Newport Audiology Centers | Leading providers of audiological and hearing-aid services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have a hearing loss?
What does a hearing evaluation show?
Will the testing show if I need a hearing aid?
What kinds of hearing aids are available?
Will I need a hearing aid for each ear?
I was previously told that hearing aids won't help people with "nerve loss". Is this true?
How long do hearing aids last?
Are hearing aids expensive?
Will medicare or my insurance cover the cost of my hearing aids?
How long will it take to adjust to my hearing aids?
Where should I purchase my hearing aids?

Do I have a hearing loss?
A hearing loss may vary in degree from mild to profound.

Mild Loss:
Individuals with a mild or high frequency hearing loss may not be fully aware of the problem. However, family members and friends often recognize that the person has trouble hearing in groups or sometimes does not understand what is being said.

Moderate and Severe Loss:
Individuals with a hearing loss will usually know they are having trouble since they have to strain to hear and understand in many situations. They often need the T.V. volume to be loud or are not able to hear effectively on the telephone.

If you suspect you may have a hearing loss, whether mild or severe, you are invited to contact us at our toll-free number, 1-800-242-3530, to arrange for a hearing evaluation.

What does a hearing evaluation show?
A thorough hearing evaluation will first identify your hearing sensitivity (threshold) for several different pitch sounds. This will show the pattern, type, and degree of your hearing loss. Speech tests will then be performed in order to evaluate your ability to understand speech in different situations. Additional tests will be performed to identify your tolerance for loud sounds. This testing gives information to ensure that a hearing aid will be comfortable in various communication situations.

Will the testing show if I need a hearing aid?
After the testing process is completed, the Audiologist will discuss the impact of your loss on general communication. There are many factors when considering candidacy for hearing aids including, lifestyle, occupation, and your desire to improve your ability to communicate.

Individuals need to make an honest evaluation whether their hearing loss is becoming a burden to others. The decision to wear hearing aids is a personal one, and to be successful one needs to make a commitment.
Will Hearing Aids Give Me Normal Hearing Again?

Unfortunately, hearing aids are only an aid to communication and cannot restore your normal hearing. However, most wearers notice a marked improvement in their ability to communicate, as the instruments make speech easier to hear and understand.

What Kinds Of Hearing Aids Are Available?
There are several types of hearing aids with different advantages and disadvantages. Check our list of Manufacturers to see what hearing aids we offer.

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Will I Need A Hearing Aid For Each Ear?
Two hearing aids usually provide the optimum benefit when there is hearing loss in both ears. The decision to purchase a hearing aid for one or both ears should not only depend upon the severity of the hearing loss, but also upon such factors as your type of hearing loss and lifestyle.

I Was Previously Told That Hearing Aids Won't Help People With "Nerve Loss". Is This True?
Absolutely not! When hearing aids were first developed, it was difficult to fit people with sensorineural hearing loss (nerve deafness). However, with today’s vastly improved technology, almost all people who successfully wear hearing aids have a sensorineural hearing loss.

How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?
Due to rapid technological advances in circuitry and miniaturization, people usually desire to replace their hearing aids after 3-5 years.

Are Hearing Aids Expensive?
Not when you consider that the purchase of hearing aids involves not only sophisticated circuitry customized for your needs, but also includes support services from the audiologist for the life of the instrument.

Will Medicare Or My Insurance Cover The Cost Of My Hearing Aids?
Although Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing evaluations associated with them, Newport Audiology Centers (NAC) works with many health plans to provide hearing evaluations and substantial discounts to help make hearing aids affordable. In addition we offer several financing options. If your insurance plan does not include hearing aid benefits, you can purchase your hearing aids through NAC at a substantial discount.

How Long Will It Take To Adjust To My Hearing Aids?
Of course, this varies from person to person; however, most people find excellent adjustment within a few weeks. Typically, audiologists offer a 30-day adjustment period with a provision for refund if the aid is returned.

Once you have purchased your hearing aid, it is important to allow yourself a period of adjustment. Your audiologist will probably suggest that you use your aid initially for limited lengths of time, in different situations and to experiment with different volume control settings.

It is recommended that you return to your audiologists at least once during the first month of use to verify the reliability of the selected aid and to gain information as to whether or not the aid is performing as expected.

Where Should I Purchase My Hearing Aids?
An audiologist is the person qualified to provide the professional assistance needed in the proper fitting and maintenance of hearing aids. Audiologists hold a Master's Degree, Au.D., or a Ph.D. and specialize in the identification, assessment, treatment and prevention of hearing loss. Seek a professional who is honest, reliable, competent, and committed to meeting your needs.

The Audiologists at Newport Audiology Centers rely on experience, clinical data, and client input to select an aid that is appropriate for your particular hearing loss.

We educate our clients to the advantages and limitations of hearing aids and explain and demonstrate their use and care. Additionally, our staff is always available to provide encouragement, guidance and instruction to enable you to gain the full benefit from your hearing aid.