Hearing Works

Frequently Asked Questions

Select a category and we will guide you to the best possible answers

General Questions

“There’s nothing wrong with my hearing. Why would I have it tested?”

You may think that your hearing is perfect, and it could well be. But your hearing can fade gradually, without you really noticing. If your family often complain because they have to repeat everything twice, if you find yourself constantly saying ‘pardon’, or you find it hard to distinguish one voice from another in a crowded room, it could be worth having a consultation with a Hearing Works qualified hearing care professional.

 

 

“Who does hearing tests?”

Audiologists and Hearing Aid Acousticians perform hearing tests. Audiologists provide a diagnostic testing service to doctors or specialists who may do more tests and recommend medical or surgical treatment. Hearing Aid Acousticians do hearing tests primarily for the purpose of supplying and adjusting hearing aids, however if they detect a treatable condition they will recommend that you consult your doctor.

“I think wax is affecting my hearing; do I need a hearing test?”

Wax can cause dulled/muffled hearing (it can block sounds going through the ear canal to the inner ear). If you suspect wax is affecting your hearing, the best advice is to have it checked out. At Hearing Works we check the health of your ears and presence of wax as standard in all our hearing tests and if we find excess wax, we’ll refer you to your GP or ENT. If normal levels of wax are present we can then test your hearing to find out what, if anything, is affecting your ability to hear well.

 

“Does hearing get worse with age?”

Loss of hearing is something that is associated with getting older, and it’s a natural part of the ageing process. But your family and friends will notice your hearing loss – whereas in fact, if you wear a hearing aid, no one will notice at all. And for most people wearing a hearing device enables them to get on with their life.

 

Hearing Loss

“How do I know if I have a hearing loss?”

Symptoms of hearing loss often develop very gradually so it’s not always easy to spot right away. In fact, it’s often friends or family who will pick up on the signs first. These signs can include: turning the television up louder than is comfortable for others, having to ask people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations. If you suspect you’re suffering from these, or similar symptoms, it may be worth speaking to those around you to see if they’ve noticed them too.

 

“What should I do if I think I have a hearing loss?”

The best advice is to go and get it checked out by booking a hearing test with a hearing care professional. At Hearing Works our hearing screenings are free of charge and our hearing tests are affordable and can usually be arranged within just a few days; email info@hearing-works.co.za

“Can hearing loss be cured?”

There are some forms of conductive hearing loss that can be cured by medical treatment or surgery but the most common form of hearing loss – presbycusis (hearing loss due to ageing and degradation of sensory cells in the ear,) can’t be cured. This type of hearing loss can be treated, however, with the use of a hearing device. To learn more about what a hearing device could do for your hearing visit the devices section on our website: www.hearing-works.co.za

 

“Does hearing get worse with age?”

Loss of hearing is something that is associated with getting older, and it’s a natural part of the ageing process. But your family and friends will notice your hearing loss – whereas in fact, if you wear a hearing aid, no one will notice at all. And for most people wearing a hearing device enables them to get on with their life.

 

“What happens if my test results show I have a hearing loss?”

If the results of your test show that you’re experiencing hearing loss, your audiologist will advise you of the next steps. If your hearing loss is conductive or related to a medical condition, you’ll be referred to your GP or ENT. If your hearing loss is sensorineural and treatable with a hearing device, we’ll discuss what options there are available to you. We have a wide choice of hearing devices suitable for a range of hearing losses and budgets and offer free demonstrations so that you can hear the difference for yourself.

Hearing Test

“There’s nothing wrong with my hearing. Why would I have it tested?”

You may think that your hearing is perfect, and it could well be. But your hearing can fade gradually, without you really noticing. If your family often complain because they have to repeat everything twice, if you find yourself constantly saying ‘pardon’, or you find it hard to distinguish one voice from another in a crowded room, it could be worth having a consultation with a Hearing Works qualified hearing care professional.

 

“Who does hearing tests?”

Audiologists and Hearing Aid Acousticians perform hearing tests. Audiologists provide a diagnostic testing service to doctors or specialists who may do more tests and recommend medical or surgical treatment. Hearing Aid Acousticians do hearing tests primarily for the purpose of supplying and adjusting hearing aids, however if they detect a treatable condition they will recommend that you consult your doctor.

 

“How long is a hearing test?”

It usually takes 30 minutes for a baseline screening and roughly one hour for a full comprehensive (diagnostic) hearing test to determine your hearing profile.

 

“I think wax is affecting my hearing; do I need a hearing test?”

Wax can cause dulled/muffled hearing (it can block sounds going through the ear canal to the inner ear). If you suspect wax is affecting your hearing, the best advice is to have it checked out. At Hearing Works we check the health of your ears and presence of wax as standard in all our hearing tests and if we find excess wax, we’ll refer you to your GP or ENT. If normal levels of wax are present we can then test your hearing to find out what, if anything, is affecting your ability to hear well.

“If I have a hearing test, will it definitely mean that I will end up wearing a hearing device?”

We will never sell you a hearing device if you don’t need one, because we’re a company that has built its reputation on looking after its customers and providing them with the best possible care. Just as going for an eye test doesn’t always mean you’ll need glasses, having your ears tested doesn’t automatically mean that the best solution will be using hearing devices.

“What happens if my test results show I have a hearing loss?”

If the results of your test show that you’re experiencing hearing loss, your audiologist will advise you of the next steps. If your hearing loss is conductive or related to a medical condition, you’ll be referred to your GP or ENT. If your hearing loss is sensorineural and treatable with a hearing device, we’ll discuss what options there are available to you. We have a wide choice of hearing devices suitable for a range of hearing losses and budgets and offer free demonstrations so that you can hear the difference for yourself.

