Buying a Hearing Aid
Unfortunately, the Attorney General's office would not give me permission to reprint the article. You can read the "Buying a Hearing Aid" article at the following web address. (go to page 10)
http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/uploadedFiles/Consumers/bcp_book.pdf
For a paper copy write to:
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
717-787-3391
This information is brought to you by Dr. Yoder of HearWell Center, Pittsburgh PA.
About HearWell Center
HearWell Center, located in Forest Hills, PA, provides the highest standard of care to patients with, or at high risk to hearing and vestibular disorders, in a respectful, friendly and professional environment. Audiologist Dr. Yoder maximizes the patient experience and enhances quality of life through individual-based audiology services including hearing tests, diagnostics, education, counseling, treatments, rehabilitation and devices (such as hearing aids, hearing protection assistive devices and alerting devices). To learn more: http://www.hearwellcenter.com/
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Hearing Aids Explained
Hearing aids now accommodate some of the biggest complaints consumers have with hearing aids: Feedback, Background Noise, and Unnatural Sound Quality
Feedback/Whistling
Hearing aids of the past had a tendency to whistle (called feedback), especially for people with more severe hearing loss. Technology today helps eliminate feedback in nearly all situations. Several hearing aids employ feedback cancellation to allow for greater power (amplification) without whistling.
Background Noise
Consumers of hearing aids in the past have struggled to hear in background noise (such as a noisy restaurant). Hearing aids today nearly always come standard with noise management and directional microphones. Both features help cut down on background noise while making it possible to have a conversation. Some hearing aids even do this automatically (others have a button to push).
Unnatural Sound Quality
Another great advancement in hearing aids is the ability to fit challenging hearing loss such as high frequency (high pitched) hearing loss. This hearing loss is very common in the older generation but can also be a result of noise-induced hearing loss found in all age groups. Previously, hearing aids had a tendency to “turn up” all frequencies (pitches) even if the wearer only needed help in the high frequencies. This often made hearing aids sound very unnatural. Today’s high frequency hearing aids allow for natural hearing while amplifying only the frequencies necessary for better hearing.
In addition to the above features hearing aids have even more flexibility with Automatic features, Datalogging and More channels/bands in the frequency resolution of the amplifier.
Automatic Features
Hearing aids can be ordered customized to your needs. You may want a hearing aid that automatically senses background noise and reduces it for your comfort. You may be looking for a hearing aid that will switch over to a phone setting automatically when the phone is placed up to the ear (no whistling). Or you may be looking for a hearing aid that can do both and more by sensing all types of sounds in the environment and making changes for you accordingly. This is a more expensive option, so make careful consideration of your needs for this type of feature. It may be more important for someone who is very active or needs to have use of their hands for other activities (and cannot be stopping to switch the hearing aid manually).
Datalogging
This feature, datalogging, is very new. The hearing aids on the market this year are introducing datalogging as a way for the hearing aid to keep track of your environment and the hearing aid’s activities. This eases the patient responsibility for remembering every time they changed a program or made a volume control adjustment. Because the hearing aid records all the activity on the computer chip, the audiologist can pull this information from the hearing aid and see how it was working for you from day to day and what type of environments you were in. This increased the ability of the audiologist to understand your needs and make adjustments to the hearing aids accordingly. Let’s face it, we don’t go around with a notebook all day and record our listening environments.
More Channels/Band
As the hearing aids advance they are better able to add clarity through increased numbers of channels or bands. This offers a better fitting aid because it can be more closely tuned to your hearing loss. Whereas the aids use to have one or two channels (low or high usually) now they can have anywhere from six to sixteen channels. Think off it as being able to choose how much low, mid and high pitch you want to a degree that is very fine tuned. In everyday terms, this gives you the ability to adjust the hearing aid to your best satisfaction.
What does “Digital” Mean?
