The diagnosis of hearing loss can be an emotional experience. If your tests indicate that you can benefit from hearing aids, we understand it can be a little overwhelming. What kinds are there? Which ones do you need? How does this change your lifestyle? What if you don’t like them? You’ll likely have a lot of questions. That’s okay— our Doctors of Audiology can make sure you’re comfortable and are able to make the best, most informed decision for you. Along with answering your questions, we can make sure we identify the hearing technology that fits you best with a hearing aid fitting.

At NYHD, we know that pursuing hearing aids can be a big step. It can mean accepting that you have hearing loss. It can mean a few extra steps in your daily routine. It can mean learning some new technology. Whatever your concerns, our Doctors of Audiology can make sure you have everything you need to begin hearing clearly again and enjoying all the sounds that life has to offer.

What Are Hearing Aids?

Although you’ve probably experienced the trope of a grandparent with an archaic hearing aid that whistles and doesn’t work, modern-day hearing aids are extremely advanced. Not only do they transmit sound more efficiently than ever, but they can come with a few technological perks like Bluetooth, directional technology, background noise reduction, and multiple processing channels. Virtually all hearing aids on the market today work using digital technology, meaning the sounds are picked up by a microphone and are converted from analog to digital, processed, enhanced, and converted back before being delivered to the ear canal.

Hearing Aid FAQs

Can you sleep with a hearing aid in?

Its recommended to take hearing aids out while sleeping, opening the battery cover to preserve electrical charge.

Does wearing a hearing aid make your hearing worse?

When not wearing your hearing aids, it can feel like your hearing has become worse. However, this is because youve adjusted to the new “normal” level of hearing that your devices help you achieve.

How can I improve my hearing without a hearing aid?

Unless your hearing loss is caused by earwax buildup, the best way to improve your hearing is by preventing it from deteriorating in the first place. This means living a healthy, active lifestyle and protecting your hearing from loud sounds and exposures over time.

How do you hold your phone with a hearing aid?

You can hold the phone as you normally would with a hearing aid.

How do you reduce background noise in a hearing aid?

Wearing two hearing aids with binaural processing allows you to reduce background noise.

Are expensive hearing aids better?

The cost of a hearing aid is not an accurate indicator of its effectiveness. A thorough hearing assessment at NYHD can better help you decide which hearing aid will be best for your unique condition.

Do you need a prescription to get hearing aids?

Although hearing aids can be purchased without a prescription or hearing exam, having a hearing assessment by an audiologist can be a more focused way to determine what type of hearing aid will be effective for you.

Does AARP help with hearing aids?

Members of AARP may benefit from their Hearing Care Program, which offers discounts on hearing aids and hearing devices.

Does Medicare pay for a hearing aid?

No. Medicare does not cover costs for hearing aids or hearing aid fittings. We can discuss your financing options during your appointment with our Doctors of Audiology.

Does wearing hearing aids help with tinnitus?

Hearing aids are actually one treatment option for certain types of tinnitus because they can be optimized to cancel out the perception of ear ringing.

How long do hearing aids last?

Hearing aids last an average of three to seven years.

How many channels do I need in my hearing aid?

On average, patients need between 9 and 18 channels to restore their hearing.

Is it OK to use only one hearing aid?

If you have normal hearing in one ear and hearing loss in the other, there is no reason not to wear just one hearing aid.

Can I buy hearing aids over the counter?

Yes. Some hearing aids are available without a prescription, although other, more advanced technologies require a professional evaluation to purchase.

Do cheap hearing aids work?

This can depend heavily on the type. Your Doctor of Audiology is your best source of hearing aid information since you may need your hearing aids optimized for your specific degree of hearing loss, which cheap hearing aids may not be able to provide.

Is it hard to hear on a phone with hearing aid?

This depends on the type of hearing aid and how well it’s been prescribed. Newer hearing aids allow you to sync to your smartphone and answer directly through your hearing aids, making it easy to hear clearly while on the phone.

What is the average lifespan of a hearing aid?