Hearing Aids

“If I have a hearing test, will it definitely mean that I will end up wearing a hearing device?”

We will never sell you a hearing device if you don’t need one, because we’re a company that has built its reputation on looking after its customers and providing them with the best possible care. Just as going for an eye test doesn’t always mean you’ll need glasses, having your ears tested doesn’t automatically mean that the best solution will be using hearing devices.

“What does a hearing device do?”

Very simply put, a hearing device amplifies sound to help people with hearing loss hear the sounds around them. Today’s hearing devices are sophisticated digital devices that can amplify and clarify sounds you want to hear, like speech, without amplifying the background noise. Digital hearing devices can also be programmed to suit your individual hearing loss and listening situations to offer the best support.

“Aren’t hearing aids ugly and uncomfortable?”

Look at a mobile phone, or a digital camera and it’s easy to see how much technology has moved on in recent years. Hearing devices are no different. Today’s models are slimmer, lighter and more discreet than ever before. In fact, some people wear them without their partners knowing, because they’re so small. As for being uncomfortable, a hearing device should be customized for your ear. At Hearing Works, we will make sure your device fits you.

 

“Do hearing devices work?”

Some people find that their hearing devices don’t work, but this is usually down to the device not fitting correctly or the user not being used to wearing them. At Hearing Works, we include a full fitting service and ongoing free aftercare to help you get used to wearing devices, so you really get the full benefit.

“Do hearing devices make a big difference?”

Thanks to digital technology, it’s now possible to produce hearing devices with such precise and fine sound quality that the user is brought closer to normal hearing than ever before. The technology is truly life-changing!

“Do I need a hearing device for both ears?”

That really depends on your hearing loss. Your hearing system is designed so that the sound from two ears is fused into one sound by the brain. If you have a hearing loss in both ears then it makes sense to wear a hearing device that manages each ear. A hearing test at Hearing Works will help you discover if you have a hearing loss, and if so, if it is present in one or both ears.

“Can a single hearing device reduce background noise?”

Some hearing devices have tiny computers that can tell the difference between speech and noise and focus the microphone towards the speech. However, when the “noise” consists of several competing voices the hearing device cannot know which voice you want to hear. When two hearing devices are used your brain knows which voice you want to hear and allows you to mentally exclude the interfering speech or background noise.

“Are hearing devices expensive?”

Some hearing devices can be very expensive. However, as you would expect from Hearing Works, we aim to bring you the best in value, quality, cost and convenience solutions for your hearing needs. We will talk you through everything in detail, so you’ll have all the information you need to make the right choice.

“How long do hearing device batteries last?”

The life of a hearing device battery depends on a number of things including its size, the power of the hearing device, the features that you use and of course, how long you wear your hearing device. On average, a standard hearing device battery will last between 7-10 days. Your audiologist will be able to give you more detailed information about expected battery life for your specific hearing device, as well rechargeability options that are available.

“Can I sleep in my hearing devices?”

Most people choose not to sleep in their hearing devices, mostly for reasons of comfort or fear that the hearing device may become dislodged in the night. We also recommend storing hearing devices in a drying kit overnight as this will remove moisture in the hearing device and its circuitry, helping it to perform better for longer.

“How long do hearing devices last?”

How long your hearing device will last depends on a number of factors; this includes the style of hearing device you choose and how well you care for it (regular cleaning of your hearing device and attending regular hearing device checkups can help keep it working better for longer). For your peace of mind, all hearing devices at Hearing Works come with a 2 or 3-year guarantee.

Hearing Aids For Me

“Do I need a hearing device for both ears?”

That really depends on your hearing loss. Your hearing system is designed so that the sound from two ears is fused into one sound by the brain. If you have a hearing loss in both ears then it makes sense to wear a hearing device that manages each ear. A hearing test at Hearing Works will help you discover if you have a hearing loss, and if so, if it is present in one or both ears.

“How do I know which type of hearing device is best for me?”

Should your hearing test indicate that you would benefit from a hearing device, your audiologist will discuss a range of hearing devices and their features that could help your specific hearing loss. You also need to consider the size and style of hearing device that you are looking for.

“Should I insure my hearing device?”

Your hearing device is a valuable item so we would recommend adding them to your home contents insurance (easy to do with most insurers) if possible; giving you cover in case of loss or damage. If you do insure your hearing devices, please remember to insure them for the full value and not the price that might include any discount or offer (you’ll find this on your invoice). This will make sure that in the event of a claim, you’ll have enough insurance to cover your hearing device if the same offer or discount no longer applies.

“Can I sleep in my hearing devices?”

Most people choose not to sleep in their hearing devices, mostly for reasons of comfort or fear that the hearing device may become dislodged in the night. We also recommend storing hearing devices in a drying kit overnight as this will remove moisture in the hearing device and its circuitry, helping it to perform better for longer.

Pricing & Payments

“Are hearing devices expensive?”

Some hearing devices can be very expensive. However, as you would expect from Hearing Works, we aim to bring you the best in value, quality, cost and convenience solutions for your hearing needs. We will talk you through everything in detail, so you’ll have all the information you need to make the right choice.

“Do Medical Aids pay for hearing devices?”

Most medical aids pay for some contribution towards hearing devices. It depends on your plan and your specific medical scheme. You should check with your medical aid to confirm that they will pay towards your hearing devices, and over what cycle (annually/every 2 or 3 years, and so forth). At Hearing Works, your audiologist will do all the medical aid work for you, so you don’t have to!.

 

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