With the move to digitization, most hearing aid on the market today are digital. You can compare this to your entertainment center. Try to think back to the quality of an audio tape versus a CD. Most of us probably agree that the CD offers better sound quality. Hearing aids also benefit from the change to digital technology with more stable sound quality and better utilization of extra features and programming. Digital means more possibilities, more possibilities means higher patient satisfaction
Please find other info enclosed. Be careful of the internet resources as there are many false claims online. If you ever have a question regarding these issues, it is best to contact your audiologist.
Written by: Suzanne Yoder, Au.D., HearWell Center
Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. is a doctor of audiology and founder of HearWell Center. She owns and operates a HearWell Center location in Forest Hills, PA (Pittsburgh). Please feel free to respond to this blog by emailing her at info@hearwellcenter.com. You can learn more about HearWell Center by visiting www.hearwellcenter.com
Feedback/Whistling
Hearing aids of the past had a tendency to whistle (called feedback), especially for people with more severe hearing loss. Technology today helps eliminate feedback in nearly all situations. Several hearing aids employ feedback cancellation to allow for greater power (amplification) without whistling.
Background Noise
Consumers of hearing aids in the past have struggled to hear in background noise (such as a noisy restaurant). Hearing aids today nearly always come standard with noise management and directional microphones. Both features help cut down on background noise while making it possible to have a conversation. Some hearing aids even do this automatically (others have a button to push).
Unnatural Sound Quality
Another great advancement in hearing aids is the ability to fit challenging hearing loss such as high frequency (high pitched) hearing loss. This hearing loss is very common in the older generation but can also be a result of noise-induced hearing loss found in all age groups. Previously, hearing aids had a tendency to “turn up” all frequencies (pitches) even if the wearer only needed help in the high frequencies. This often made hearing aids sound very unnatural. Today’s high frequency hearing aids allow for natural hearing while amplifying only the frequencies necessary for better hearing.
In addition to the above features hearing aids have even more flexibility with Automatic features, Datalogging and More channels/bands in the frequency resolution of the amplifier.
Automatic Features
Hearing aids can be ordered customized to your needs. You may want a hearing aid that automatically senses background noise and reduces it for your comfort. You may be looking for a hearing aid that will switch over to a phone setting automatically when the phone is placed up to the ear (no whistling). Or you may be looking for a hearing aid that can do both and more by sensing all types of sounds in the environment and making changes for you accordingly. This is a more expensive option, so make careful consideration of your needs for this type of feature. It may be more important for someone who is very active or needs to have use of their hands for other activities (and cannot be stopping to switch the hearing aid manually).
Datalogging
This feature, datalogging, is very new. The hearing aids on the market this year are introducing datalogging as a way for the hearing aid to keep track of your environment and the hearing aid’s activities. This eases the patient responsibility for remembering every time they changed a program or made a volume control adjustment. Because the hearing aid records all the activity on the computer chip, the audiologist can pull this information from the hearing aid and see how it was working for you from day to day and what type of environments you were in. This increased the ability of the audiologist to understand your needs and make adjustments to the hearing aids accordingly. Let’s face it, we don’t go around with a notebook all day and record our listening environments.
More Channels/Band
As the hearing aids advance they are better able to add clarity through increased numbers of channels or bands. This offers a better fitting aid because it can be more closely tuned to your hearing loss. Whereas the aids use to have one or two channels (low or high usually) now they can have anywhere from six to sixteen channels. Think off it as being able to choose how much low, mid and high pitch you want to a degree that is very fine tuned. In everyday terms, this gives you the ability to adjust the hearing aid to your best satisfaction.
What does “Digital” Mean?
With the move to digitization, most hearing aid on the market today are digital. You can compare this to your entertainment center. Try to think back to the quality of an audio tape versus a CD. Most of us probably agree that the CD offers better sound quality. Hearing aids also benefit from the change to digital technology with more stable sound quality and better utilization of extra features and programming. Digital means more possibilities, more possibilities means higher patient satisfaction
Please find other info enclosed. Be careful of the internet resources as there are many false claims online. If you ever have a question regarding these issues, it is best to contact your audiologist.
