Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Northland Audiology Improve Your Hearing, Improve Your Life! ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://northlandaudiology.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Noisy Toys List for 2020](https://northlandaudiology.com/noisy-toys-list-for-2020/) - The Sight & Hearing Association has released its annual Noisy Toy list for 2020. Each year they try to pick toys that are somewhat popular, and this year 14 of the 24 toys that they tested reached above 85 decibels (dB), which is the federal threshold for exposure up to 8 hours. Did you know - [What To Know About Tinnitus](https://northlandaudiology.com/what-to-know-about-tinnitus/) - “Hey Doc, what’s that ringing in my ears?” This is a question we hear all the time. Ringing in the ears is called tinnitus (pronounced “tin-eye-tis” or “tin-it-tis”) and it is often a symptom of an underlying condition, such as hearing loss. It is a subjective internal sound that others around you cannot hear. Tinnitus - [Have You Had Your Baseline Hearing Test?](https://northlandaudiology.com/baseline-hearing-test/) - You would be surprised to hear how many people have never had their hearing tested. Even if you don’t think you’re having trouble hearing, it’s recommended that you should at least have a baseline hearing test from a Doctor of Audiology by the time you turn 50 years old. A baseline hearing test is vital - [Stop Using Q-Tips in Your Ears!](https://northlandaudiology.com/stop-using-q-tips/) - “Hold on, I just found out I am not supposed to put Q-tips in my ears! But, how am I supposed to keep my ears clean?” We can't count how many times we've heard our patients say that they were “today years old” when they found out that Q-tips weren't meant to go into their - [COVID-19 Update](https://northlandaudiology.com/covid-19-update/) - A lot has happen in the world over the past few months. Our Juneau office has reopened and we are resuming some of our travel clinics, but are proceeding with caution. The health & safety of our patients, our staff & the communities that we serve are of the utmost importance to us. We've updated - [COVID-19](https://northlandaudiology.com/covid-19/) - Our office is aware of the recent outbreak of COVID-19 and we are taking all proper precautions that we can. We are very aware that a large portion of our patients fall into the “high risk” category for this virus, this is something we take very seriously. In addition to seeing patients at our Juneau - [Audiology Services Coming to Cordova](https://northlandaudiology.com/audiology-services-coming-to-cordova/) - Northland Audiology & Hearing Services is expanding to Cordova, Alaska. Southeast Alaska’s premier hearing care provider will now be providing high-quality hearing healthcare for people in the Cordova community starting in January 2020. Northland Audiology & Hearing Services, which has been providing hearing healthcare to Southeast Alaskans since 1993, currently has an office in Juneau, - [Can Smoking Damage Your Hearing?](https://northlandaudiology.com/can-smoking-damage-your-hearing/) - Most people know that cigarette smoking carries a myriad of health risks. But did you know that cigarette smoke can also damage your hearing? If you’re a smoker – or live with someone who smokes – chances are your hearing is at risk. Smoking affects your hearing health in a variety of ways: Cigarettes contain - [May is Better Hearing Month](https://northlandaudiology.com/may-better-hearing-month/) - Can you believe it's already May? Where has the year gone? Better Hearing Month has been celebrated across America each May since 1927. It aims to raise awareness about hearing loss and treatments and promotes high quality hearing health. Treating hearing loss can dramatically improve life quality not only for persons with hearing difficulties, but - [Hearing - An Important Key to Your World](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-important-key-world/) - It is easy to take the gift of hearing for granted. Hearing supports connections to the world and people around us. Good hearing supports confidence at work and with family, and it helps people engage in the joys of living. Since we often pay little attention to the cacophony of background sounds of daily living, - [Untreated Hearing Loss & Family Gatherings](https://northlandaudiology.com/untreated-hearing-loss-family-gatherings/) - Holiday family gatherings are a time when it can become evident that someone has trouble hearing. A family member with untreated haring loss may feel forced to choose between not understanding conversations or not participating in celebrations at all. Family members may notice typical signs of hearing loss such as: Needing the television volume loud. - [Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dealer?](https://northlandaudiology.com/audiologist-or-hearing-aid-dealer/) - Audiology is the study of hearing disorders, and Audiologists are the primary healthcare professionals with expertise to evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss. Audiologists hold a Doctorate of Audiology (AuD) degree, which requires 8 years of higher education, must