Hearing Aids
Have you been told you need hearing aids and are wondering where to start? There are numerous types of hearing aids on the market and we understand the task of deciding which one is best for you can be daunting.
We can help. Here is a brief overview of hearing aids and assisted listening devices to give you a general idea of what exists. Call or come in for an evaluation and we’ll be happy to assist you in learning more.
In regard to function, all hearing assisted devices use similar parts to carry sound from the environment into your ear and amplify, or make louder, the sound so you can hear them more clearly. Small, barely noticeable microphones collect the sound and a computer chip with an amplifier converts the incoming sound into a digital code. The computer chip can also analyze and adjust the sound based on your level of hearing loss, needs and whether you are in a crowd or more private conversation. These signals are then converted back into sound waves and transmitted to your ears through speakers, also called receivers. The majority of hearing aids are digital now and powered with a tiny battery, often rechargeable.
Price, size, the way they sit in your ear, along with other specialized features can vary widely among hearing aids. Designers of hearing aids continue to make them smaller as the demand for less noticeable devices increases.
Some of the more common types of hearing aids include:
- Completely in the Canal (CIC) – These hearing aids fit completely in the ear canal and are molded specifically for the individual for optimal comfort. It is an excellent option for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. CICs are the smallest and least visible type on the market and they are less likely to pick up wind noise. However, because of their size, they lack extra features such as volume control or a directional microphone like others.
- In the Ear (ITE) – ITE hearing aids come in two styles: One that fills the bowl of outer ear structure that you see (called a full shell) and one that fills only the lower part (also called a half shell). Those with mild to severe hearing loss are great candidates for ITE aids because most have directional microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
- Behind the Ear (BTE) – These hearing devices hook over the top of the outer ear and connect to a custom-made earpiece that is molded to fit inside the ear canal. BTE are one of the more common types of hearing aids as they are suitable for all ages and almost any type of hearing loss. They are larger than others but newer designs of BTEs are much more streamlined and hardly noticeable.
- Open Fit – The Open Fit hearing aids are similar to the Behind the Ear types but instead of having a molded piece inside the ear, the Open Fit type uses an open dome in the ear thus keeping the ear canal open and unobstructed. This style is a good option for those with mild to moderate high frequency hearing loss but relatively adequate low-frequency hearing.
Contact our office today and we would be more than happy to help you find the right hearing aid to improve your quality of life and get you back in the loop again!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hearing Aids
Where can I get fitted for hearing aids near Appleton, Neenah, or Oshkosh, WI?
Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin offers hearing aid evaluations and fittings across the Fox Valley through our affiliated Audiology Center, with ENT offices serving Appleton, Neenah, Oshkosh, De Pere, Shawano, and Waupaca. Call (920) 969-1768 to schedule a hearing test at the location most convenient for you. Our audiologists work directly with your ENT physician so any underlying medical cause of hearing loss is ruled out before you’re fitted for devices. You can request an appointment online or contact us to talk through your options.
Does Medicare or insurance cover hearing aids in Wisconsin?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or fitting exams, though it does cover diagnostic hearing tests when ordered by a physician. Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include partial hearing aid coverage, and some private and employer insurance plans offer a hearing aid benefit or allowance. Wisconsin Medicaid covers hearing aids for children under 21 and for adults in specific circumstances. Coverage varies significantly by plan, so it’s worth calling your insurer with your device model in hand. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can help you understand your benefits before you commit, call (920) 969-1768 or contact us to discuss.
Are over-the-counter hearing aids as good as prescription hearing aids from an audiologist?
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, approved by the FDA in 2022, work well for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and cost significantly less than prescription devices. Prescription hearing aids offer a wider range of features, custom programming based on an audiologist’s evaluation, and support for more severe or complex hearing loss. If your hearing loss is more than mild, if you have tinnitus, dizziness, ear drainage, or one-sided hearing loss, a medical evaluation is important before choosing any device. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can run a full hearing test to help you make the right choice, call (920) 969-1768 to schedule.
How long does it take to get used to wearing hearing aids?