Written by: Suzanne Yoder, Au.D., HearWell Center
Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. is a doctor of audiology and founder of HearWell Center. She owns and operates a HearWell Center location in Forest Hills, PA (Pittsburgh). Please feel free to respond to this blog by emailing her at info@hearwellcenter.com. You can learn more about HearWell Center by visiting www.hearwellcenter.com
HearWell Center in the News
HearWell Center was recently in the Valley Mirror announcing the opening of the Forest Hills, PA location.
Dr. Suzanne Yoder was pictured on the front page and an article reviewed the services offered at HearWell Center.
We are very happy to have this office up and running.
Dr. Suzanne Yoder was pictured on the front page and an article reviewed the services offered at HearWell Center.
We are very happy to have this office up and running.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Captioned Movies
Did you know you can go to the movies and watch the latest films captioned?
Many people are not aware that the local theaters provide captioned movies. I have enjoyed captioned movies for a number of years here in Pittsburgh, PA. The movie selection is limited and they only play the captioned movies a few days out of each month, but the experience is worth some inconvenience. It is so neat to understand every word said in the movie and just sit back and enjoy it for once. I often see the same movies twice just so I can take advantage of the opportunity.
If you want to learn more about captioned movies in the theater go to Insight Cinema http://www.insightcinema.org/ or call your local movie theater.
I encourage everyone who is interested to call their favorite theaters and let them know of your interest in captioned movies and ask for the movies you want to see. The more consumer input the theaters receive, the more likely they are to accommodate.
Don't forget to try the hearing assistive devices at the theater, too. I'll write more on that topic another time.
Many people are not aware that the local theaters provide captioned movies. I have enjoyed captioned movies for a number of years here in Pittsburgh, PA. The movie selection is limited and they only play the captioned movies a few days out of each month, but the experience is worth some inconvenience. It is so neat to understand every word said in the movie and just sit back and enjoy it for once. I often see the same movies twice just so I can take advantage of the opportunity.
If you want to learn more about captioned movies in the theater go to Insight Cinema http://www.insightcinema.org/ or call your local movie theater.
I encourage everyone who is interested to call their favorite theaters and let them know of your interest in captioned movies and ask for the movies you want to see. The more consumer input the theaters receive, the more likely they are to accommodate.
Don't forget to try the hearing assistive devices at the theater, too. I'll write more on that topic another time.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Air Travel (Part II)
My experience at the airport was more of the usual. Busy, Chaotic, and mostly Unfriendly. I know that over the years I have modified my behavior and I made a point to "observe myself" (if there is such a thing) and really think about how I was accommodated at the airport.
My arrival in the car was uneventful. My husband dropped me off. I had already logged into the airline website and had my ticket. So, all I had to do was check my luggage. I went to the desk and the lady behind the desk said "Mmm hmm mhhh *muffle* *muffle*" and she was not looking directly at me. I was lipreading and anticipating that she would talk to me. So I knew that she was asking how I was. I anticipated that she would also ask the usual questions about my luggage like "have you had your luggage within your control at all times?" I vaguely remember that the first time they asked this very strange question I had no idea what they were trying to say and had them repeat it like 20 times. This trip, there were no questions about my luggage. *whew*
I took my luggage over to the ramp for the xray and the staff took it from me without much interest. I think I initiated a question about whether or not they needed me to stand by or if I should continue to the security check line. I again anticipated the answer and did some lipreading.
I am realizing that I maintain my independence by lipreading and anticipating. I knew this but only partially realized the extent of my reliance on experience. Anyone new to flying would be neglected in a lot of ways at a public airport.
I got to security and knowing that I don't want to cause alarm I immediately told every security staff and office that I was hard of hearing and pointed to my ears. I make a point to do this with exaggeration so that they pay attention. Lots of people point to their ears even if they are not hard of hearing because of noise levels or inattention. So pointing to your ears doesn't necessarily identify your hearing loss. I thought for a moment that I should have worn my pin (face me I read lips) but I rarely think it works with most people, so I resort to the pointing and telling instead.
I got through security check without issue and there is never a problem with my hearing aids and the detector devices.
