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.

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.

Our audiologist, Daniel Bigart, Au.D. is here to help you.  The first step to resolving a hearing disorder is a thorough examination and evaluation of your ears and hearing.  This will determine the type and severity of your hearing loss and allow us to discuss treatment options that are available to help.

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 and Dr. Bosley 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, family and caregivers are welcome to attend.
 

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 by using Probe Microphone Real Ear Measurement.  With this test, a tiny microphone is placed behind the hearing aid to measure the output of the hearing aid to ensure an accurate and appropriate fit.  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

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

Very few  insurance companies cover hearing aids. Neither Medicare nor Medical Assistance covers the cost of the hearing aids for adults, but the original examination can be submitted for coverage. There can be partial coverage for hearing aids from select Medicare HMO plans (Security Blue, Freedom Blue, Advantra, UPMC). 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: Blue Cross - Blue Shield Plans, 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 they simply return the hearing aid for a refund, however there may be a nominal charge to cover time or materials. 
 

WARRANTY/FOLLOW-UP

Hearing aids have a warranty of one year that covers defects in material or workmanship.  Typically, a one-year warranty accompanies most hearing aid purchases.  The warranty will cover repairs and a one-time 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 a warranty of  6 or 12 months depending on age and hearing aid condition.