Digital Hearing Aids | Highline Audiology

Evaluations and Demonstrations
Frequently Asked Questions

Evaluations and Demonstrations

Meeting with patient and family or friend about hearing loss After your hearing evaluation your hearing professional will talk to you and your family member or friend about your hearing loss and how it affects your communication.

If you have hearing loss, the hearing professional will probably advise the use of hearing aids. Hearing aids can add back much of the sound that you have been missing and tailor that sound to so that conversation is clear, comfortable and natural.

Meeting with patient about hearing loss During this appointment, we often program a set of hearing aids for you using the results of your evaluation. This allows you to listen with the hearing aids and experience what it is like to hear well.

At Highline Audiology we agree with the saying, “The best hearing aids are the ones the patient will wear!” With this in mind, we are always looking for innovations that will maximize our patients’ hearing and understanding of speech and provide a comfortable fit and natural sound.

Over the years, hearing aid companies have competed with one another in pioneering the features we value. We maintain our independence and work with the companies that are currently providing the best combination of features. Thus, we can offer hearing aids that our patients will wear because they like the way they sound, feel and look.

Most of the hearing instruments we are fitting at this time are designed and built by Oticon and Widex, both Danish companies that have been working in hearing aid technology for many years and continue to be a leaders in the industry. Hearing instruments with digital artificial intelligence or integrated signal processing are the aids we currently prefer for most of our patients. These devices are built around miniaturized computer chips which process speech and environmental sounds so that soft sounds are audible and loud sounds are not uncomfortable. These instruments “hear” the sounds around you and automatically adjust themselves to match your unique hearing needs.

How the hearing aids look is as important to us as it is to our patients. We are pleased that the hearing aids with the best technology can also be inconspicuous and comfortable to wear. For more information about the hearing aid fitting process at Highline Audiology, see the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions we get from patients who are interested in trying hearing aids. If you have a specific question that isn't listed on this page, be sure to contact us and schedule an appointment if necessary.

Do I need a Hearing Test?
Yes. Washington State law requires that a comprehensive hearing evaluation be completed within six months prior to the time you purchase hearing aids. Because every hearing loss is different, these results will allow us to choose and program hearing instruments that are right for your hearing loss.

What is a Hearing Aid Evaluation?
During a hearing aid evaluation, we will discuss your current hearing needs. Based on hearing test results, your lifestyle and current hearing aid use, the hearing professional will make recommendations for the technology and hearing aid style to best meet your needs. Often, she can program a set of hearing aids for a demonstration or “test drive.” If you choose to proceed with a hearing aid purchase, she will make impressions of your ears for custom-made molds.

How Much Will Hearing Aids Cost?
The cost of your hearing aids will depend on the technology and style options. The price range for hearing aids is $3000 to $6600 for two aids ($1500 to $3000 for one aid.)

A deposit of 50% will be charged at the time you order your aids. The balance will be due when you receive your hearing instruments. If you have insurance that pays toward hearing aids, we will bill them with the understanding that you are responsible for the full amount if the insurance company fails to pay.

Other payment options are available. We work with Washington Assistive Technology Foundation (WATF), a not-for-profit organization which provides low-interest loans for hearing aids and other assistive devices. You can ask your hearing professional or Shannon, our office manager about this program.

When Will I Get My New Hearing Aids?
Many patients can wear their hearing aids home from their first appointments. If we need to order instruments or earmolds for you, your hearing aid fitting will be in 10 days to 2 weeks from the time your order is placed. At the time of delivery, the hearing professional will show you how to use and care for your hearing aids. Appropriate testing and adjustments of your hearing aids will be made as needed.

Will I Be Able to Try the Hearing Aids?
Your 30 day adjustment period begins when you get your hearing aids. During this time, we encourage you to use your hearing aids in a variety of listening situations. It is important for you to come for recheck appointments so that adjustments and/or modifications can be made. The adjustment period can be extended to 60 days if necessary. If you elect to return your hearing aids at the end of the adjustment period, you will be refunded the purchase price less a fitting fee of $150 per aid.

Once I Have My Hearing Aids; When Will I Need to Come Back?
At the time you receive your hearing aids, we will schedule at least one follow-up appointment. This will allow us to "fine tune" your hearing aids and answer any questions or concerns that may arise. If you are a new hearing aid user, we will want to schedule additional follow-up appointments.

What About Ongoing Maintenance?
Highline Audiology is pleased to provide Complete Hearing HealthCare (CHHC) for your hearing aids. This includes all the batteries you need for your aids as well as quarterly hearing aid cleaning for as long as you have your hearing aids. We recommend that you come in for cleaning and maintenance at least every six months. You can come in during our walk in time, Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 1:45 or call us at (206) 246-8677 to schedule a hearing aid check.