Determining if and what type of hearing loss you have is the first step in deciding if you need a hearing aid. The best hearing solutions are available by calling our office to schedule an appointment or by visiting our online hearing screener.

At the appointment, we will do a comprehensive hearing test and determine if you have hearing loss.

The hearing test will provide information showing your hearing level, your desired sound level, what levels are uncomfortable for your ears, and how much improvement you will receive from hearing aids. 

It takes approximately 30 minutes to do a complete audiogram (hearing test).

The test will consist of tones that everyone is accustomed to, along with speech testing and bone testing.

Speech testing is comprised of testing comfortable and uncomfortable listening levels for each ear as well as repeating words to determine how well you understand speech.

Bone testing, which may sound scary, is actually quite simple. We will place a small bone oscillator (it looks like a little block), behind your ear. The oscillator vibrates and you press the button when you hear it.

You should also expect to discuss your hearing health history and the results of a hearing test. So, when you schedule an appointment for yourself allow 90 minutes in order to not be rushed. 

Disposable hearing aid batteries come in 4 common sizes: size 10, 13, 312, and 675.
Size 10 = 3–4-day battery life
Size 13 = 7–10-day battery life
Size 312 = 5–7-day battery life
Size 675 = 2-3 weeks battery life

To extend battery life, make sure when the hearing aid is not in use to open the battery door. Remember that once you remove the sticker from the battery it is running and will go dead in the time listed above whether you use it or not. 

Bluetooth is a connection from one device to another. This might sound scary for those of us not tech-savvy, but it is rather simple. When you are using Bluetooth with your hearing devices we will set everything up with you and teach you how to use it. We can connect your hearing aids to each other, apps for remote controls, remote controls, TVs, cell phones, tablets, etc.

Most patients don’t even realize they are using Bluetooth, they just know the devices work together. 

Yes, you can get a hearing aid without having all the connections.

Depending on your insurance policy you may or may not have benefits for hearing instruments. We are always happy to check your insurance and let you know what they offer for you. We accept most insurances.

Hearing aids range in price from $800 to $3200 each. We work closely with each patient to meet their hearing needs based on the types of hearing loss and their lifestyle.

We offer payment options for hearing care. We have 6 or 12 months no interest plans, and we offer payment options with low monthly payments for up to 60 months.

We work with most of the big hearing aid manufacturers. Phonak, Unitron, Signia, ReSound, Starkey, and Rexton are the most common choices.

Yes, we offer a full line of custom In The Ear, or ITC (in the canal) hearing aids. We have a Full Shell to a tiny CIC in the ear hearing aid. See our Hearing Instrument page on the website to view the styles. 

Absolutely, rechargeable hearing aids are a nice feature for the receiver in canal hearing aids (RIC), and behind the ear hearing aids (BTE).

Cleaning your hearing instrument will depend upon the style that you wear. BTE, ITC, and RIC hearing aids are cleaned slightly differently. Please see the Resources tab to watch a video for the appropriate style. 

The app is dependent upon the platform or circuit in your hearing device. If you are using Bluetooth connectivity chances are there is an app for your hearing device. Go to App Store or Play Store and search the manufacturer’s name of your hearing device, or call our office and we will assist you in the set up

Linking your TV to your hearing devices is a great thing. It allows easy listening for the hearing aid wearer and comfort for the rest of the family. Everyone has the perfect volume for themselves. Call us for help! Beyond hearing aid repair, we also offer assistance with programming and set up.

If you have Bluetooth connectivity you will need to pair the devices to be able to stream music from your phone or tablet.

Most patients keep their hearing aids for 5-6 years. After that timeframe, they may still work, but the technology has improved and the hearing instruments start becoming less effective. At that time patients choose to upgrade and enjoy the sounds of life.

It depends on the types of hearing loss that you are experiencing. If you have hearing loss in both ears it is recommended to wear hearing aids in both ears. Why, you ask?

1. Directionality is not possible with only one hearing aid. You cannot locate in what direction sounds are coming from. So, if someone calls your name you will have to visually find them without cues from your hearing.

2. Improvement of speech in noise. Hearing aids use a two-microphone system that is called directional microphones as well as Zoom Control features. The Zoom Control only works with two hearing aids.

3. When only wearing one hearing aid the user will suffer from a lack of sound from anyone on the non-aided side. This makes conversation in a small group or around a table difficult.

4. Auditory deprivation: what is that? This is caused by the lack of use of an ear. By not aiding an ear with hearing loss you run the risk of auditory deprivation, which will result in lower speech discrimination scores in that ear. This will make a hearing aid less effective in the future. 

Wax, or cerumen, is secreted by glands in the skin that line the outer ear canal. The wax and tiny hairs in the canal trap dust and other foreign particles that could damage deeper structures, such as your eardrum.

A small amount of earwax regularly makes its way to the opening of the ear, where it's washed away or falls out as new wax is secreted to replace it.

If you secrete an excessive amount of wax or if earwax is not cleared effectively, it may build up and block your ear canal.

Earwax blockages commonly occur when people try to clean their ears on their own by placing cotton swabs or other items in their ears. This often just pushes wax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it.

Hearing loss can present with many different symptoms/issues. Commonly these symptoms/issues may be noticed by family or loved ones before the person suffering notices.

Common symptoms:
• Having a problem hearing over the telephone
• Having trouble following the conversation when two or more people talk at the same time
• Turning the TV volume up too high
• Straining to understand conversation
• Having trouble hearing in a noisy background, like in a restaurant
• Complaining of ringing in their ears
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Complaining that other people mumble or don’t speak clearly
• Misunderstanding what people say and not answering in an expected way
• Having trouble understanding when women or children talk
• Other signs of hearing loss include a change in personality, like someone who used to be social, but now doesn’t want to spend time around groups of people.
• Sometimes, symptoms of hearing loss can even be confused with dementia.

Better Hearing Solutions has offices in Perryville and Ste. Genevieve. See our locations tab for details and maps to each office location.

If your hearing aid is not working, you can do some basic troubleshooting on your own or call the office for an appointment. We offer hearing aid repair services to ensure your hearing instruments are working properly. Here are some steps to take:  

1. Clean the hearing aids
2. Check that the microphone ports are not clogged
3. Change the wax guard or make sure the opening to the receiver is free of debris
4. Change the battery
5. Call our office for assistance.

Most manufacturers provide a Loss and Damage warranty with the hearing instrument. Call the office for details about your specific hearing device.

We accept cash, check, credit cards (MC, VISA, American Express, & Discover). We also offer Financing Options through Care Credit and AllWell.

Medicare does not cover hearing aids at this time, but many of the Medicare Advantage Plans offer discounts or benefits for their insurers.  Call our office and we can help you with these options.

We would love to answer your question! Please feel free to call the office at (573) 547-2888 or (573) 883-2223 or send us your question by email.