This holiday season, Bridge Hearing Center in Belgrade is proudly giving the gift of hearing. Learn More!

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FAQ

Answers to your most asked questions

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Hearing Health FAQs

What happens during a hearing test?
Having your hearing tested is quick and easy. The purpose of a hearing test is to determine if hearing loss is present and if so, what degree. During the exam you will sit in a soundproof booth with a pair of headphones on listening for a series of sounds at different volumes and frequencies. You will signal with your hand when you hear the sound and the results will be recorded by our hearing specialist.

Age and hearing are often related. As we age, the hair cells in the inner ear (which are responsible for hearing) begin to naturally deteriorate. This leads to hearing loss. When this occurs, it can be difficult to hear certain frequencies and parts of speech.

If you have noticed a change in your hearing ability, contact us today for a hearing evaluation.

If you are unsure if you have hearing loss, you should schedule a hearing evaluation. You may have a slight hearing loss or a loss in one ear. Hearing loss varies from person to person. It’s important to have your hearing tested to determine if hearing loss is present so it can be properly managed. It is recommended that adults over the age of 60 have their hearing tested annually.
Almost everyone will experience tinnitus at some point in their life, but how each individual experiences it is different. If you hear a buzzing, ringing, humming, whistling, whooshing, or other sound that is not externally present, you may have tinnitus. Tinnitus itself is not a hearing disorder, but rather a symptom of another issue. The first step to addressing tinnitus is with a hearing evaluation.
Reduced hearing quality increases cognitive load, which can significantly impact overall health. This heightened mental effort may lead to behavioral changes such as social withdrawal and depression, as well as medical concerns including accelerated cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. Research indicates that untreated hearing loss can even alter brain structure through compensatory mechanisms.

Hearing protection is one of the greatest ways to be proactive about your hearing health. Although avoiding loud noises is ideal, that is not always possible. It’s best to have a good set of earplugs to protect your hearing when you are in noisy environments.

Contact Bridge Hearing Center today to learn more about custom hearing protection options.

Hearing Aid FAQs

Can I buy hearing aids online or over the counter?

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are amplification devices that can be purchased without a prescription at a big box store. They are self-fit and designed for adults who have mild hearing loss in both ears.

The hearing aids we carry are medical devices regulated by the FDA. They are prescriptive and fine-tuned to your exact hearing needs based on the results of your audiogram. Our hearing aids are suitable for all degrees of hearing loss and come with continuous follow-up care.

With a smartphone and Bluetooth hearing aids, yes you can! Many of today’s hearing aids have Bluetooth connectivity along with a corresponding app that can be downloaded to your phone. When you are fit with your devices our team will go over how to pair them.

The adjustment period for hearing aids varies for everyone, but most people begin to feel comfortable within a few weeks to a couple of months. When you first start wearing hearing aids, everyday sounds may seem louder or sharper than you remember, that’s because your brain is relearning how to process sounds it hasn’t heard clearly in a while. With consistent use, your brain adapts, and hearing begins to feel more natural.

Hearing aids typically last up to 7 years, depending on how well you care for them. When brought in for regular maintenance and cleaning, hearing aids can last you for many years. Many hearing aid brands have a standard 3-year warranty. For this reason, many patients like to upgrade their hearing aids every 3-5 years to take advantage of the new technology.

The cost of hearing aids varies from type of hearing aid, brand, and services included. We understand that hearing aids are an investment. Because your hearing ability is linked to so many other aspects of your overall health (such as brain health, balance, and mental health), it is crucial to consider the investment.

We carry hearing aids at various price points and will work with you to help you find an affordable option.

While hearing aids will help you hear better in difficult listening situations and with more clarity, they won’t restore your hearing back to what it was. Once you have sensorineural hearing loss, it is irreversible. However, hearing aids can greatly help you by providing your ears and your brain with the sounds around you.

Bridge Hearing Center – Hear for the Holidays 

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