Education

We are committed to educating our patients about their hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Click a question to read more.)

Yes, wearing your hearing aids all day gets you used to your environment and the sounds around you. This way, when someone enters your environment, your brain will be used to all the new sounds around you and you can focus on the conversation.

Some hearing aids inhibit your ears natural ability to clean themselves, resulting in more wax buildup. We can remove that wax in our office without the use of water.

Hearing aids do tend to be expensive. Usually hearing aids are bundled together with other services like follow up appointments, cleanings and repairs, and future visits, so they will be protected for many years. When purchasing hearing aids, ask your provider what’s included and have them show you the added value.

At your first appointment, you will meet one of our providers. You will be given a video otoscopic evaluation to visually inspect the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and confirm that everything looks free of wax and infection.

Next, you will be given a comprehensive hearing evaluation with pure tones and speech. The results of this test will be explained to you in-depth. Then you will see a video model of your ear and shown what is determined to be the issue. If it’s determined that you need to see a medical doctor, you will then be scheduled for this. If it’s determined that you could benefit from hearing devices, we will collect information about your lifestyle and needs. Then we will explain your device options to you.

Hearing Myths

Although this can be true, it is not always the case. Be careful when looking for hearing aids. Make sure it’s an independent practice not owned by any manufacturers. Owned or contracted practices tend to be more expensive and have less options. There are cheaper options for hearing aids, and you don’t have to spend a fortune. We have cheaper hearing aids available. If you are not given the choice for cheaper aids, shop around. We offer affordable hearing aids for any budget, including services.

Hearing aids do work, and they work well. Although hearing aids may not work perfectly for everyone, they do amazing things. Issues tend to arise when users do not have proper expectations for their hearing aids or receive proper counseling. We always make sure to educate our patients properly, and if the hearing aids just don’t work for you, we allow you to return them.

With some hearing aids, squeaking is normal when your hand is cupped or when your ears are extremely close to something. Hearing aids have onboard feedback cancelation. Squeaking can also be caused by ear wax. If the hearing aids squeak when you are just walking around, it usually means they are not programmed correctly or you have a dirty hearing aid/ear wax.

This is not true. All hearing aids sound different and vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. That’s why Western Hearing Clinic makes the commitment to be the only hearing clinic in the panhandle to be truly independent and free of any contracts forcing us to have quantity commitments to anyone. We assess your needs, wants, and price range, and will get you a hearing aid that fits for you.

Our hearing aids are programmed to your hearing loss and can be adjusted to reduce this noise. If you are getting too much background noise than the hearing aid is not programmed correctly. Some background noise should be expected, however not overwhelming.

Tips for Hearing Aid Wearers

  • When first getting your hearing aids, we suggest wearing them as much as possible. There will be an adjustment period and it’s important to get used to them as quickly as possible.
  • Remove hearing aids at night. This gives your ears a chance to dry out and avoid infection. It also will preserve the battery in your hearing aids.
  • Some hearing aids may cause some buildup of ear wax. It is important to monitor this and come to the clinic to get it removed or checked.
  • If hearing aids are suddenly not working, it’s important to check the cleanliness of the device. It can stop functioning with just the smallest amount of wax or skin buildup. It’s important to keep the devices free of debris.
  • If the hearing aids squeak, while you are sitting on the couch or just walking around a room, they need to be adjusted. If you place your hand over the devices and they scream at you, this is normal and should not be considered defective or in need of repair.
Man fly fishing

Tips for Communicating

  • It’s important to get the attention of the individual or loved one that you are trying to talk to or relay information to before you start talking to them. This allows the individual with hearing loss to direct their attention to you and focus on the information being relayed.
  • Arm rule- If you and the individual you are communicating with has severe or profound loss, hold out your arms and be close enough for your finger tips to touch. This will do a few things. One allow the individual to be able to see your lips and help them understand. It will also ensure you are close enough to have a meaningful conversation.
Two women having a conversation about hearing aids

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is sometimes a sign of a larger issue. If you suspect you may have hearing loss, it’s best to schedule a hearing test.

 

Not all hearing loss (such as conductive hearing loss) can be treated with hearing aids and sometimes you may need medical intervention. As the only medical based hearing clinic in the area, we have a Medical Doctor in our building who can treat any issues that cannot be treated with hearing aids. Cerumen impaction is compacted ear wax in the ear canal, which keeps sound from reaching the cochlea. This can easily be removed by our providers and may improve your hearing immediately.

 

Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss cause by a number of things. It’s known as damage to the cochlea and is considered a permanent hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is usually treated with hearing aids or devices. Some causes of this type of hearing loss are genetics or exposure to sound.

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