If you are experiencing hearing loss, you undoubtedly have a number of questions that you would like to have answered before you proceed with choosing a hearing aid. With that in mind, we have assembled a list of some of the questions our patients ask most often. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, feel free to call Hearing Services of Santa Barbara at (805) 967-4200. We will be happy to talk with you, answer your questions, and arrange a consultation.
Why Should I Choose Hearing Services of Santa Barbara?
Our audiologists are fully trained in hearing aid technology, and we constantly upgrade our training so that we can be sure of staying at the forefront of new innovations. We give you exactly what you need – nothing more, and nothing less. Our pledge to you is that we will never try to sell you the most expensive hearing aid if your needs can be met more economically. Our philosophy is that good hearing is vital when it comes to fully engaging with your friends, family, and even people that you meet casually. We are compassionate and committed to your care.
We also take the time to take a full history, become cognizant of any medical concerns that could affect your hearing, and we make medical referrals if needed. We want to get to know you as a person, not just as a patient. We will take the time to talk with you about your lifestyle and your communication needs so that we can design a treatment plan that is personalized.
What Types of Hearing Aids do You Offer?
We carry all major and secondary brands. We can also repair virtually any brand of hearing aid.
Will a Hearing Aid Help Me to Understand Speech Better?
Yes, a good hearing aid can help you understand speech better by increasing the volume and improving the clarity.
What Is the Best Hearing Aid?
There is no single best type of hearing aid. It all depends on the degree of hearing loss and the anatomy of your ear, as well as your lifestyle. At Hearing Services of Santa Barbara, we take all of these factors into consideration before we make a recommendation.
Having said that, there are various types of hearing aids, ranging from behind-the-ear hearing aids to very tiny hearing aids that fit in the ear canal. The smaller ones are more aesthetically pleasing, but not necessarily right for everyone. Additionally, some people require more powerful hearing aids. At Hearing Services of Santa Barbara, we can explain the features and benefits of every style of hearing aid, and help you to choose the one that is perfect for you.
What Will My Hearing Aids Do For Me?
First, we should tell you what hearing aids will not do. They will not restore your normal hearing. However, with the advances in hearing aid technology over the past number of years, you will get your quality of life back. You will find that in most situations, your hearing aids will enable you to hear better, and understand speech better. Remember, though, that even people with normal hearing are going to have trouble understanding speech if the noise in the room is very loud, like at a party. So, you can expect normal hearing, but not super-hearing.
Will I Need Time to Get Used to My Hearing Aids?
Yes. However, you will adjust more quickly if you don’t put off dealing with your hearing loss. This is because you are re-learning the way things sound, and it takes your brain some time to adapt. You should wear your hearing aids all day if you want to adapt quickly. Usually, you should find that you are fully adapted to your new hearing aids in about 30 days.
I Already Have Hearing Aids, But I Think They Need to Be Adjusted – Can You Help?
Yes. We can do a hearing test that will help to determine whether your hearing aid is amplifying at the proper frequencies. Then, we can reprogram your hearing aids according to the results.
I Think I Would Like to Get Hearing Aids – What Happens Next?
Please call our office at (805) 967-4200 to schedule a consultation. If you have a current hearing test (within the past 6 months) then please bring a copy of your audiogram to the appointment. If not, then when you call tell us that you need a hearing test and a hearing aid evaluation. We look forward to helping you improve your hearing.
How Can I Arrange an Appointment?
That’s easy – just call Hearing Services of Santa Barbara at (805) 967-4200 in Santa Barbara, and (805) 688-3100 in Solvang. We will arrange to have you come in at a time that suits you, and we can begin the process of giving you back the hearing ability and quality of life you once enjoyed.
What if I purchased hearing aids somewhere else?
Will HSSB provide adjustments, customer service and repairs? Yes. Call us for an appointment. We are trained and experienced with most major hearing aid brands. You can either pay an office visit fee each time you are helped at HSSB or we can “adopt” you as a patient for a set fee.
What if I moved to Santa Barbara or Solvang or I am visiting the area? Will HSSB provide adjustments, customer service and repairs?
Yes. Call us for an appointment. We are trained and experienced with most major hearing aid brands. You only have to pay an office visit fee.
What is the Financial Payment Policy at HSSB?
At HSSB we expect payment of half of the total cost for the hearing aids when you place the order. When the hearing aids are delivered and expertly “fitted” to your ears and specific hearing loss, we expect payment of the balance due. A six month payment plan can be arranged for the balance due. We accept cash, checks, VISA, MasterCard and American Express. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, we will request immediate payment with a credit card and will add a “returned check fee” of $45. If you do not have a credit card, then we will accept cash for the balance due and the “returned check fee” of $45. Failure to comply will result in us canceling the hearing aid order and terminating our business relationship.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. If you have an insurance benefit for hearing aids, we expect payment of half of the total cost for the hearing aids when you place the order. When the hearing aids are delivered and expertly “fitted” to your ears and specific hearing loss, we expect payment of the the balance due. As a courtesy to you, we will file the claim for your hearing aid benefit. Once we receive payment from your insurance company, we will send you a check in the amount equal to what your insurance company paid. From our experience, insurance claims are paid within two weeks up to four months.
What if I am suddenly admitted to the hospital and I need a hearing aid in order to communicate with my family and caregivers?
We can help. At HSSB we will come to you and fit you with a loaner hearing aid. If you have a current hearing test with ENT Associates of Santa Barbara, we will program the hearing aids to those settings. If you have a current hearing test with any other provider, get that to us and we will pre-program the hearing aids and then fit them to you in the hospital. If you do not have a current hearing test, then we will do our best to fit the hearing aids so that you can communicate with your family and caregivers. We will also provide you with a two week supply of batteries. You will pay an “off-site” office visit fee, a loaner rental fee and will sign a loaner agreement.
