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Q: We have been told only to buy major brand hearing aids. Why Should we buy from Eartech?
A: Because at Eartech you have the unique opportunity to be tested, prescribed the appropriate hearing aid, have your hearing aid custom built, fitted and serviced all at one location. Not even the big "brand name" hearing aid dispensers can provide this service.
Q: What are the differences between Analog, Digitally Programmable and Digital hearing aids?
A: We sell and service all types of hearing aids and they all have there place. The differences are:
ANALOG technology is the technology that has been around for many decades. Analog technology makes sounds louder and offers limited adjustment capability. It is the LEAST expensive.
DIGITALLY PROGRAMMABLE technology used to be "middle grade" technology. Digitally programmable units are analog units digitally controlled by the computer in the office to adjust the sounds of the hearing aid. This technology is mostly obsolete and is no longer available.
DIGITAL technology is now the gold standard of hearing aid technology. Digital technology gives maximum control over sound quality and sound processing characteristics. Digital instruments do outperform digitally programmable and analog hearing aids and are the most common type of curcuit fit these days. Digital circuitry is available in many technology levels and styles allowing most everyone to fit digital hearing aids into their budget.
Q: Why do hearing aids amplify so much noise and make sounds too loud?
A: Remember, when you had normal hearing there were still times when background noise was a problem. However, there are research findings that demonstrate digital hearing aids with particular circuit and microphone options can effectively reduce background noises. In most 100% digital hearing aids, the noise control features help make noise more tolerable, but do not completely eliminate the noise. Our goal is not to eliminate the noise, but instead, make speech more audible in the presence of noise.
Q: How much time is needed to adapt to a hearing aid?
A: Each person's experience will vary, hearing aids may allow a person to experience certain sounds they had never heard before (or at least for some time). This can often require a person several weeks or even several months to grow acclimate to and get aids adjusted properly for your specific needs.
Q: Why do hearing aids cost so much?
A: The reason hearing aids cost so much are:
They are sold in relatively low volume (i.e. approximately 1.7 million hearing aids for some 30 million hearing impaired) are sold per year, as compared to several million stereos.
The amount of time and money spent by manufacturers on research and development is considerable. One manufacturer claims to have spent over twenty million dollars developing a single model.
The amount of time spent by hearing professionals with a patient is very significant. Data indicates that an average of five direct contact hours is spent during the first year a patient receives hearing aids. The reality is, communication is one of the most important skills humans have. So if wearing hearing aids allows you to resume normal activities and communicate with loved ones, the cost becomes a lot more justifiable.
Q: How often must hearing aids be replaced?
A: Generally speaking, hearing aids should last for three to five years. The need for new hearing aids may occur if a patient's hearing status changes, but with the availability of digital hearing aids, changes can be made in our office and should reduce the need to order new hearing aids merely because of changes in hearing status.
Q: I'd like to talk with you to find out more about Eartech products as well as others. Are you going to high pressure me?
A: As a manufacturer of hearing aids we don't have to depend solely upon individual sales to exist. When you come to us, we will share our knowledge with you about hearing aids and how they may help you. We'll arm you with the right information and recommended course of action and you make the decision. The decision to buy or not to buy is yours... with NO HIGH PRESSURE.
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