pass rigorous testing, and meet strict national clinical competency requirements. They are also qualified to - [Hear, Hear! Prevention is Still the Best Cure!](https://northlandaudiology.com/hear-hear-prevention-is-still-the-best-cure/) - Following these H.E.A.R. strategies will help prevent hearing damage due to loud noise exposure: Hold Yourself Accountable: It's all about education and action. Like most preventative health measures, you are in the best position to ensure that you practice behaviors that support healthy hearing for yourself and your family. Evaluate Your Surroundings: If you are - [Accepting Your Hearing Loss](https://northlandaudiology.com/accepting-your-hearing-loss/) - Even though hearing loss is the 3rd most common health issue for Americans, some people initially delay seeking a solution because they still reject the notion that they have a hearing deficit. Their negative psychological reactions upon receiving a formal diagnosis may include: Denial. If your hearing has declined gradually, you may have trouble believing - [Hearing Problems Can Strain Your Brain](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-problems-can-strain-your-brain/) - Untreated hearing loss is a contributing factor in the development of dementia. Researchers have not only found strong correlations between the two, but they also believe that treating hearing loss early, staying mentally active, and maintaining strong social connections all can help lower risks of cognitive decline. Untreated hearing loss burdens cognitive functioning. The less - [Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss at Work and Play](https://northlandaudiology.com/preventing-occupational-hearing-loss-at-work-and-play/) - Benjamin Franklin got it right when he said “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Just as you would take preventative measures to protect yourself from heart disease or diabetes, it pays to protect yourself from occupational hearing loss and hearing problems caused by exposure to loud music, power motors, and sport ## Pages - [Home](https://northlandaudiology.com/) - Helping Southeast Alaskans hear better since 1993.Are you turning down party invitations because you keep missing the punch lines to your friends’ jokes? Does your spouse complain about you turning the volume up on the TV all the time? Are you feeling frustrated and isolated because you keep having to ask people to talk louder, - [Travel Clinic Schedule](https://northlandaudiology.com/locations/northland-audiology-travel-clinic-schedule/) - Hearing healthcare where it matters: close to home. Travel Clinic ScheduleWe know the financial and time constrains that are caused by having to travel away from home to receive vital healthcare, which is why we believe it’s important to provide Southeast Alaskans with care locally. We are pleased to deliver Audiology care to Southeast Alaskans - [About Us](https://northlandaudiology.com/about-us/) - We’re dedicated to helping you hear better. How does that sound? Meet the Team Dr. Mary Sjostedt, AuD Audiologist Dr. Mary Sjostedt (previously Dr. Owen) is a licensed, certified Audiologist who has worked throughout Colorado, rural Alaska and most recently at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where she specialized in pediatric and adult diagnostic audiology. - [Patient Forms](https://northlandaudiology.com/patient-forms/) - Patient Forms Each patient needs to fill out a patient information form, health history form, and medication list upon their initial visit. We will also ask you to update a new health history form and medication list prior to every diagnostic test for the Audiologist to review. Completed forms can be emailed to intake@northlandaudiology.com or faxed to 907.789.5828. - [Locations](https://northlandaudiology.com/locations/) - JuneauAddress Jordan Creek Center 8800 Glacier Hwy, Ste #116 Juneau, Alaska 99801 Contact Office – 907.789.6780 Fax – 907.789.5828 intake@northlandaudiology.com Office Hours Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm Travel Clinics Offices only open during monthly clinics See Travel Clinic Schedule or call us at 907.789.6780 for upcoming clinic dates!Cordova Ilanka Community Health Center Wellness Center (downstairs enterance) 705 2nd Street Ketchikan - [Services](https://northlandaudiology.com/services/) - It’s so easy when I can find everything I need for better hearing is in one place At Northland Audiology & Hearing Services, our highly qualified Doctors of Audiology blends the art and science of better hearing and collaborates with other medical professionals to accurately diagnose hearing disorders for people of all ages. For the - [Hearing Loss](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-loss/) - Approximately 36 million American adults report some degree of hearing loss Have you ever been in a conversation with a friend and just found yourself nodding your head throughout the majority of the conversation? It’s not that you were in agreement with what was being said. Truthfully, you couldn’t hear most of it very well. - [Hearing Aids](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-aids/) - Stop living your life in