Hearing Device Candidacy
A comprehensive hearing test will need to be completed by the audiologist to diagnose hearing loss in one or both ears. Once hearing loss has been diagnosed, the physician will complete a medical exam of the ears to ensure no medical condition exists that warrants intervention. The patient is then referred back to the audiologist for a Hearing Device Consultation. This appointment is scheduled for one hour.
At the consultation, the audiologists will explain in more depth about the patient’s hearing loss and how it will affect the recommendation for a hearing device. Hearing devices can be purchased by many different manufacturers. At Camino ENT, the audiologist works with leading hearing device manufacturers to adult hearing aidsoffer patients a wide variety of device styles and technologies. The audiologist explains the different levels of technology (basic, mid-range and high-end), along with which style of hearing device is appropriate for the patient’s hearing loss. Hearing devices are an investment – the audiologist and patient will discuss the different price points so that the patient is aware of the final cost.
If the patient’s chosen hearing device requires a custom ear mold, the audiologist will check the ear for cerumen (wax) and then proceed with taking an impression of the ear(s). The impressions are sent to the manufacturer for the mold or device to be formed.
Hearing Device Fitting and Purchase
Once the patient and audiologist have agreed on a device, the patient will be scheduled for a fitting appointment. This appointment is approximately two weeks following the consultation. At the fitting appointment, the audiologist will enter the patient’s hearing loss information into the computer and make initial programming changes to the hearing device(s). So that the patient understands how to operate the hearing device, the audiologist will show the patient how to turn the device on and, change the volume and adjust programming. The patient will also practice inserting and removing the device.
At the end of the fitting appointment, the audiologist will review the purchase agreement (receipt) with the patient. The purchase agreement shows the make and model of hearing devices purchased, the serial numbers, warranties for repair and replacement and dates of the trial period.
In the state of California, all hearing device consumers have a 45-day trial period in which to try the hearing device(s). It is common for the audiologist to make several programming adjustments to the hearing device(s) as the patient adjusts to the volume and sound quality. If the patient decides at the end of the trial period to return the hearing devices, the cost of the device(s) will be returned to the patient in full. Any insurance benefit or contribution applied to the device(s) will be taken into account when calculating the reimbursement.
Call Camino Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at (408) 227-6300 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
