Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am needing hearing aids?

Great question! If you’re concerned you or a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss, you are not alone.

Because hearing loss can come on gradually, it’s often the people around you who notice your hearing problems first. Typically, it takes people an average of seven years to seek treatment. If you exhibit the following symptoms, consider visiting an audiologist:

There are several ways…

  • You hear mumbling or frequently complain that people mumble when people are speaking to you
  • You ask people to repeat themselves and often find yourself struggling to complex in group situations
  • You play the TV or radio louder than your friends, spouse or relatives to obtain clarity of the program
  • You find yourself laughing at jokes even though you may not have heard the details
  • You need to ask others about the details of a meeting you just attended
  • You cannot hear the doorbell or the telephone
  • You find that looking at people when they speak to you makes it easier to understand
  • You find yourself avoiding certain restaurants because they are too noisy
  • Your family and friends are letting you know that they can notice a decline in your hearing.

What is an audiologist?

  • Audiologists are healthcare professionals who evaluate, diagnose and treat hearing loss and other auditory conditions like tinnitus and balance disorders
  • Audiologists also provide valuable insight and products to help you prevent hearing loss, like protective custom earplugs
  • Audiologists are trained to work with all ages, from newborns to the elderly; however, some do specialize in certain age groups or conditions

EDUCATION

  • Audiologists hold an advanced doctoral degree in audiology and must be licensed by the state in which they practice in. In addition, to their education and state licensure, an audiologist may be awarded the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), otherwise known as the credentials of CCC-A. With additional training and expertise, the audiologist may receive the Honor of Fellow, which is awarded by the American Academy of Audiology, credentialed by F-AAA.
  • AHAS, Doctors of Audiology is proud to have 4 Doctors of Audiology who have all obtained their Doctorates in Audiology, along with state licensure and credentials of CCC-A and F-AAA. 

What types of evaluations and treatments do audiologists perform?

Audiologist preform many different evaluations and treatments for multiple hearing and balance problems.

  • How is hearing loss diagnosed? To learn more about what an audiological evaluation may include: CLICK HERE
  • How is a hearing loss treated? To learn more about what an hearing aid fitting may include: CLICK HERE

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How do I know what level of technology of hearing device may be right for me?

  • We hear this everyday which is why we made this guide for you. Your Doctor of Audiology will help guide you based on your test results, as well as goals in areas you want to improve.
  • All hearing devices may look the same on the outside but are NOT the same on in the inside.
  • That is why there are different levels of technology based upon your testing results, hearing demands, goals and budget.

Does the pricing structure include services and warranties?

  • YES! When hearing devices are purchased and fit through AHAS, Doctors of Audiology all services and supplies are included, along with a 3-year warranty for service repairs and loss and damage.
  • WHY? We have found that patient success with hearing devices is directly linked to follow-up care and counseling. Success in using hearing devices is much higher when there are no charges involved in being seen in the office, it takes the continued financial worry off you!

I am concerned that I may need expensive hearing aids, but what if I can’t afford them?

  • We understand that state-of-the-art hearing device technology can be expensive, but we’ll find solutions to meet your budget.
  • We offer devices at every price point to suit your budget including an inventory of used devices.
  • Additionally, we offer 18-month special financing payment plans with, approved credit, through Wells Fargo or Care Credit that can help ease the financial burden and enable you to get the technology you need or desire.

Over-the-counter hearing aids, what are they?

  • Over-the-counter hearing aids, which do not require a prescription, might seem like a straightforward way to get treatment for your hearing loss. However, it’s difficult to navigate through the world of hearing assistance technology without the help of a professional.
  • These new OTC devices are NOT programmed with individual hearing loss preferences in mind. Hearing loss experts, including our physicians at ENT Associates of Savannah and audiologists at AHAS, Doctors of Audiology, can provide the hearing aid that will serve you best and program it to fit your hearing needs and lifestyle.
  • Additionally, since over-the-counter hearing aids do not tell you about the cause of your hearing loss, it’s important to visit a medical professional to ensure that your hearing loss isn’t an indicator of a bigger medical condition.

What are assistive listening devices (ALDs)?

  • People with all types and degrees of hearing loss can benefit from an assistive listening device (ALD). Since the microphone of a typical hearing aid is worn in or behind your ear, its ability to enhance the talker-to-background-noise ratio can be limited.
  • ALDs include alarm clocks, TV listening systems, telephone amplifying devices and auditorium-type assistive listening systems. Many newer devices are small, wireless and compatible with a person’s digital hearing aids. Alarms and other home ALDs may be small devices that are placed discreetly on tables, next to the TV or on the wall.