Hearing Services Available at NEO Associates
We provide complete audiometric evaluations for all ages utilizing state-of-the-art computer-assisted audiometers as well as middle ear analyzers.
Hearing loss simulation, which allows you and your family to hear what your loss sounds like, and to better understand your communication concerns.
Live speech mapping to assist in proper selection and fitting of selected digital hearing aids.
Aural rehabilitation to assist you and your family with your hearing healthcare issues.
Custom Hearing Instruments
- BTE- Behind the ear
- ITE- In the ear
- ITC- In the canal
- CIC- Completely in the canal
Ear Molds
Custom swim molds and hearing protection devices(HPD)
Assistive Listening Devices — ALD’s
Telephone amplifiers, pocketalkers, TV Ears, Alarm clocks, etc.
Hearing Aid Batteries
8-pack or 48-pack.
Repairs
All models and makes.
Trial Evaluation of Your Hearing Aids
often there is an adjustment period to adjust to amplified sound and a trial evaluation allows you to experience this for thirty days. Come see what the newest digital technology can do for you!
Audiometric Evaluations
These are often needed to assist the ENT physician in tinnitus management, vestibular (dizzy) evaluation, and chronic middle ear infections often found in children.
Once you have been determined to have a hearing loss, which could be helped by amplification, and have been medically cleared to wear a hearing aid, a simple process of taking custom impressions will get you started. You will next be scheduled for a fitting appointment approximately 1-3 weeks later to properly fit and instruct you in the use, care, and expectations of your hearing aids. A conformity evaluation(s) will be scheduled during your trial period to aid you in your adjustment period. Routine follow-up appointments will be scheduled based on your individual needs.
Most insurance companies will assist in coverage of your hearing evaluation and some might assist you with your hearing aids. Please check with your insurance carrier and alert us to any concerns you may have in your coverage.
What You Should Know About Hearing Loss
Hearing loss might be attributed to nerve loss (sensorineural) e.g. Noise exposure-inherited traits-ototoxicity-aging process
Conductive loss-hearing loss that might be medically or surgically managed e.g. TM perforation-middle ear effusion-otosclerosis.
Mixed loss-hearing loss that has a combination of both sensorineural and conductive components
Some patients can have their hearing corrected by an ENT Surgeon, so it is important to have an evaluation to make this determination.
Most of these losses can be helped effectively by properly selected and fitted hearing aids.
Hearing Loss Indicators:
- You favor one ear over the other.
- You have been told that the TV is too loud.
- You have difficulty following conversation in noisy places or groups.
- You ask people to often repeat themselves.
- Family and friends have noticed your inability to hear properly.
Hearing loss is invisible and almost always painless .There are generally no physical warning signs although you might experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears).The real reason hearing loss sneaks up on you is that the change is so gradual. Most hearing losses develop over a period of 20-30 years, and by the age of 50-60 , may interfere with communication.
Hearing Self-Check:
- Do you have ringing or noises in your head or ears?
- Do you hear better with one ear than the other?
- Have any of your relatives had a hearing loss?
- Have you had significant exposure to noise at work, recreation, or military service?
- Do you find it difficult to follow a conversation in a noisy restaurant or a crowded room?
- Do you often feel people are mumbling or speaking too softly?
- Do you sometimes find it difficult to understand at church or a public meeting?
- Do you have trouble hearing on the telephone?
- Does a hearing problem cause you to feel left out of many family conversations?
If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then a simple ear exam and complete hearing evaluation is suggested!
Facts and Myths about Hearing Loss
Myth: My type of hearing loss cannot be helped.
Fact: In virtually all cases, nerve deafness can be helped with amplification while other types of hearing loss may need medical treatment.
Myth: Hearing aids will restore your hearing to normal.
Fact: Just as their name suggests, these devices can only aid your hearing. They cannot restore hearing nor retard the progression of hearing loss.
Myth: My hearing problem isn’t bad enough to require two aids
Fact: Like our vision, our brain relies on input from both ears to locate sound and focus on specific sounds and conversations.
Myth: New digital hearing aids can automatically eliminate unwanted background noise.
Fact: No instrument, no matter how sophisticated can do what only the human brain does: selectively cancel out noise as you perceive as undesirable. Better understanding in noisy environments will vary due to the degree and type of hearing loss and your ability and patience as you relearn to hear with amplified sound.
Myth: Hearing aids are too expensive.
Fact: Cost is relative to the perceived value you get from improved quality of life and relationships. The most important investment is your attitude and willingness to adapt to a new world of sound.
Myth: Wearing a hearing aid is a sign of old age.
Fact: Actually your hearing loss is probably more noticeable than your hearing aids.