Benefits of Using a Neck Loop
Using the T-coil and Neck Loops With Your Hearing Aid In the last blog, I talked about t-coils and how they can increase the functionality of your hearing aid or cochlear implant. T-coils are like wireless antennas. They pick up magnetic signals transmitted from a sound source and then deliver that sound directly to your…
Realistic Expectations for Family Members With Hearing Loss
“My mother still has a hard time hearing me even when she is wearing her hearing aids.” Many spouses and family members experience a lot of frustration when someone they love suffers from hearing loss. Typically, they have dealt with this invisible disability for several years. Once they finally convince that loved one to get…
Dizziness: Lightheadedness or Vertigo?
Dizziness: Lightheadedness or Vertigo? (part 1) Your ears do more than just help you to hear. The Vestibular System is also useful for maintaining balance. Part of the inner ear contains three semi-circular canals. These are full of fluid that react whenever you move your head. As the fluid shifts within the canals, small cilia…
Definition of a Copay
A copay is a fixed amount you pay for a health care service such as a physician’s office, hospital, or prescription. This amount is set by the insurance company and not by the physician’s office. A copay can vary by the type of service or specialty of the physician.For example, a doctor’s office visit might have a…
Airport Security and Hearing Aids
Airport Security and Hearing Aids Many people question if it is safe to go through the scanners at the security checkpoints with their hearing aids. According to the TSA website, it is not necessary to remove your hearing aids, but you should inform the security officers that you have them. It is actually better to…
Communicating With Hearing Impaired Family Members
COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR FAMILY MEMBERS If you have a loved one who suffers from hearing loss, you understand the frustration that accompanies a conversation with them. Even with hearing aids, that loved one is still hearing impaired and could use a little help on your part to optimize the listening situation. Below are a few…
Recycling Hearing Aids
Ever wonder what they do with old hearing aids? The ones that no one wants anymore because they are no longer working, or the technology is so outdated? What about grandpa’s hearing aids after he passed away? Can they be used again by someone else, or do they just get thrown away with the trash?…
Does Your Hearing Aid Have A T-coil?
Do you know if you have a t-coil in your hearing aid? In the United States, 65% of all hearing aids dispensed have telecoils – or t-coils. A telecoil can increase the functionality of your hearing aid or cochlear implant with little cost or effort on your part. A t-coil is a small copper wire…
Co-insurance
Definition of Co-Insurance: Your share of the costs of a covered health care service, calculated as a percent (for example, 20%) of the allowed amount for the service. You pay coinsurance plus any deductibles you owe. For example, if the health insurance or plan’s allowed amount for an office visit is $100 and you’ve met…
Deductibles
Definition of Deductible: The amount you have to pay out-of-pocket for expenses before the insurance company will cover the remaining costs. For example, if you are scheduling a procedure or test and those medical expenses will be $2,000 and your deductible is $500, then you would have to pay the $500 out-of-pocket first before the…