Most people need about 2 to 4 months to fully adjust to new hearing aids, though many notice significant improvement within the first few weeks. The brain has to relearn how to process sounds it hasn’t heard clearly in years, so voices, background noise, and even your own footsteps can feel unusually loud at first. Wearing the devices consistently, ideally 8 or more hours a day from the start, speeds up the adjustment period considerably. Follow-up appointments during this window let your audiologist fine-tune the programming as your brain adapts. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin includes follow-up visits with every fitting, call (920) 969-1768 with any questions.
How long do hearing aids typically last before they need to be replaced?
Most hearing aids last between 3 and 7 years with proper care, though many people upgrade closer to the 5-year mark to take advantage of newer technology like improved Bluetooth streaming and better noise processing. Actual lifespan depends on the device style, how often it’s worn, moisture and earwax exposure, and how well it’s cleaned. Behind-the-ear (BTE) models generally last longer than in-canal models because the electronics are more protected from moisture. Hearing loss can also change over time, which sometimes drives a replacement before the device itself fails. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can assess whether repair or replacement makes more sense, call (920) 969-1768.
Do I need one hearing aid or two?
Most adults with hearing loss in both ears benefit meaningfully from two hearing aids rather than one. Two aids improve your ability to tell where sounds are coming from, make speech easier to understand in noisy environments like restaurants, and reduce listening fatigue at the end of the day. A single hearing aid may make sense only if hearing loss is limited to one ear, or if one ear can no longer benefit from amplification due to severe nerve damage. Your audiologist at Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can determine what’s right for you based on a full hearing test, call (920) 969-1768 to schedule.
Can hearing aids help with tinnitus or ringing in the ears?
Hearing aids often reduce the perception of tinnitus, especially when the ringing is linked to hearing loss, which is the case for most adults with tinnitus. By amplifying ambient sounds, hearing aids give the brain more to focus on, which pushes the internal ringing into the background. Many modern devices also include built-in tinnitus masking programs that generate soft, customizable sounds to further mask the ringing. Not everyone with tinnitus has hearing loss, and treatment plans should be based on a proper evaluation. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can evaluate both together with a full hearing test, call (920) 969-1768 to schedule.
Can modern hearing aids connect to my phone or TV with Bluetooth?
Most modern hearing aids can connect directly to smartphones, tablets, and TVs using Bluetooth, letting calls, music, podcasts, and TV audio stream straight into your ears. This feature is standard on nearly all mid- and premium-tier prescription hearing aids sold today. Some devices pair directly with iPhone and Android through Bluetooth Low Energy, while others use a small intermediary streamer that connects to older TVs or landline phones. Companion apps also let you adjust volume, change listening programs, and locate misplaced aids from your phone. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can show you the connectivity options that fit your lifestyle, call (920) 969-1768 or contact us.
How do I clean and care for my hearing aids?
Wipe your hearing aids daily with a soft, dry cloth to remove earwax, moisture, and skin oils, and gently brush the microphone openings and wax guards. Never use water, alcohol, or cleaning solutions, moisture is the most common cause of hearing aid failure. Store your devices in a dry, protective case overnight, ideally with a dehumidifier if you live in a humid environment or sweat heavily. Replace wax guards regularly, and open the battery compartment overnight on non-rechargeable models to let moisture escape. Your audiologist at Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can schedule professional cleanings a few times a year, call (920) 969-1768.
Should I choose rechargeable hearing aids or ones with replaceable batteries?
Rechargeable hearing aids are more convenient, environmentally friendly, and easier to handle if dexterity is limited, you simply place them in a charging dock overnight for a full day of use. Replaceable-battery models offer longer proven battery life per unit, work as backup during power outages, and don’t require worrying about a depleted charge mid-day. Rechargeable batteries typically last 4 to 5 years before needing professional replacement, so lifetime battery cost is worth considering in the comparison. The right choice depends on your daily routine, dexterity, and travel habits. Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can walk through the trade-offs, call (920) 969-1768 to schedule a consultation.