a silent movie! Hearing aids and better-hearing accessories continue to evolve and improve. They are more powerful and more discrete, providing embarrassment-free audio enhancement in a variety of situations. At Northland Audiology & Hearing Services, we work with all major hearing aid manufacturers to ensure that we have a solution - [Bluetooth Instructions](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-aids/bluetooth-instructions/) - Are your hearing aids suddenly not connecting to your iPhone? Although this doesn't happen often, it's usually due to having too many apps running in the background or a new/updated IOS from Apple. IOS updates/releases don't just affect your hearing aid app, you may have noticed that it can also cause issues with your other - [Contact Us](https://northlandaudiology.com/contact-us/) - IMPROVE YOUR HEARING…IMPROVE YOUR LIFE! Contact Us Main Office Jordan Creek Center 8800 Glacier Hwy, Suite #116 Juneau, Alaska 99801 Office Hours Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm Travel Clinics Cordova • Craig • Haines • Ketchikan Petersburg • Sitka • Wrangell *Click here for travel clinic schedules* Phone 907.789.6780 Fax 907.789.5828 Emailintake@northlandaudiology.comLEAVE A MESSAGE ANYTIME Send - [Hearing Tests](https://northlandaudiology.com/services/hearing-tests/) - Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations A hearing test, also known as a diagnostic hearing evaluation, is an assessment of your hearing that is performed by an Audiologist. A hearing test identifies 3 key things: Whether or not you have a hearing loss. The type of hearing loss that you have and what the cause might be. If - [Custom Hearing Protection & Plugs](https://northlandaudiology.com/services/custom-protection-plugs/) - Protect your hearing now so that you won’t have to pay for it later. Hearing Protection, Swim Plugs & Sleep Plugs Whether your custom earmolds are designed for hearing protection, in-ear monitors or getting a good night's sleep, they are made to fit the precise shape of your ear to ensure maximum effectiveness and total comfort. - [Prices & Costs](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-aids/prices-and-costs/) - Hearing the happy giggles of my grandchild is a priceless gift How to Make the Best Choice There’s no simple answer to the question of hearing aid prices. The price you should spend on your hearing aids is determined by the type of performance you are looking for. But honestly, there is no way to - [Supplies, Batteries & Accessories](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-aids/supplies-batteries-accessories/) - I feel at home everywhere because my hearing aids let me hear everything! Hearing Aid Supplies Cleaning brushes – At your hearing aid fitting appointment, you will receive a cleaning brush for your hearing aids. This tool typically contains a brush at one end and a metal loop at the other end. The brush may be used - [Testimonials](https://northlandaudiology.com/testimonials/) - Testimonials Click on any icon below to be taken to our profile where you can leave a new review. Choose whichever review site is best for you. We appreciate you taking the time to help us spread the word! Today at church I was able to hear the whole service for the first - [Hearing Aids](https://northlandaudiology.com/services/hearing-aids/) - Improve your hearing...Improve your life! Hearing Aids that Fit Your Life As you take charge of your hearing healthcare, we're here to help! Each hearing loss is unique, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every person has their own hearing preferences, which has to do with how our individual brain “hears”. At Northland Audiology & - [Hearing Loss Prevention](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-loss/hearing-loss-prevention/) - If only there was something I could have done about my hearing loss... Preventing Hearing Loss Do you remember as a kid not being able to eat your dessert until you finished all of your vegetables? Although you may not have realized it then, this was your parents’ attempt to prevent you from adopting - [Tinnitus](https://northlandaudiology.com/services/tinnitus/) - Tinnitus At night, when you go to bed, do you hear crickets? Well, maybe not actual live crickets, but a noticeable high pitch, chirping sound that you only hear when it gets quiet? Or how about a low pitch humming sound that is constant and difficult to ignore? Or what about a loud roaring sound - [Get Answers](https://northlandaudiology.com/get-answers/) - Choosing a ProviderHearing AidsHearing LossInsurance CoverageRepairs/ServicingSupplies & BatteriesWhy don’t my batteries last longer?admin2016-12-09T15:35:44-09:00Why don’t my batteries last longer?Watch batteries may last year, but require little power to keep ticking. Hearing aids require more power to perform complex functions to amplify sound correctly to meet you needs and the varying listening environments you’re in throughout the - [Maintenance, Repairs & Warranties](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-aids/maintenance-repair-warranties/) - You wouldn’t walk around with dirty glasses, why would you walk around with dirty hearing