones that help you hear in noisy places, telecoils that help with phone conversations, and feedback cancellation that prevent the hearing aid from squealing all may help. Many of these devises have rave reviews. Wireless technology makes it easier to use cellphones and televisions and earwax protection products can prevent malfunctions. Consider your lifestyle and share your specific concerns with your hearing specialist. He or she may be able to suggest items like these and others to help you in your journey.
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DESIGNED TO FIT YOUR LIFE Every hearing aid in the LOOK family has been designed to perform in the most challenging listening situations. Whether you’re active and on the go or living life at a more leisurely pace, there’s a LOOK hearing aid that fits with the way you live.
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a set of LOOK Hearing Instruments. Exp. 3/15/13
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For almost 4 years I couldn’t hear much, it was really embarrassing. Since I got my new hearing aids From Garrett Hearing Center a whole new world opened up for me, I can hear everything again. My hearing aids are so easy to use and care for Renee has a wonderful staff, always very attentive. Ann Garcia, Merced I have been doing business with Garrett Hearing Center for many years & have always been very satisfied with my hearing aids, with Renee & her staff. I am so pleased with my new hearing aids I am not missing any conversation, nobody even knows I am wearing hearing aids unless I tell them.
Pack of premium hearing aid batteries.
Ruth Natera, Winton
Limit 1, 4 pack batteries Exp. 3/15/13
We Are Experts in Hearing Healthcare
We’ve been helping your friends and neighbors with their hearing needs for over 30 years. We understand how hearing loss can make life more difficult than it has to be, affecting the people around you and how you live your life. Our goal is to help our patients understand how much they could benefit from better hearing, and give the gift of hearing back to those who have lost it. Call us today for a free consultation & hearing evaluation.
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1-800-564-5502 or 209-722-3325
Renee A. Garrett, BC-HIS
*Individual results may vary. 02890-12 R0 ©2012 NuEar
780 W. Olive Ave. Suite 100 Merced, CA
00137199
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HOW TO GUIDE 2013