The lifespan of your hearing aids depends on factors such as how well you care for them and their manufacturing quality. Our team can recommend ways to get the most life out of your hearing aids during a consultation.

Should you wear a hearing aid all day?

You should wear your hearing aids as much as possible, except when sleeping or showering, for example. This allows you to hear as you would normally, ensuring you enjoy all the benefits of your hearing aids.

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Hearing aids remain the most effective way to treat hearing loss, and getting the most out of them requires the expertise of a knowledgeable Doctor of Audiology. Like any other device, hearing aids need ongoing maintenance and calibration to work at their best. Learn more about your hearing aid options and the comprehensive experience you can find here at NYHD.

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What Type of Hearing Aid is Best for Me?

Although this can seem complicated and high-tech, we offer a wide selection of hearing aids that can be matched to your preference for ease and simplicity. Most hearing loss patients opt for RIC hearing aids or receivers in the canal. This means that the speaker rests within the ear canal and is connected to the hardware that rests behind the ear with a thin wire. This type of hearing aid offers the best compromise between accessibility and concealment for many patients. Other styles of hearing aids include CIC, ITC, ITE, BTE, and OTC Hearing aids.

Still, there are many different types and styles, so it can be helpful to think about the factors that are most important to you when considering your options. For example, if you have trouble manipulating small things, we can find a hearing aid that makes it easy for you to adjust them. Or, if you want them to be as discreet as possible, we can find a type that is easily concealable.

Why are high frequency sounds typically the first to go in hearing loss?

High-frequency hearing loss is a condition where people have difficulty hearing sounds between the 2,000 to 8,000 Hertz range. This means that certain high-frequency verbal sounds like ‘s’, ‘h’, or ‘f’, (the consonants) are more…

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Hearing Aid Style FAQs

Do cheap hearing aids work?

You’ll get what you pay for when it comes to hearing aids. Although cheaper hearing aids may be friendlier on your budget, they may not last as long or work as effectively.

What is the average cost of a hearing aid?

Prescription hearing aids can be as expensive as $8,000, although they can be as cheap as $2,000.

Is Eargo a good hearing aid?

There are pros and cons to Eargo hearing aids. Your Doctor of Audiology can determine if they’re a good option for you during your appointment.

Which is better analog or digital hearing aids?

Analog hearing aids are becoming less common as digital ones can process the sound coming in to account for environmental sounds as distinct from speech, making it much easier to hear what you want.

How do I choose a hearing aid?

It can be helpful to think about what functions and features you want in a hearing aid. Whether you want the latest tech or want a simple, low-hassle model, your Doctor of Audiology can help you choose the right one.

What is the most discreet hearing aid?

The lowest-profile hearing aid is called completely in the canal or CIC, but it may not be recommended for everyone, as its only capable of helping mild to moderate hearing loss.

Is Miracle Ear A good hearing aid?

Miracle-Ear hearing aids come with the benefit of a custom fitting by your Doctor of Audiology, unlike many online hearing aid providers. This makes them a better option for many patients.

Is Miracle Ear the best hearing aid?

Each patient will have specific needs when it comes to hearing aids. Your Doctor of Audiology can help you find the best option for you during your appointment.

What are the different types of hearing aids?

The most popular types of hearing aids are fitted either in the canal, in the ear, or behind the ear.

When should you get a hearing aid?

You should consider getting a hearing aid if you experience permanent hearing loss and are having trouble maintaining the lifestyle you want because of it.

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Hearing Aids Comparisons

There are many different hearing aid models available, so the best place to start when determinging which one is right for you, is by looking at a basic overview of each option.

BTE Hearing Aids

BTE stands for behind the ear. This type of hearing aid hooks over the top of the ear and rests behind the ear. A thin tube connects to a custom molded earpiece that sits inside the ear. Traditionally this is the largest and least discreet hearing aid.

ITE Hearing Aids

ITE hearing aids, or in ear hearing aids, are a style of custom ear molds that sit in the lower half of your ear or can be fitted to the size of your full ear. This style of hearing aid is suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.