aids? Maintenance Proper care and cleaning of your hearing aid is very important to ensure that your hearing aid is always functioning optimally. There are two key things to remember when you clean your hearing aid. First, you should never - [Balance](https://northlandaudiology.com/services/balance-testing/) - Regain your balance, regain your life. Balance Do you feel like the world around you is constantly spinning? Do you feel dizzy and nauseous when you roll over in bed? Are you having difficulty walking because you just can’t seem to catch your balance, especially in the dark? You may be suffering with a balance - [Why Choose an Audiologist?](https://northlandaudiology.com/services/why-choose-an-audiologist/) - A Doctor of Audiology has the professional expertise, training and experience needed to properly address your hearing health concerns. Why Choose an Audiologist? Hearing health is important, and it deserves the expert care and attention that is provided by an Audiologist. Some people might seek hearing solutions through a hearing aid dealer instead of an - [Wireless Connectivity](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-aids/wireless-connectivity/) - Bluetooth compatibility - no strings attached! Wireless Connectivity Wouldn’t it be great if you could talk on your cell phone in the car hands free? What about watch TV at a volume that is comfortable for you and your family without getting into an argument that the TV is too loud? How about talk on - [Hearing Aid Styles](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-styles/) - Enjoy better hearing no matter what your age may be Hearing Aid Styles The size, placement on or inside the ear, and the degree to which a hearing aid amplifies sound are all used to determine the best solution to your hearing problem. Hearing aids will not restore your normal hearing. With practice, however, a - [Untreated Hearing Loss](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-loss/untreated-hearing-loss/) - In order to live well with hearing loss, one must recognize & accept hearing loss. Specifically, many people must overcome the misplaced shame and poor self-esteem that they experienced from their haring loss. Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss The impact of hearing loss is not simply measured in decibels. Hearing loss is an individual experience, - [Types of Hearing Loss](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss/) - Types of Hearing Loss The anatomy of the ear is described by three main sections: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The outer ear includes the fleshy parts visible on the sides of the head, as well as the ear canal, which ends at the eardrum (waxed paper-like tympanic membrane). The - [Signs of Hearing Loss](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-loss/signs-of-hearing-loss/) - Approximately 36 million American adults report some degree of hearing loss. Signs of Hearing Loss Hearing loss affects both adults and children. Hearing loss is invisible and often declines progressively and subtly. At first, sufferers might develop methods to help compensate for the loss, and they gradually adapt in ways that render them unaware of the sounds - [How You Hear](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-loss/how-you-hear/) - How You Hear Your ability to hear doesn’t just happen. In fact your hearing occurs in a series of mechanical and electrical processes. First, sound waves enter your outer ear and travel through your ear canal. Your ear canal contains skin, bone, tiny hairs, and earwax. Glands within your ear canal help to produce earwax, - [Assistive Listening Devices](https://northlandaudiology.com/hearing-aids/assistive-listening-devices/) - The right assistive listening device helps you listen and live with confidence. Assistive Listening Devices So you know you have difficulty hearing in certain settings. You’ve already purchased hearing aids, and they work, but you just need a little more volume when talking on the phone. Or maybe your visitors are complaining because you never come ## FAQs - [What are some good questions to ask when choosing a hearing healthcare provider?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/what-are-some-good-questions-to-ask-when-choosing-a-hearing-healthcare-provider/) - Will I be seen by a Doctor of Audiology and receive a comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluation? Will my hearing be tested in a regulation, ANSI-certified sound booth? (The sound booth should be completely sound-proof since background noise could affect test results and the accuracy of diagnosis.) Is all testing equipment calibrated to strict specifications annually - [What is a kickstand?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/what-is-a-kickstand/) - Kickstands, sports locks and foots are the same thing in the hearing aid world! These thin rubber tails slip over the receivers of RIC style hearing aids to give some extra support to your hearing aid placement. The tail is tucked backwards into the concha (the bowl of your ear) to help keep the hearing aid in place in your - [What is a wax guard?