I then went to catch the tram to transit over to the gates. The tram had some outlandishly loud announcement that said "HOLD ON" and I could have heard that without my aids. But it would still be a concern for those with profound hearing loss and those with loss of clarity. I found myself wishing that the cars were staffed or at least had bright visuals.
I arrived at my gate and spent some time walking about the airport. I noticed as the time drew near for my flight that people were walking out of the gate and heading elsewhere. I had time, so I followed the "herd" and when I arrived at the new gate I asked the attendant if I was indeed at the right location. I was and the airline had switched gates. That happens alot. So, I anticipated it and watched others for reactions. But I didn't know from any announcement. I was not able to understand the announcements. However, knowing my abilities, I made a conscience effort to be aware of my surroundings, ask frequently when I was unsure and refer to the Arriving/Departing flight boards which give the status of the flights and the gate numbers.
When it got close to boarding time I assessed the group to determine if I would need to tell anyone I was hard of hearing. But the airline had boarding corrals and so, I knew when my line started to move, I was going to be boarding. When I stepped onto the plane I immediately spoke to the attendant who was welcoming us and explained that I would not be able to hear on the flight. I hoped that they would accommodate me by getting my attention when necessary. I probably could have gone into more details, but being a frequent flyer I determined that was unnecessary... plus it was a short trip.
The flight went well and I actually was in "hard of hearing bliss" with my hearing aids turned off. I didn't have to hear the babies and small children screaming the whole way down or the loud engine noise. I just enjoyed my book and when the drink cart came around I gave my order (I anticipated this, of course).
I missed all the airline instructions and announcements because my hearing aids were turned off. I don't recommend that a new flyer ignore these very important pieces of information.
When it was all said and done, my experience was good. But I realize that it was only good because my expectations were lowered. I anticipated everything and I knew what signs to look for and how to advocate for myself. There is much to improve on and I think all the industries can learn from our experiences. I encourage all of you to write to vendors and companies that you interact with and give your feedback. I hope that you can learn from my experience and hopefully be a little more prepared for your next trip to the airport.
My arrival in the car was uneventful. My husband dropped me off. I had already logged into the airline website and had my ticket. So, all I had to do was check my luggage. I went to the desk and the lady behind the desk said "Mmm hmm mhhh *muffle* *muffle*" and she was not looking directly at me. I was lipreading and anticipating that she would talk to me. So I knew that she was asking how I was. I anticipated that she would also ask the usual questions about my luggage like "have you had your luggage within your control at all times?" I vaguely remember that the first time they asked this very strange question I had no idea what they were trying to say and had them repeat it like 20 times. This trip, there were no questions about my luggage. *whew*
I took my luggage over to the ramp for the xray and the staff took it from me without much interest. I think I initiated a question about whether or not they needed me to stand by or if I should continue to the security check line. I again anticipated the answer and did some lipreading.
I am realizing that I maintain my independence by lipreading and anticipating. I knew this but only partially realized the extent of my reliance on experience. Anyone new to flying would be neglected in a lot of ways at a public airport.
I got to security and knowing that I don't want to cause alarm I immediately told every security staff and office that I was hard of hearing and pointed to my ears. I make a point to do this with exaggeration so that they pay attention. Lots of people point to their ears even if they are not hard of hearing because of noise levels or inattention. So pointing to your ears doesn't necessarily identify your hearing loss. I thought for a moment that I should have worn my pin (face me I read lips) but I rarely think it works with most people, so I resort to the pointing and telling instead.
I got through security check without issue and there is never a problem with my hearing aids and the detector devices.
I then went to catch the tram to transit over to the gates. The tram had some outlandishly loud announcement that said "HOLD ON" and I could have heard that without my aids. But it would still be a concern for those with profound hearing loss and those with loss of clarity. I found myself wishing that the cars were staffed or at least had bright visuals.
I arrived at my gate and spent some time walking about the airport. I noticed as the time drew near for my flight that people were walking out of the gate and heading elsewhere. I had time, so I followed the "herd" and when I arrived at the new gate I asked the attendant if I was indeed at the right location. I was and the airline had switched gates. That happens alot. So, I anticipated it and watched others for reactions. But I didn't know from any announcement. I was not able to understand the announcements. However, knowing my abilities, I made a conscience effort to be aware of my surroundings, ask frequently when I was unsure and refer to the Arriving/Departing flight boards which give the status of the flights and the gate numbers.
