Since 1940  

 

For answers to your questions about Chicagoland Beltone, simply browse the categories below. If you have a question that is not addressesed by these FAQs, please, feel free to contact us.

 

Products

 

Does Beltone have hearing aid batteries?
 
YES. Beltone batteries are available in sizes 10, 13, 312 and 675. Beltone batteries come in four-packs, six-packs, and eight-packs. Beltone batteries are distributed on six continents and are among the longest lasting in the world

 

Why do some hearing aids give feedback or whistling?
 
Acoustic feedback (whistling) occurs when amplified sound from the hearing instrument leaks out of the ear canal and is picked up by the hearing instrument microphone, creating a "feedback loop". Something as simple as an accumulation of earwax can be the cause. Amplified sound leaving the hearing instrument bounces off the wax then leaks out of the ear and feeds back into the microphone. Wax removal by a qualified health care practitioner will solve the problem. Patients should never insert objects into their ears to remove earwax.

Feedback can also occur if the hearing instrument case or earmold is not tight enough, allowing sound to leak out. A hearing care professional must uate the fitting to determine if a re-casing of the hearing instrument shell or earmold is necessary.

A second type of feedback, electronic feedback, can be caused by a loose part vibrating inside the hearing instrument.

Since any or all of these conditions can cause feedback any patient experiencing feedback should bring their hearing instruments to their hearing care professional for uation.

 

 

Services

 

How do I know I have a hearing loss?
 
Hearing loss has many symptoms. Like most people, you may find that you cannot always understand what you've heard, especially in a meeting or social group gathering. Noisy environments - in a restaurant or in a car - may make it harder for you to understand what's being said. As hearing loss progresses, listening from a distance and conversing with friends may become more difficult, sometimes leading to unnecessary isolation, Another frequent symptom is having trouble understanding the TV, even after you've adjusted the volume control.
I have two BTE's programmed differently. I would like to make sure which is which. Is there any way to mark them?
 
Mark the BTE's with red and blue nail polish. A small mark inside the battery door will not be cosmetically objectionable

Beltone Batteries

 

Does Beltone have hearing aid batteries?
 

YES. Beltone batteries come in four-packs, six-packs, and eight-packs. Beltone batteries are distributed on six continents and are among the longest lasting in the world.

 

Does Beltone have hearing aid batteries?
 

YES. Beltone batteries are available in sizes 10, 13, 312 and 675. Beltone batteries come in four-packs, six-packs, and eight-packs. Beltone batteries are distributed on six continents and are among the longest lasting in the world.

 

Hearing Instruments

 

I have two BTE's programmed differently. I would like to make sure which is which. Is there any way to mark them?
 
Mark the BTE's with red and blue nail polish. A small mark inside the battery door will not be cosmetically objectionable

 

How much does a hearing aid cost?
 
The price of a hearing instrument covers a wide range of model sizes, circuit options and services. Some hearing instruments use basic technology, others contain miniature computers. Hearing instruments that are computerized (programmable) require more time to set and adjust than less sophisticated models. Even if a hearing instrument is not programmable, adjustments may be needed for the optimum fitting of a custom made hearing instrument.

When consulting with any health care professional, the patient is paying for the knowledge and experience of the practitioner, not just a product. Continuing service to assure optimum performance and patient satisfaction is just as important as the hearing instrument itself. These services can be included in the cost of a hearing instrument or they can be charged in addition to the cost of the hearing instrument.

Hearing aid costs vary greatly depending on size, circuitry, market value (i.e., may be higher or lower in different parts of the country), place of purchase (not-for-profit clinic, hospital, or retail office), professional services included, warranty provisions. Ask several places in your area about their fees, and be sure to find out what the quoted prices include.

 

I want the smallest hearing aid available. Is it right for me?
 
The type of hearing instrument(s) recommended by a hearing care professional depends on 1) the degree of hearing impairment, 2) the kinds of hearing problems the hearing impaired individual is encountering, 3) the size and shape of the ear canal and 4) manual dexterity.

A smaller hearing instrument is limited in terms of the internal space available for enclosing and isolating electronic components. Space limitations can affect the amount of loudness a hearing instrument can deliver, and may make it impossible for patients with more severe hearing losses to wear smaller hearing instrument styles.

Sometimes a particular hearing problem is best served by special electronics only available in a larger hearing instrument with extra room. Larger hearing instruments may accommodate directional microphones (which pick up less background noise), telephone circuits (which can help you hear better on the telephone), and direct auditory input (ability to plug directly into radios, TV, cell phones).

Smaller hearing instruments that fit completely into the ear canal are entirely dependent on the size and shape of the ear canal for a comfortable fit. An ear canal that is very narrow, too curvy, or not curved enough to give the hearing instrument enough retention (holding ability) could be a poor choice.

An individual with advanced arthritis or other dexterity problems may have difficulty using a very small battery or hearing instrument control. Hearing instruments that sound and look great but cannot be used are no help.

Many times there are several different hearing instrument styles that may be appropriate for a particular patient. The choice of the "right" hearing instrument depends on many factors uated during consultation with a hearing care professional.

 

Will everyone know I'm wearing a hearing aid?
 
A hearing loss is much more conspicuous than a hearing aid. Some of today's hearing instruments are virtually invisible. You may be surprised to learn that some of your friends and neighbors probably already wear hearing instruments, and you don't even know it. People from all walks of life use hearing instruments, including business leaders, entertainers and sports figures.

 

Hearing Health

 

How do I know I have a hearing loss?
 
Hearing loss has many symptoms. Like most people, you may find that you cannot always understand what you've heard, especially in a meeting or social group gathering. Noisy environments - in a restaurant or in a car - may make it harder for you to understand what's being said. As hearing loss progresses, listening from a distance and conversing with friends may become more difficult, sometimes leading to unnecessary isolation, Another frequent symptom is having trouble understanding the TV, even after you've adjusted the volume control.

 

I have two BTE's programmed differently. I would like to make sure which is which. Is there any way to mark them?
 
Mark the BTE's with red and blue nail polish. A small mark inside the battery door will not be cosmetically objectionable

 

Am I at risk for hearing loss?
 
Although hearing loss can affect anyone at any age, the greatest incidence of hearing loss is with seniors. In the United States, about 27 million people are affected to varying degrees. It is estimated that one of every four people over the age of 65 has a hearing disorder. The majority can hear voices but lose the ability to clearly understand speech.
Hearing uations

 

How much does a hearing uation cost?
 
Hearing uation charges depend on the type and number of tests performed. Most patients require a standardized basic test battery to uate their hearing. Sometimes a very sophisticated series of tests is needed due to a medical problem. Charges for a hearing test are commensurate with insurance rates and vary in different regions of the country. Rates are usually comparable to an office visit to see an Optometrist or Chiropractor. Some hearing care practitioners package the testing fee with the price of the hearing instruments and service plans. Always inquire about the fee schedule before you make an appointment for an uation.

 

What should you expect during a Beltone hearing uation?
 

The Beltone Hearing Care Practitioner will guide you through the steps of a thorough hearing uation. These include:

  • A complete case history, including medical questions, questions about your hearing, and your previous hearing aid use.
  • A visual examination of your ear using an otoscope.
  • Tests of your ability to respond to a variety of sounds.
  • Tests of your ability to recognize and repeat spoken words.
  • In some cases, a test of the mobility of your eardrum, and hearing reflexes.
All Beltone practitioners strictly adhere to all federal, state and local regulations regarding hearing instrument dispensing protocols, and follow nationally accepted testing guidelines of the American Speech Language Hearing Association, the American Academy of Audiology, and the International Hearing Society.

 

 

  Employment Opportunities