Perryville Location
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FAQs
We know choosing hearing care comes with questions, so we’ve gathered clear, simple answers to help you feel confident about your next step.
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Hearing Tests & Evaluation
Determining whether you have hearing loss and what type is the first step in finding out if you need a hearing aid. Schedule an appointment with our office or take our free online hearing screener to learn more about your hearing and discover the best solution for your needs.
It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete a full hearing test (audiogram). During the test, you’ll listen to a series of tones and words at different volumes and pitches to determine how well you hear and understand speech. You’ll also discuss your hearing history and any concerns with your provider. To ensure you have enough time for your appointment, plan to spend about 90 minutes total in the office.
Hearing loss can present with many different symptoms. Often, these signs are noticed by family members or loved ones before the person experiencing hearing loss realizes it. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty hearing over the telephone.
- Trouble following conversations when two or more people are speaking.
- Frequently turning the TV volume up too high.
- Straining to understand conversations.
- Difficulty hearing in noisy environments, such as restaurants.
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
- Feeling that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly.
- Misunderstanding what others say or responding inappropriately.
- Difficulty understanding women’s or children’s voices.
- Withdrawal from social activities or changes in personality due to hearing challenges.
- In some cases, symptoms of hearing loss may even be confused with dementia.
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the skin of the outer ear canal. It helps protect the ear by trapping dust and other foreign particles that could damage deeper structures like the eardrum.
Normally, a small amount of earwax makes its way to the opening of the ear, where it is naturally washed away or falls out as new wax forms. However, when too much earwax is produced or it is not cleared effectively, it can build up and block the ear canal.
Earwax blockages often occur when people attempt to clean their ears using cotton swabs or other objects. This can push wax deeper into the ear instead of removing it, increasing the risk of impaction.
Hearing Aid Basics
Most patients keep their hearing aids for about 5 to 6 years. After that time, they may still function, but technology continues to advance and the devices can start to lose efficiency. Many patients choose to upgrade around this point to take advantage of newer features and enjoy improved sound quality and performance.
The cost of hearing aids can vary depending on the level of technology, style, and features you choose, as well as the professional services included with your care. During your appointment, we’ll help you find hearing aids that fit your hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget. Contact our office to learn more about available options and what may be best for you.
Yes, we offer flexible payment options to make hearing care more affordable. Patients can choose from no-interest plans for 6 or 12 months, or low monthly payment plans for up to 60 months. Our team can help you find a payment option that fits your budget and hearing needs.
We offer the most up-to-date technology from five of the top names in the hearing industry: Phonak, Unitron, ReSound, Starkey, and Signia. These trusted manufacturers provide a wide range of hearing aid styles and features to fit different types of hearing loss, lifestyles, and budgets.
It depends on the type and degree of hearing loss you have. If you have hearing loss in both ears, it is usually recommended to wear hearing aids in both. Here’s why:
- Better directionality: Wearing two hearing aids helps you determine where sounds are coming from. With only one device, it’s difficult to tell direction or locate voices.
- Improved understanding in noise: Two hearing aids work together to help you hear speech more clearly in noisy environments.
- Balanced hearing: Wearing only one hearing aid can make it harder to hear sounds from your non-aided side, which can make conversations in groups or at a table more challenging.
- Preventing auditory deprivation: When one ear with hearing loss isn’t aided, the brain can start processing sound less effectively on that side over time. Wearing two hearing aids helps keep both ears and your brain active.
Technology & Features
Bluetooth allows your hearing aids to connect wirelessly to other devices such as smartphones, TVs, and tablets. This makes it easier to stream phone calls, music, and other audio directly to your hearing aids for clearer sound and more convenience.
Our team will help you set up and pair your devices so everything works seamlessly. Most patients find Bluetooth very simple to use. Many don’t even realize it’s on, they just enjoy the improved clarity and connection it provides.
Yes, you can get a hearing aid without Bluetooth. While many modern hearing aids include wireless features for streaming and control, there are also options that focus only on essential amplification without additional connectivity. Our audiologist can help you choose the style and technology level that best fits your hearing needs and comfort preferences.
Yes, many modern hearing aids can connect directly to your TV using Bluetooth or a TV streaming accessory. This allows you to hear the television clearly at a volume that’s comfortable for you, while others can listen at their preferred level. It’s an easy way to make watching TV more enjoyable for everyone in the room.
Yes, if your hearing aids have Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream music directly from your phone or tablet. Once the devices are paired, the audio will play through your hearing aids just like wireless headphones, providing clear and comfortable sound.
Many hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity can be controlled through a smartphone app. These apps allow you to adjust volume, change programs, and manage other settings directly from your phone. To find the correct app, search the name of your hearing aid manufacturer in the App Store or Google Play. You can also contact us, and we will be happy to assist you with the setup.
Care, Maintenance & Repairs
Yes, we offer rechargeable hearing aids. They are a convenient option available in many receiver-in-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) styles. Rechargeable models eliminate the need for disposable batteries and make daily use simple and reliable. Just charge them overnight and they are ready to go each morning.
Disposable hearing aid batteries come in four common sizes: 10, 13, 312, and 675. Battery life varies depending on the size and how often the hearing aids are used.
- Size 10: 3 to 4 days
- Size 13: 7 to 10 days
- Size 312: 5 to 7 days
- Size 675: 2 to 3 weeks
To extend battery life, open the battery door when your hearing aids are not in use. Once you remove the sticker from the battery, it begins running and will drain over time whether you use it or not.
Cleaning your hearing aids depends on the style you wear. Behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-canal (ITC), and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids each require slightly different care. Please visit our Video Resources page to watch cleaning tutorials for your specific style.
If your hearing aids are not working, you can try a few basic troubleshooting steps before scheduling a repair appointment. We offer hearing aid repair services to help ensure your devices are working properly. Here are some steps to take:
- Clean the hearing aids.
- Check that the microphone ports are not clogged.
- Change the wax guard or make sure the opening to the receiver is free of debris.
- Change the battery or recharge the device if applicable.
If your hearing aids still are not working after these steps, please contact our office for assistance.
Most hearing aid manufacturers include a loss and damage warranty with their devices. If you lose your hearing aid, contact our office as soon as possible so we can review your warranty coverage and help you replace it. We will guide you through the next steps and ensure you get back to hearing your best quickly.
Insurance, Payments & Locations
Coverage for hearing aids depends on your insurance plan. Some policies include hearing benefits, while others do not. We are happy to check your insurance and let you know what options are available. Our office accepts most insurance plans.
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids at this time. However, many Medicare Advantage Plans may include hearing benefits or discounts for hearing aids. Contact our office and we can help you review your plan and understand your options.
We accept cash, check, and major credit cards including MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. We also offer financing options through CareCredit and AllWell to make hearing care more affordable.
Better Hearing Solutions has offices in Perryville and Ste. Genevieve. Visit our Contact page for details, directions, and maps to each location.
Additional Questions
Yes, we offer a full line of custom in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, including in-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) styles. These models range from full shell designs to tiny, discreet options that fit comfortably in your ear. Visit our Hearing Aids page to view available styles.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, we’re happy to help. Please visit our Contact page to get in touch with our team.
PERSONALIZED HEARING CARE
Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
Every hearing journey is unique, and our team is here to guide you through yours.
Whether you’re ready for a hearing test or simply want to learn more, we’ll help you take the next step toward better hearing with confidence.
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