Hearing aids aren’t just for your hearing; they’ve been shown to improve your balance, your memory, and even your lifespan. They’re a worthy investment in your future, but when you realize you need hearing aids, where do you even start?
Great technology is just one piece of the puzzle. Deciding who to put your trust in for something as important as your hearing health is a major choice – that’s where our team of knowledgeable and passionate audiologists comes in!
Our team is committed to providing comprehensive hearing healthcare. From accurate testing to consistent follow-up care, you benefit from a team of caring people that want to help you succeed, not just sell you a device.
We’re here to enhance your hearing healthcare investment and empower you to make informed choices about your hearing challenges.
Modern Technology and Digital Hearing Aids
When you think of hearing aids, what’s the first image you think of? Probably the bulky, awkward devices that your parents or grandparents wore, buzzing behind their ears at the dinner table. Thankfully, today’s hearing aid technology has come far beyond the tech of old.
These advanced devices pack impressive capabilities into remarkably small packages. They not only help you distinguish conversations in noisy environments but also offer a range of features to enhance your hearing experience.
Hearing aids have become sophisticated tools that seamlessly integrate into your daily life, improving not just your hearing but your overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aids
Q. Do I need a hearing aid?
A. You might benefit from a hearing aid if you experience any of the following:
- Muffled speech and sounds
- Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments
- Trouble distinguishing consonants (like "th", "s", and "f")
- Frequently asking others to speak up, slow down, or repeat themselves
- Needing to turn up the TV or radio volume higher than others find comfortable
- Difficulty with phone conversations
- Avoiding social situations due to hearing challenges
While these signs can indicate potential hearing loss, the only way to determine if you need a hearing aid is through a professional hearing evaluation. Our experienced audiologists can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best solution for your unique needs.
Q. At what level of hearing loss are hearing aids necessary?
A. Hearing aids are typically recommended for individuals with moderate hearing loss or greater. However, the decision to use hearing aids isn't solely based on the degree of hearing loss. Consider these points:
- Mild hearing loss (26-40 dB): Some people benefit from hearing aids at this stage, especially in challenging listening environments.
- Moderate hearing loss (41-55 dB): Hearing aids are usually prescribed at this level. You might struggle to hear normal conversations or everyday sounds like a refrigerator humming.
- Severe to profound hearing loss (56 dB and above): Hearing aids are crucial for communication and safety.
The best way to determine if you need hearing aids is through a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Our audiologists can assess your unique situation and recommend appropriate solutions, ensuring you don't miss out on important sounds in your life.
Q. Do hearing aids cure hearing loss?
A. Hearing aids do not cure hearing loss, but they can significantly improve your hearing and quality of life. Here's what hearing aids can do:
- Clarify and amplify sounds, making it easier to hear and understand
- Potentially slow further hearing deterioration
- Help limit cognitive decline associated with untreated hearing loss
- Alleviate tinnitus symptoms in many cases
- Assist with balance and vertigo issues for some users
While hearing aids don't restore the natural function of your ears, they are powerful tools that can help you reconnect with the world of sound. Our team can help you find the right hearing solution to maximize these benefits for your specific needs.
Q. How long will a hearing aid last?
A. Typically, a hearing aid will last between three to five years. However, several factors influence its lifespan:
- Daily care and cleaning
- Regular maintenance and tune-ups
- Timely repairs when needed
- Environmental factors and usage patterns
While hearing aids can function beyond this timeframe, many audiologists recommend considering an upgrade every five years. This allows you to benefit from advancements in hearing aid technology, which is rapidly evolving to provide better sound quality and features.
We can help you maintain your current devices and advise you on when it might be time to explore newer options to optimize your hearing experience.
Q. Do hearing aids use special batteries?
A. Yes, most hearing aids use specialized zinc-air batteries designed specifically for hearing devices. These batteries are:
- Widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and many convenience stores
- Sold in different sizes to fit various hearing aid models
- Typically activated by removing a small sticker, exposing them to air
It's worth noting that many modern hearing aids now come with rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for frequent battery changes.
Q. How long will it take to adjust to my hearing aids?
A. Getting used to hearing aids is different for everyone, but most people feel comfortable with their devices within about 2 months. Here's what you can expect:
- Your audiologist will set up your hearing aids and show you how to use them
- You'll have follow-up visits to fine-tune the settings
- We recommend gradually increasing how long you wear them each day
We're here to help you every step of the way with:
- Adjusting your hearing aid settings as needed
- Tips and tricks to help you adapt more easily
- Help with any technical issues
- Regular check-ins to see how you're doing
Remember, it takes time for your brain to get used to hearing clearly again. With a little patience and our support, you'll soon be enjoying all the sounds around you.
Q. Are hearing aids covered by health insurance?
A. Good news for California residents: As of 2024, California law requires all state-regulated private insurance plans to cover hearing aids for both children and adults. This is a significant improvement in hearing aid accessibility for many Californians.
However, coverage can still vary depending on your specific plan:
- California private insurance: Check your policy details, as coverage amounts may differ between plans.