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/what-is-a-wax-guard/) - A wax guard, also known as a wax trap or wax filter, prevents the permeation of earwax into the hearing aid. Wax guards are pretty similar to the sink strainer in your kitchen sink. Like blocking food from going down and clogging the drain, the wax guard blocks earwax from getting into the hearing aid components. If the - [What are domes?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/what-are-domes/) - Domes are the small plastic/rubber pieces that go on the end of your hearing aid's receiver if you have a RIC style hearing aid. These domes come in a variety of sizes and styles. The dome size and style depends on the shape/size of your ear canal, your receiver size, and your individual hearing loss. Some - [What are the different battery sizes?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/battery-sizes/) - Hearing aid batteries are standardized with number and color codes to make them easy to find what you need. Size 10 = Yellow Size 13 = Orange Size 312 = Brown Size 675 = Blue If you cannot remember your battery size, call us at 907.789.6780! - [Where should I store my batteries?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/where-should-i-store-my-batteries/) - The best place to store your batteries is right where you store your hearing aid(s) at night; in a bedside table, or if you have space, in a drawer in your bathroom. That way the batteries will be there when you put your hearing aids in first thing in the morning. We suggest keeping the - [How can I avoid running out of batteries?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/how-can-i-avoid-running-out-of-batteries/) - Simple, keep a month's supply of batteries for your hearing aids on hand, 8-10, and order more once you're down to 8, to allow for shipping time. We sell PowerOne batteries in packages of 6 and 48. Feel free to stop by our office Monday - Friday between 8am and 5pm or call us at 907.789.6780 to purchase - [How long will my batteries last?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/how-long-will-my-batteries-last/) - Hearing aid batteries will typically last about 5-7 days depending on the size of the battery, the model of hearing aid, the level of hearing loss, and the demands of the location where you use them. The more active your hearing aid needs to be, the more battery power it will use. Rechargeable batteries are - [Do you sell batteries?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/do-you-sell-batteries/) - Yes, we sell hearing aid batteries. Our PowerOne batteries are ordered directly from the manufacturer to ensure the freshest, longest lasting batteries possible. We sell disposable hearing aid batteries in packages of 6 and packages of 48. We also carry rechargeable hearing aid batteries and charging units. Stop by our Juneau office or call 907.789.6780 to purchase new - [What brands of hearing aids do you carry?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/what-brands-of-hearing-aids-do-you-carry/) - Northland Audiology & Hearing Services the top brands of hearing aid and hearing accessories in order to provide our patients with a wide range of hearing healthcare solutions. We work with GN ReSound, Siemens, Widex, Starkey, Phonak, Rexton, Unitron and Interton. - [Why don't my batteries last longer?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/why-dont-my-batteries-last-longer/) - Watch batteries may last year, but require little power to keep ticking. Hearing aids require more power to perform complex functions to amplify sound correctly to meet you needs and the varying listening environments you're in throughout the day. - [Does my insurance cover your services?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/does-my-insurance-cover-your-services/) - Northland Audiology & Hearing Services is not an in-network provider. However, because the nearest in-network Audiologist is more than 500 miles away from Southeast Alaska, insurance plans will cover services at an in-network rate. Testing: Services performed during your diagnostic hearing evaluation will be billed to the medical portion of your insurance plan. If you call your insurance - [How long does it take to repair a hearing aid?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/how-long-does-it-take-to-repair-a-hearing-aid/) - Most repairs can be done in the office within a matter of minutes. If we can't solve the issue in our office, it's likely an issue that needs to be resolved by the manufacturer. Since most hearing aid manufacturers are located on the east coast, we typically estimate it will take 10-14 business days to receive - [Where do I send my hearing aid for repair?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/where-do-i-send-my-hearing-aid-for-repair/) - Our Juneau office is staffed Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm. If you feel that something is wrong with your hearing aid, give us a call at 907.789.6780. If possible, we'll try to troubleshoot the issue over the phone. If that doesn't work, you can send your hearing aid to our Juneau office for servicing. Northland Audiology & - [Does my warranty cover repairs?