When it got close to boarding time I assessed the group to determine if I would need to tell anyone I was hard of hearing. But the airline had boarding corrals and so, I knew when my line started to move, I was going to be boarding. When I stepped onto the plane I immediately spoke to the attendant who was welcoming us and explained that I would not be able to hear on the flight. I hoped that they would accommodate me by getting my attention when necessary. I probably could have gone into more details, but being a frequent flyer I determined that was unnecessary... plus it was a short trip.
The flight went well and I actually was in "hard of hearing bliss" with my hearing aids turned off. I didn't have to hear the babies and small children screaming the whole way down or the loud engine noise. I just enjoyed my book and when the drink cart came around I gave my order (I anticipated this, of course).
I missed all the airline instructions and announcements because my hearing aids were turned off. I don't recommend that a new flyer ignore these very important pieces of information.
When it was all said and done, my experience was good. But I realize that it was only good because my expectations were lowered. I anticipated everything and I knew what signs to look for and how to advocate for myself. There is much to improve on and I think all the industries can learn from our experiences. I encourage all of you to write to vendors and companies that you interact with and give your feedback. I hope that you can learn from my experience and hopefully be a little more prepared for your next trip to the airport.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Air Travel
I was catching up on some online reading and looking over Hearing Loss Association of America's website http://www.hearingloss.org/ and the blog by Terry Portis and I was reminded of the struggle for hearing assessibility in airports. I am about to leave for a convention in Orlando, FL tonight and I'll be flying again. I think I will make it a point to really pay attention to the experience. I am a frequent flyer and so I know what to expect when I get on a plane. I have to really think back to recall the first time I flew.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Hearing Aid Tax Credit
Hearing aids are considered medical devices and are tax deductible. There may also be a tax credit if the Hearing Aid Tax Credit Act - H.R. 414 passes legislation. Check with a tax preparation specialist or accountant for more information on this. And find more about advocating this bill at the American Academy of Audiology website.
Financial Assistance and Hearing Aids
There are many programs that assist patients in the purchase of hearing aids.
This is not a complete list
This is not a complete list
- Low-income programs (typically less than 200% national poverty levels). Obtain hearing aids for a greatly reduced cost HearNow, Audient, Lion's Club, Rotary, etc. Many programs will have a 2-3 month wait time.
- Programs for Veterans depending on service (we can help you determine your qualifications).
- Working adults and college students may be eligible to receive assistance through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Labor in the state of Pennsylvania.
- Children age 21 and under can obtain coverage through the Medical Assistance (ACCESS) program in the state of Pennsylvania.
- Children can also receive special services through the school system whether public, private, or charter school.
At HearWell Center we will help you determine your qualifications for such programs and help you understand the limitations as well. Financial assistance programs will generally dictate the type of hearing aids allowed.
Financing Hearing Aids
Financing plans are great for those that find a monthly payment plan is most desirable.
At our office we generally use third party financing who can offer promotions such as no-interest for 3 or 6 months.
Here's what to expect with financing options:
At our office we generally use third party financing who can offer promotions such as no-interest for 3 or 6 months.
Here's what to expect with financing options:
- You can expect to apply for financing as you would a credit card.
- Interest is often compounded if you do not pay off the balance by the end of the promotional period.
- The interest rate can be very high after the promotional period is over.
The well-advised consumer can benefit greatly from financing options.
Promotional plans vary so call for more information.
Are Two Ears Better?
Two ears are better than one.
Hearing loss is more complicated than most people think. Your ears are an instrument that communicates to your brain the information about the auditory world around you. When your hearing is "less than perfect" the brain receives only part of the information it needs to be aware and fully comprehend what it is hearing. So, for instance...with both ears functioning you can localize the direction of sound; is it coming from the left or the right? With both ears you can pick apart the different aspects of sound; is that noise I am hearing? is someone talking to me in the car? is there a piano playing in the bar? With both ears you can understand more clearly; is that person saying "I love my cat" or "I love my hat"? With both ears you can feel more balanced and natural.