- Medicare: Traditional Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids, but many Medicare Advantage plans do offer hearing aid benefits.
- Medi-Cal: Provides coverage for hearing aids when medically necessary.
- Employer-provided plans: May have different levels of coverage, even if based in California.
We can help you understand your insurance benefits and explore all available options to make your hearing care as affordable as possible. We recommend bringing your insurance information to your appointment so we can assist you in maximizing your coverage.
How to Decide on the Right Hearing Aid for You
Finding the right hearing aid can feel overwhelming; with so many makes and models to choose from, as well as different features for different devices, it’s natural to feel like you don’t know where to start.
You can rest assured that with us guiding you every step of the way, you’ll feel comfortable and confident in your decision.
A Comprehensive Hearing Check
You’ll get started on your hearing health journey with a comprehensive hearing assessment; our hearing tests are painless and take about an hour to complete. This testing allows you to find out the truth about your hearing loss challenges and see what steps need to be taken to optimize your hearing.
Choosing Your Perfect Plan and Fit
Based on your hearing assessment and lifestyle needs, we'll help you select the best treatment plan and hearing aid combination. Our plans include:
- Essential Care Plan: Basic coverage with quality hearing aids and essential care.
- Smart Care Plan: Extended care with premium technology and added benefits.
- All-Inclusive Care Plan: Comprehensive coverage with state-of-the-art technology and maximum support.
- Better Hearing Club (BHC) Program: VIP access to ongoing care and the latest technology.
We'll guide you through the features of each plan, helping you understand how they align with your hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget. You’ll find the perfect balance of technology and care to ensure you get the most out of your hearing journey with the guidance and support of our professional team.
For detailed information about our treatment plans and transparent pricing, please visit our Treatment Plans page.
Once you’ve selected your plan, we'll help you choose hearing aids that complement it. To find the best devices for your needs, we’ll consider appearance, ease of use, budget, and how they’ll fit in with your daily activities.
Getting Your Hearing Aid Fitted and Programmed
Your hearing aids and care plan will be tailored to your specific needs. Everyone’s hearing is unique; so should your treatment plan.
This includes:
- Precise fitting of your hearing aids for optimal comfort
- Fine-tuning the settings to match your unique hearing profile
- Thorough training on how to use and care for your devices
- Guidance on making the most of your selected treatment plan
There’s no such thing as a silly question! Ask anything you need to about your hearing aids and care plan to ensure you feel confident and comfortable.
Ongoing Support & Care
Great hearing technology is just the beginning. Your newfound partnership with us as your hearing care partner ensures that you’ll always have access to top-tier care for your devices and your hearing, including:
- Regular check-ups to ensure your hearing aids are performing optimally
- Adjustments as your hearing needs change
- Access to supplies and maintenance services as outlined in your plan
- Ongoing counseling and support to help you adapt to your improved hearing
Our Better Hearing Club plan grants priority access to care and the latest technological upgrades.
We're committed to supporting you throughout your hearing journey, ensuring you always get the most from your investment in better hearing.
Hearing Aid Styles Available From Berkeley Hearing Center
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Severe to profound hearing loss patients usually require the additional performance capabilities of behind-the-ear hearing aids. Although it’s not invisible, this instrument is more streamlined and lighter weight than its predecessors. Its technology is housed in the casing of these hearing aids, placed behind the ear while the clear plastic acoustical tube sends the amplified sounds into a customized earmold fitted inside the ear canal.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)/Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
RIC/RITE hearing aids are the ideal solution for many hearing aid users due to their processing capabilities and the way processed sound is delivered to the ear. Sound is transmitted to the receiver, or speaker, in the ear. This speaker can be a custom formed earmold or an open-fit design that does not occlude the ear canal, allowing for unmatched comfort and a very natural sound.
Full Shell ITE
The largest of ITE hearing aid styles, full-shell hearing aids have greater processing power, can include directional microphones, are equipped with more manual adjustment features, and come with larger batteries with a longer service life. However, they are not as discreet as smaller ITE models.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids are slightly visible, may still include directional microphones, and come with manual adjustments and larger batteries with a longer battery life. However, they are still not as discreet and do not provide the same secure fit as the smaller CIC and IIC styles.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)/Invisible-in-the Canal (IIC)
These are the smallest styles, which are invisible or nearly invisible. Because they lack some of the processing power of larger styles, they are best suited for mild to moderate hearing losses. They provide a more secure fit, but they require good manual dexterity for insertion and removal and have a shorter battery life than the larger models.
Begin Your Hearing Health Journey Today
Better hearing doesn’t just mean hearing the TV and your loved ones clearer – it also opens the door to better conversations, improved confidence, more enjoyment of music, and the ability to continue leading your active, independent lifestyle.
You’ll receive a personalized care plan that’s tailored to your specific needs, including your lifestyle choices, budget, and unique hearing loss challenges. Our team of experienced audiologists is here to provide support every step of the way.
Ready to rediscover the sounds you’ve been missing?
Schedule your hearing evaluation today. Call 510-841-0681 or fill out the form to book your appointment.
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