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/does-my-warranty-cover-repairs/) - Your hearing aids are covered by at least a one year manufacturer’s warranty. The length of the warranty varies by manufacturer and hearing aid model. This means, if something in your hearing aid breaks before your warranty expires, we can send your hearing aid to the manufacturer for repair, typically free of charge. Once your - [What does Medicare cover?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/what-does-medicare-cover/) - Medicare does not cover hearing aids or tests to determine the need for hearing aids. Medicare will also not pay on diagnostic hearing evaluations unless referred by a physician or healthcare provider for each exam. Medicare also routinely does not pay for Audiology office visits, so either you the patient, or your insurance plan will - [Do you accept Medicaid?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/do-you-accept-medicaid/) - Alaskans who are Medicaid recipients, are likely to be covered for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, including hearing aids when authorized. After we test your hearing, we will submit to the Medicaid program for approval for hearing aids if needed. As long as your coverage is current, you are unlikely to need to - [Do you accept insurance?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/do-you-accept-insurance/) - If you plan to use medical insurance plan benefits to help pay for your hearing services and hearing instruments, it is important to know that only the testing provided by an Audiologist—not by a hearing aid dealer—can provide the diagnosis code that is required on insurance claims. (An Audiologist is the primary professional who is - [Why should I seek treatment for my hearing loss?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/why-should-i-seek-treatment-for-my-hearing-loss/) - If you know or suspect you have hearing loss, it makes sense to seek the facts about your hearing health status and learn what can be done about it. Your Doctor of Audiology will reviews the findings of your hearing assessment with you and explain recommend treatment options. If your hearing loss is diagnosed as - [What are the types of hearing loss?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/what-are-the-types-of-hearing-loss/) - To help you understand the different types of hearing losses, it first helps to know about how the hearing system normally works. The anatomy of the ear is described by three main sections: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The outer ear includes the fleshy parts visible on the sides of - [Is it time for new hearing aids?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/is-it-time-for-new-hearing-aids/) - Previously, new ‘generations’ of hearing aids came out about every 5 years or so. Now, with advances in technology, manufacturers are releasing new generations every 15-24 months. Though major changes may not be as noticeable from one generation to the next, after 2 or 3 new generations of hearing aids you can expect significant improvements - [How do I care for my hearing aids?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/how-do-i-care-for-my-hearing-aids/) - For most of us, purchasing hearing aids is a significant investment. However, with proper use and care, your investment will provide you with years of good hearing. Hearing aid users should make it a habit to: Clean hearing aids as instructed. Earwax and ear drainage can damage a hearing aid. Have your hearing aids professionally - [How can I adjust to my hearing aid?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/how-can-i-adjust-to-my-hearing-aid/) - Much like prescription glasses, hearing aid won’t cure your hearing loss. However, new hearing aids aren’t as easy to get used to as glasses. Don’t be surprised if, at first, it all seems somewhat overwhelming. Getting used to hearing aids takes patience and practice. Some people seem to leap right into amplification use. For others - [What questions should I ask before purchasing a hearing aid?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/what-questions-should-i-ask-before-purchasing-a-hearing-aid/) - Before you buy a hearing aid, ask your hearing professional these important questions: What features are available? How would they be useful to me? What is the total cost of the hearing aid? Can they bill your insurance? Is there a trial period to test the hearing aids? What fees are nonrefundable if the aids - [Can I obtain financial assistance for a hearing aid?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/can-i-obtain-financial-assistance-for-a-hearing-aid/) - If you plan to use medical insurance plan benefits to help pay for your hearing services and hearing instruments, it is important to know that only the testing provided by an Audiologist—not by a hearing aid dealer—can provide the diagnosis code that is required on insurance claims. (An Audiologist is the primary professional who is - [Should I get two hearing aids?