If you are unfortunately left with only one functioning ear all the above mentioned benefits are diminished or completely disappear. If you have usable hearing in both ears, use both ears and benefit fully from hearing aids.
With very few exceptions most people with hearing loss in both ears will perform better with two hearing aids.
Search Keywords: Binaural hearing; Binaural benefit; Unilateral hearing loss; Auditory Deprivation
Hearing loss is more complicated than most people think. Your ears are an instrument that communicates to your brain the information about the auditory world around you. When your hearing is "less than perfect" the brain receives only part of the information it needs to be aware and fully comprehend what it is hearing. So, for instance...with both ears functioning you can localize the direction of sound; is it coming from the left or the right? With both ears you can pick apart the different aspects of sound; is that noise I am hearing? is someone talking to me in the car? is there a piano playing in the bar? With both ears you can understand more clearly; is that person saying "I love my cat" or "I love my hat"? With both ears you can feel more balanced and natural.
If you are unfortunately left with only one functioning ear all the above mentioned benefits are diminished or completely disappear. If you have usable hearing in both ears, use both ears and benefit fully from hearing aids.
With very few exceptions most people with hearing loss in both ears will perform better with two hearing aids.
Search Keywords: Binaural hearing; Binaural benefit; Unilateral hearing loss; Auditory Deprivation
Guidelines for when to visit an Audiologist
Here are some general guidelines to follow when choosing who to visit first for your hearing or vestibular disorder:
For Emergencies such as sudden, dramatic hearing loss, extreme pain, excessive bleeding, and head injuries please visit your local emergency room.
See an audiologist for hearing or vestibular conditions that have occurred gradually without incident or injury to your ears. Audiologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and vestibular disorders. You can see an audiologist at anytime in the course of your treatment for a hearing or vestibular disorder. Audiologists will refer you to a medical specialist if symptoms and/or diagnosis are questionable or an obvious medical condition exists. Often hearing loss is caused by factors that are not medically treatable such as age, long-term noise exposure or hereditary hearing loss. Seeing an audiologist first can help you determine the best course of treatment for your hearing loss.
Audiologists have specialized training in the treatment of hearing loss including hearing aids, assistive devices, alerting devices, treatment of tinnitus (ringing in the ear), treatment of hyperacusis (sensitivity to loud sound), treatment of auditory processing disorders, and other disorders that affect hearing. Physicians rarely have this knowledge and unless they have attended an audiology degree program they would not be able to provide these services in a comprehensive manner without referral to an audiologist.
See a physician for any obvious medical conditions: sudden and dramatic changes in hearing, pain, drainage, unusual odor, injury, bleeding, skin lesions, debilitating dizziness and vertigo, etc. Physicians can prescribe medications or imaging (CT Scan or MRI) if necessary. Some physicians can also perform surgery where hearing loss is reversible.
In some offices you will find audiologists and physicians working side-by-side within the same practice. Today it is more common for physicians and audiologists to have independent practices and refer to each other when needed. Many insurance plans do not require a referral to be seen by and audiologist, however it is recommended that you confirm coverage before making an appointment to be seen.
Medicare patients are currently required to provide a referral from a physician for coverage of audiological services. In time Medicare patients will have the option to see an audiologist directly just as you have the option to see a Dentist, Optometrist or Chiropractor without a referral. Currently those under federal health plans are allowed direct access to audiologists. Would you like to have the same privilege and the ability to control your healthcare decisions when it comes to your hearing care? This will depend on the passing of Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act of 2007 (HR 1665- the Direct Access bill) and you can help by contacting your government officials through this website sponsored by the American Academy of Audiology.
HearWell Center strives to meet the needs of each individual patient by working as a team with the other medical specialists in the community. We will communicate with your family doctor and any specialist you see where necessary to ensure proper follow up and treatment.
For Emergencies such as sudden, dramatic hearing loss, extreme pain, excessive bleeding, and head injuries please visit your local emergency room.
