At Cascade Hearing Centers, we understand that you likely have many questions about hearing loss, hearing aids, and how to find a Hearing Care Specialist that is right for you.

I am interested in learning more about hearing loss and hearing aids. How do I know what hearing aids and technology will work for me?

It is impossible to know how well someone will adjust to hearing instruments until they actually try them. We do know that based on a person's hearing test results, we can accurately predict how hearing instruments will increase their level of understanding. We have one of the highest success rates in the industry, because if we don't think we can improve your hearing, we will tell you!

How do I find a hearing health care provider that I can trust?

By researching various companies on the Internet, you are taking an important step in gathering information! Additionally, look for advertisements in the local newspapers or yellow pages and commit yourself to visiting a few offices.

While there, ask yourself a few questions: Is the office environment professional? Do the health care providers listen well and seem concerned for you? Ask about credentials, training, and overall fees your insurance might not cover. If you do not feel completely comfortable with a provider, shop elsewhere until you find one that is right for you!

Remember that purchasing a hearing instrument requires service after the sale and having confidence in your Hearing Care Specialist can make a world of difference in your satisfaction!

How much should I expect to pay for a hearing instrument?

Unfortunately, age old wisdom prevails with hearing instruments as well as with most products... you get what you pay for. Cheaply made hearing aids have a greater chance of ending up in a dresser drawer, while better quality hearing instruments compensate for background noise and allow your hearing care provider the opportunity to make sound adjustments to increase your satisfaction.

Certainly, purchasing a higher quality hearing instrument is no guarantee of satisfaction and owning a less expensive model might serve your needs quite well. Your hearing care specialist should spend a great deal of time explaining what results you can expect based on the purchase you make.

How important is service after the sale when purchasing a hearing instrument?

If you have purchased hearing instruments before, you know how important it is to find a hearing care specialist with advanced skills in today's technology and one you can trust with your hearing concerns.

At Cascade Hearing Centers, we are committed to offering you the very best in customer care. Our staff spends many more hours than required by state licensing boards to remain the highest trained professionals in the industry. We go above and beyond what most other clinics offer and we truly care about our patients.

If you are considering purchasing hearing instruments, visit us first and use our service as a standard when you visit other companies. We're confident you will be back to let us help you with better hearing!

What should I ask before buying hearing instruments?

• Which model and technology is best for my hearing loss?

• What is the total cost of the hearing instrument?

• Is there any trial period to test the hearing instrument?

• What fees are refundable if I return the hearing instrument after the trial period?

• Does the warranty cover all maintenance and repairs, and for how long?

• Can the specialist make adjustments and fix minor problems with the hearing instrument?

• How will the specialist help ensure I know how to use my hearing instrument?

• Are there other devices that can help me hear better?

• How well will I hear while using the telephone?

What might I experience while adjusting to my hearing instruments?

Your hearing instruments should be comfortable. Ask your specialist how long you should wear your hearing instruments during the adjustment period. Also, ask how to test them in situations where you have problems hearing and how to adjust the volume and/or program for sounds that are too loud or too soft. Your specialist will teach you how to use and care for your hearing instruments. Also, be sure to practice putting in and taking out your hearing instruments, adjusting the volume control, cleaning them, identifying right and left hearing instruments, and replacing the batteries.

Your own voice may be a little loud. This is called the occlusion effect and is very common for new hearing instrument users. Your specialist should be able to correct this problem; however, most people get used to it over time. Your hearing instruments might “whistle” when there is a buildup of earwax, fluid, or by the fit of the hearing instrument in your ear. This is called feedback, and if you see your specialist it can almost always be fixed.

What are some of the ways I can care for my hearing instruments?