Q: How much do hearing aids cost? How can some places offer huge discounts, and you don't?

A: The price range is usually $550-$3000 per hearing aid, but the price depends on several factors. There are many brands, models and styles available to choose from, and the circuit inside, programmable or digital, also changes the price. Your hearing aids are custom-made based on your individual ear and your specific hearing needs, and at Hearing Unlimited we include all your services in the cost of the purchase. That includes lifetime cleaning and check-ups.

Usually when you see an advertisement for hundreds of dollars off the price of the hearing aid, they are discounting the manufacturer's suggested retail price. They may be starting with an inflated price, then knocking the price down to what would be their regular prices. Our everyday hearing aid prices are as good as or better than other people's discounted prices.

Q: What do I do if I'm experiencing "ear noise?"

A: Tinnitus is often simply referred to as ear noise, head noise or ringing in the ears. About 1 in 5 people experience some kind of noise in one or both ears. For many, the problem is so severe that they are incapacitated. It may be heard in many forms, the most common being high-pitched ringing, hissing or low roaring. Tinnitus does not cause hearing disorders, but it may accompany hearing loss or other symptoms such as dizziness.

There are many possible causes of Tinnitus. Correcting its treatable causes will often improve the condition. Some treatments include sedatives and vitamins, removal of ear wax, and masking of the ear noise by another "white" noise. In any event, if you are experiencing ear noise, you should visit your hearing health professional. You can contact us at Hearing Unlimited for more information on Tinnitus and visit these web sites:

http://www.hearusa.com/tinnitus/tinnitus_home.html
http://www.ata.org/

Q: What should I do if my hearing aids get wet?

A: Almost everyone sooner or later will be faced with the situation of moisture-logged hearing aids that no longer work properly (if at all). While moisture and humidity are enemies of electronic circuitry, most hearing aids manufacturers have designed moisture protection into their products. Proper treatment of wet hearing aids will usually restore them to proper function at little or no cost.

The drying process may be sped up if you place your hearing aids in a location where there is gentle, constant warmth. The top of your television is a likely place. Products are available safely to help dry your hearing aid in a wet situation.

THINGS YOU CAN DO:

• Act promptly. The longer a hearing aid is exposed to water or moisture, the greater the possibility of permanent damage.
• Dry the outside of the hearing aids and dry any tubing with a lint-free cloth.
• Remove the batteries and dry them with a lint-free cloth.
• Leave the battery compartments open.
• Allow the hearing aids to air-dry for at least 24 hours.

PLEASE DO NOT:

• Heat hearing aids or batteries in the oven, on the stove or in the microwave.
• Do not use a blow-dryer or hair dryer to dry your hearing aids.
• Do not attempt to take apart your hearing aids.

Q: Is it true that some medications cause hearing loss?

A: Ototoxins are toxic drug agents that get into our blood and can destroy portions of the inner ear. As we get older, our bodies become more fragile, and the systems of the body also age and break down. Hearing, at any age, is susceptible. It is amazingly easy to change the natural chemistry of the inner ear. Drugs are among the major chemical culprits that damage hearing. Some muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and sleeping aids are ototoxic. You can contact us at Hearing Unlimited to receive a list of ototoxins and alternative medications. Always consult your personal physician regarding drug interactions and any physical side effects you notice.