See an audiologist for hearing or vestibular conditions that have occurred gradually without incident or injury to your ears. Audiologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and vestibular disorders. You can see an audiologist at anytime in the course of your treatment for a hearing or vestibular disorder. Audiologists will refer you to a medical specialist if symptoms and/or diagnosis are questionable or an obvious medical condition exists. Often hearing loss is caused by factors that are not medically treatable such as age, long-term noise exposure or hereditary hearing loss. Seeing an audiologist first can help you determine the best course of treatment for your hearing loss.
Audiologists have specialized training in the treatment of hearing loss including hearing aids, assistive devices, alerting devices, treatment of tinnitus (ringing in the ear), treatment of hyperacusis (sensitivity to loud sound), treatment of auditory processing disorders, and other disorders that affect hearing. Physicians rarely have this knowledge and unless they have attended an audiology degree program they would not be able to provide these services in a comprehensive manner without referral to an audiologist.
See a physician for any obvious medical conditions: sudden and dramatic changes in hearing, pain, drainage, unusual odor, injury, bleeding, skin lesions, debilitating dizziness and vertigo, etc. Physicians can prescribe medications or imaging (CT Scan or MRI) if necessary. Some physicians can also perform surgery where hearing loss is reversible.
In some offices you will find audiologists and physicians working side-by-side within the same practice. Today it is more common for physicians and audiologists to have independent practices and refer to each other when needed. Many insurance plans do not require a referral to be seen by and audiologist, however it is recommended that you confirm coverage before making an appointment to be seen.
Medicare patients are currently required to provide a referral from a physician for coverage of audiological services. In time Medicare patients will have the option to see an audiologist directly just as you have the option to see a Dentist, Optometrist or Chiropractor without a referral. Currently those under federal health plans are allowed direct access to audiologists. Would you like to have the same privilege and the ability to control your healthcare decisions when it comes to your hearing care? This will depend on the passing of Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act of 2007 (HR 1665- the Direct Access bill) and you can help by contacting your government officials through this website sponsored by the American Academy of Audiology.
HearWell Center strives to meet the needs of each individual patient by working as a team with the other medical specialists in the community. We will communicate with your family doctor and any specialist you see where necessary to ensure proper follow up and treatment.
What is an Au.D.?
Au.D. is a degree designation that stands for Doctor of Audiology.
Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) is the most common degree earned in order to practice audiology today. You may also see audiologist who have Master's degrees (M.A. or M.S. or M.Ed.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). An Au.D. is a clinical degree that can be used in many ways. Audiologists holding an Au.D. can practice clinical audiology, they can perform research and they can teach.
It is necessary in most of the United States to have an Au.D. in order to obtain a license to practice audiology today. Master's Degree programs are being phased out however, audiologists practicing with their Master's Degree or equivalent will continue under the licensure laws that were in place at the time that they were originally licensed. Some audiologists have chosen to complete this level of education by going back to school and earning the Au.D. and others have decided to continue practicing with their Master's or equivalent degree.
You can learn more about the Au.D. and the profession of audiology by visiting these links:
Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) http://www.audiologist.org/
American Academy of Audiology (AAA) http://www.audiology.org/
Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) is the most common degree earned in order to practice audiology today. You may also see audiologist who have Master's degrees (M.A. or M.S. or M.Ed.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). An Au.D. is a clinical degree that can be used in many ways. Audiologists holding an Au.D. can practice clinical audiology, they can perform research and they can teach.
It is necessary in most of the United States to have an Au.D. in order to obtain a license to practice audiology today. Master's Degree programs are being phased out however, audiologists practicing with their Master's Degree or equivalent will continue under the licensure laws that were in place at the time that they were originally licensed. Some audiologists have chosen to complete this level of education by going back to school and earning the Au.D. and others have decided to continue practicing with their Master's or equivalent degree.
You can learn more about the Au.D. and the profession of audiology by visiting these links:
Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) http://www.audiologist.org/
American Academy of Audiology (AAA) http://www.audiology.org/
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