As a service to our community members and  patients who have hearing impairments we offer comprehensive hearing aid services for children and adults.

Over 24 million Americans suffer some form of hearing impairment. Some hearing problems can be treated by surgical or medical intervention.  Most hearing problems, about 90%, can only be helped by the use of amplification or hearing aids. 

Being able to hear well is a quality of life issue.  The sounds of a loved one's  voice or the bird chirping can bring joy to our ears.  When our ears don't work properly we can become frustrated, depressed or embarrassed.  Sometimes our safety is at stake. 

Hearing impairments can be the result of disease, lifestyle, genetics, trauma or more commonly the aging process.  Once developed, a hearing impairment is usually permanent and may get progressively worse as time goes on.

Dr. Klingensmith and his audiologist, Daniel Bigart, Au.D. are here to help you.  The first step to resolving a hearing problems is a thorough examination and evaluation of your ears and hearing.  We will determine the type and severity of your hearing loss and discuss treatment options. 

Hearing aids come in many different types and styles and can be tailored to meet your performance, lifestyle, appearance and budget needs.  One thing to keep in mind is that no hearing aid can restore your hearing back to normal.  Our purpose in helping you with hearing aids is to maximize your potential and help make communication easier.  There will be situations that you will get into that still may remain difficult and that is usually the result of your hearing loss and not necessarily the hearing aid.

Potential and experienced hearing aid users usually have many questions regarding the products and services provided by our office. In order to clarify our policies and to better introduce ourselves, we offer the following information.

Daniel Bigart, Au.D is a certified clinical audiologist with a Doctorate of Audiology in the study of hearing and hearing disorders. He has extensive training and experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of hearing loss, including the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids.  He works in close association with Dr. Klingensmith so that all your hearing health care needs can be done in the same office.
 

AUDIOLOGICAL  (HEARING) EVALUATIONS

A careful assessment of the status of the hearing mechanism must be made in order to determine whether  or not a medically significant condition might exist. The information obtained during these tests also will provide prescriptive information necessary to order a hearing aid. The cost of these procedures are not part of the cost of the hearing aid and usually can be billed to the patient's insurance.
 

HEARING AIDS

After candidacy for the hearing aid (s) has been established, and the patient has decided to consider  purchase, the following occurs:

1. A general  discussion regarding hearing aids, benefit to be derived, and adjusting to   the use of hearing aids.

2. The size and style are selected.

3. A decision is made to obtain either one (monaural) or two (binaural) hearing aids.

4. Impressions are made to obtain molds of the ears.

5. An appointment is made for two to three weeks later to fit the hearing aids. This appointment will take about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours, and the patient's spouse, if available, is welcome to be there.
 

HEARING AID FITTING

The hearing aid fitting involves tuning the hearing aid to fit the patient's individual hearing loss. Computerized measurement of the fitting is completed using Probe Microphone Real Ear Measurement.  With this test, a tiny microphone is placed behind the hearing aid to measure its actual output to the eardrum. Next, the most important part of the fitting, the counseling , takes place. The patient is told what to expect from the hearing aid, what it will and will not do, how to adjust to the hearing aid with a minimum of difficulty and negative experiences, how to care for the hearing aid, how to insert and remove it, information about the batteries and about the warranty and insurance.
 

PAYMENT

At the time of the fitting, full payment for the hearing aids is expected. 
The cost of the hearing aids varies depending upon the style and options selected.

Very few  insurance companies cover hearing aids. Neither Medicare or Medical Assistance covers the cost of the hearing aids, but the original examination can be submitted for coverage. There is partial coverage for hearing aids from Security Blue Medicare and US Healthcare Medicare plans. Also, some of the larger unions like UMWA, US Steelworkers and UAW may cover hearing aids. If you are unsure whether your plan covers hearing aids, call your insurance customer service representative to check on your benefits.  Please have any necessary referral sent to our office before your visit.  

Our office is a provider for most insurance programs including: Security Blue, United Auto Workers,
National Ear Care Plan and Steelworkers.  
 

TRIAL PERIOD

A thirty day trial period is available for all hearing aids. If the patient is not satisfied he/she may return the hearing aid for a full refund minus a nominal charge per hearing aid which covers the significant amount of time spent by the audiologist and the return of the hearing aid to the manufacturer. 
 

WARRANTY/FOLLOW-UP

Hearing aids have a warranty of one year that covers defects in material or workmanship. A one year insurance policy also accompanies most hearing aids that will over accidental loss or damage.  Extended warranties are available at an additional cost.

The first year of follow-up is part of the original cost of the hearing aid. The audiologist will make all repairs in the office that are possible and will send the hearing aid to the manufacturer, when necessary, for more extensive repairs. It is necessary to call ahead if you are coming to the office to avoid a possible lengthy wait. 

HEARING AID REPAIRS

We provide repairs on all types of hearing aids, regardless of where they were purchased.  Minor repairs or cleanings may be performed in our office while you wait.  Extensive repairs may require that the hearing aid be sent to an outside lab.   In most cases, a loaner hearing aid may be available while your hearing aid is in the shop.   Repairs are typically be issued with an  warranty of either 3, 6 or 12 months depending on age and hearing aid condition.