ITC Hearing Aids

ITC hearing aids work to improve mild to moderate hearing loss with a custom molded earpiece that sits partially in the ear canal. This is one of the more discreet hearing aid models.

CIC Hearing Aids

CIC hearing aids fit completely inside the ear canal. They are a virtually invisible hearing aid making them an attractive option. Because these hearing aids are so small, they have a shorter battery life compared to most hearing aids.

OTC Hearing Aids

OTC hearing aids are over-the-counter and can be purchased without a perscription. This makes them a convenient, and sometimes less expensive option, but it is not make them the right choice for you. Custom hearing aids prescribed, fitted, and monitered by a hearing care professional will always be the best choice.

Why is Hearing Aid Fitting & Care Important?

Even after you’ve chosen the best hearing aid technology for you and your needs, there’s still the important process of fitting, adjusting, and caring for your new hearing aids. This makes sure that your hearing aids are comfortable, effective, and long-lasting. Our Doctors of Audiology can also make sure that your hearing aids are programmed properly and you know how to take care of them.

The most important thing to remember is that hearing aid technology is just a component of your ultimate success. It’s not only about the physical devices that rest in your ears. It’s only at the hands of a caring Doctor of Audiology that you receive the appropriate level of expertise and attention required to achieve your hearing health goals.

Hearing Aid Battery FAQs

Are all 312 hearing aid batteries the same?

Although 312 batteries vary by brand and manufacturer, the sizing remains the same and will fit any hearing aid that requires 312 batteries. You may notice differences in quality and performance, however.

Are hearing aid batteries Lithium?

Newer rechargeable batteries use lithium-ion, while older disposable batteries are made with zinc compounds. Your Doctor of Audiology can help you understand which type you’ll need.

Can I get free hearing aid batteries?

Doctors and hearing aid providers will sometimes run promotions for free batteries or include the cost of battery refills in the initial cost of the hearing aids.

Do you have to pay for hearing aid batteries?

Usually, yes. However, there are many non-profit and government organizations that help people afford the long-term cost of hearing aids, depending on which state you live in and your overall eligibility.

Are 392 and 384 batteries the same?

Yes. 392 384 batteries are compatible with certain hearing aid models.

Are rechargeable batteries worth it?

Although rechargeable batteries can be a more sustainable option, they can come at a higher cost. The best option for you can depend on your preferences and budget.

Are 312 batteries rechargeable?

Currently, rechargeable batteries are available for some standard BTE and RIC models. If you’re interested in rechargeable batteries, your Doctor of Audiology can help you find the right kind for your model.

Can I take hearing aid batteries in my hand luggage?

Its usually best to simply wear your hearing aids as you go through security - they dont set off metal detectors and can help you hear and understand any instructions being given.

Does heat affect hearing aid batteries?

In extreme heat, your hearing aids can be affected in many ways, from distortion, damage, and shortening the battery life.

Does humidity affect battery life?

Yes, humid environments can affect the clarity of sound and damage the delicate technology thats calibrated for a dry environment.

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What Can I Expect at NYHD?

The fitting of all hearing aids includes an adjustment period. During this period, you’ll be guided through a series of appointments to ensure your hearing aids fit appropriately. These appointments include a follow-up with your Doctor of Audiology to review personal, real-world experiences with your hearing aid technology; adjustments, measurements of function with your devices in place, and a series of speech tests to verify the function of your new hearing aids.

During an appointment with our Doctors of Audiology, we spend significant time ensuring all of our patients are treated at the highest standard of care possible. We believe that all patients deserve the best that we can offer— without compromise. If you need to speak with us about your hearing aids, we can recommend the right steps for your lifestyle and your budget. In short, we’re here to make sure you’re fit with hearing aids that are right for your needs with the professional care you want.

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"First time here and right away I could tell the doctors and staff were welcoming and professional! Great team and convenient location!"
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Hearing aids remain the most effective way to treat hearing loss, and getting the most out of them requires the expertise of a knowledgeable Doctor of Audiology. Like any other device, hearing aids need ongoing maintenance and calibration to work at their best. Learn more about your hearing aid options and the comprehensive experience you can find here at NYHD.