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/should-i-get-two-hearing-aids/) - If your Doctor of Audiology tells you that you need two hearing aids, it’s best to follow his or her advice and not sell yourself short. In order to improve your ability to hear correctly and respond appropriately, it is generally ill-advised to wear only one hearing instrument and expect it to do the work - [Why do I need a hearing evaluation before getting hearing aids?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/why-do-i-need-a-hearing-evaluation-before-getting-hearing-aids/) - Your Audiologist has the professional medical training and expertise to recognize which types of hearing loss respond best to medications or surgery, and which types are helped primarily by use of hearing aids. The Audiologist’s training gives them full understanding of appropriate testing procedures as well as the medical expertise to diagnose the results. (Non-Audiologist - [How can I find out if I need a hearing aid?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/how-can-i-find-out-if-i-need-a-hearing-aid/) - If you suspect or been told you have a hearing loss, schedule a diagnostic evaluation (hearing testing) by an Audiologist, the proper medical professional credentialed to diagnose the type and cause of your hearing loss. Based on the assessment results, your Audiologist will either refer you to another specialist such as an ENT (Ear, Nose & - [Which hearing aid will work best for me?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/which-hearing-aid-will-work-best-for-me/) - Determining which hearing aids are the best choice for you involves a number of factors and may include a test drive! You provider not only considers which models are the most appropriate for your particular hearing loss type and severity, but also will want to know some details about your lifestyle, needs, and preferences. What - [Are new types of hearing aids available?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/are-new-types-of-hearing-aids-available/) - Previously, new ‘generations’ of hearing aids came out about every 5 years or so. Now, with advances in technology, manufacturers are releasing new generations every 15-24 months. Though major changes may not be as noticeable from one generation to the next, after 2 or 3 new generations of hearing aids you can expect significant improvements - [What are realistic expectations from hearing aids?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/what-are-realistic-expectations-from-hearing-aids/) - It’s important to develop realistic expectations about what hearing aids can and cannot do. Restoring Hearing – While hearing aids can change the qualities and intensities of sounds that reach your ears, no matter how technologically advanced the hearing aids are, they cannot restore hearing to “normal.” Types of Hearing Aids – Not all hearing - [Do all hearing aids work the same way?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/do-all-hearing-aids-work-the-same-way/) - Today’s digital hearing aid technology converts sound waves into numerical codes, similar to binary coding used by computers, and then amplifies the sound frequencies according to programmed instructions. Because the codes also include information about a sound’s needed pitch and loudness, each aid needs to be specially programmed to amplify the frequencies more than others. Digital - [How can hearing aids help?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/how-can-hearing-aids-help/) - The ability to stay socially connected with family and friends supports better overall personal happiness and a richer quality of life. Not only do hearing aids help people stay connected to the world and hear every day sounds, but most importantly because they help the wearer to comprehend speech, therefore they help them communicate more - [What is the difference between an Audiologist and a Hearing Instrument Dispenser?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-an-audiologist-and-a-hearing-instrument-dispenser/) - Audiologists are the primary healthcare professionals with the expertise to evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss. They can also be licensed to prescribe, fit, and dispense hearing aids when appropriate. Audiologists typically hold a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree, and must meet strict national clinical competency requirements and pass rigorous testing. It can be - [How do I choose a hearing provider?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/how-do-i-choose-a-hearing-provider/) - Your hearing is precious and deserves the highest quality care, so it is important that you choose a Doctor of Audiology as the key provider on your hearing health team. (Look for the credentials AuD behind the name, or ask “Will an Audiologist conduct a diagnostic evaluation of my hearing?”) Audiologist providers typically work in - [What is a hearing aid?](https://northlandaudiology.com/faq-items/what-is-a-hearing-aid/) - Today’s hearing aids are small, highly sophisticated digital devices (essentially high-tech miniature computers) worn in or behind the ears. Properly programmed hearing aids help make it easier for the wearer to stay connected to and enjoy high quality participation in everyday life. 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