Hearing Aid Repair Services

Regardless of where you purchased your hearing aids, Cape May County Hearing Aid Dispensary is able to repair all makes and models. Minor repairs are done in our lab. Major repairs are performed off-site and require 7–10 days. Cape May County Hearing Aid Dispensary may be able to provide you with a loaner at no charge.

Hearing Loss

No two people have the same ability to hear and understand speech. Your hearing is as unique as your DNA. Noise exposure in the workplace, inherited medical conditions, loud hobbies and entertainment, and childhood and adult illnesses can all produce different types of hearing loss in different people.

Signs of Hearing Loss

It is estimated that up to 30 million Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss, yet often individuals are completely unaware of any hearing difficulties. This is largely due to the slow progression of most hearing losses, as well as the invisible nature of hearing loss. How do you know if you have a hearing loss? The best way to find out is to have a complete hearing evaluation, but there are many warning signs to look for. For example:

• Do you hear but not understand what people are saying?
• Do people sometimes complain that you turn the television volume too high?
• Do you ask people to repeat what they just said?
• Do you have difficulty understanding when people are not facing you?
• Do you sometimes respond incorrectly to a question and discover later that you misunderstood the question?
• Do you often feel people mumble or do not speak clearly?
• Do you experience difficulty understanding in particular situations (meetings, church, synagogue, bridge, etc.), especially when background noise is present?
• Has a friend or family member mentioned that you have a hearing problem?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may have a hearing problem. Everyone experiences occasional difficulty, but when it occurs frequently, it is time to ask for help. Call 800-290-3277 for a free consultation.

Types of Hearing Loss

Conductive

Conductive hearing loss refers to hearing loss caused by conditions of the outer and middle ear. For example, the outer ear canal may be blocked with earwax permitting only loud sounds through. The middle ear involves the region from the eardrum to the inner ear, which includes the three small bones that move in synchrony and are vital to hearing. The restricted movement of these bones, caused by infection or disease, may diminish hearing. Many conductive losses are treatable by medication or surgery.

Sensorineural (Nerve)

Sensorineural hearing loss includes both hearing loss related to the cochlea (sensory) and to the auditory nerve (neural). Hearing aids and assistive listening devices are the most common form of treatment for sensory hearing loss. Some common causes of sensory hearing loss are: noise exposure, aging, heredity, head trauma, viruses, ototoxic medications, illness, or disease.

Mixed

Mixed hearing loss is when there is some degree of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Types of Hearing Aids—Styles and Circuitry

Styles

CIC (Completely in the Canal)—The smallest custom fit hearing instrument on the market. The CIC fits deep in the ear canal and is virtually invisible.

Canal—The custom fitted canal hearing aid fits into the ear canal, but not as deeply as the CIC.

ITE (In The Ear)—The ITE is custom fit into the outer shell and canal of the ear.

BTE (Behind The Ear)—BTE aids are connected by a tube to a custom earmold, which is fitted behind the ear.

Circuitry

If you are purchasing your first hearing aid or upgrading from an old model, the choices may seem overwhelming. This decision should be based on the results of your hearing evaluation, your needs and expectations, your ear anatomy, your cosmetic preferences, and cost. Basically, there are three technologies available today:

100% Digital—A microchip, similar to the chip inside a computer, is capable of sampling incoming sound one million times per second. Sound is converted to a digital where it is then processed to meet your needs and converted back to sound. Your hearing health care professional will program the hearing aid to meet your requirements on a computer.

Programmable—Using a computer, your specialist will digitally program the analog circuit, which incorporates amplifiers and filters to accommodate your needs. This circuitry has much greater flexibility than conventional aids.

Conventional Analog—Unlike digital processing, the analog circuit passes sound through electronic components, which amplify, control, filter, and limit sounds from the hearing aid. Analog hearing aids are the least expensive option available in custom products.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this Web site is for informational use only and is not intended to be used as a substitute for evaluation, consultation, or diagnosis by a licensed physician. Further, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. Always consult with your physician regarding hearing related matters.