Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Audiologist?

Audiologists are healthcare professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss and tinnitus. Today’s audiologists graduate with at least 8 years of university training and earn a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree. All of the audiologists at Island Audiology are Doctors of Audiology.

How do I know if I have Hearing Loss?

The easiest way to know if you have hearing loss is to have your hearing tested. Since we live in a noisy world, most people develop hearing difficulties with age. Other causes of hearing loss include ear infections, loud noise or loud music exposure, head or ear trauma, certain strong medications, some diseases, chemotherapy, radiation, and hereditary factors.

What are Digital Hearing Aids?

Digital hearing aids are the most current hearing aid technology available today. They allow for enhanced processing and features unavailable with older out-of-date analog technology. Digital features include noise reduction, feedback suppression, and speech enhancement.

There are different levels of digital technology to fit your listening lifestyle. More advanced processing is ideal for people with very demanding listening environments (meetings, noisy restaurants, etc.). The more basic processing would be recommended for a person with minimal listening demands and a quiet lifestyle.

Do I need TWO Hearing Aids?

Yes! We have 2 ears for a few reasons! Our brains use the input from 2 ears to interpret sounds, help filter out background noises, and find the location of sounds. Without equal input to both of your ears, it is more difficult to hear and understand sounds and speech. Research has shown when both ears are “aidable” but only one ear is fit, the unaided ear may lose speech understanding ability more quickly than the fitted ear. So the ears and the brain follow the saying, “if you don’t use it, you lose it”.

What financing options are available?

We accept the following methods of payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card (MasterCard or VISA), and Financing through Wells Fargo with approved credit. The Wells Fargo Health Advantage® credit card* offers special financing options for your hearing devices and/or accessories.

*The Wells Fargo Health Advantage® credit card is issued with approved credit by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. Ask for details.

If you are interested in applying for Wells Fargo financing, please click HERE and Apply Now.

Will Hearing Aids allow me to hear Perfectly all the time?

Even with the best technology, it is important to have realistic expectations. Hearing aids will not restore perfect hearing, as they are aids to hearing. It takes time and patience as your brain acclimates to hearing sounds again. Once acclimated, hearing aid users often report feeling less fatigued at the end of the day, as they no longer have to strain to hear. Research has found hearing aid use can improve a person’s quality of life and preserve cognitive capabilities!

What is Tinnitus, and is there any treatment for it?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It is often described as “ringing or buzzing” of the ears. Approximately 50 million Americans experience tinnitus. Although there is currently no cure for tinnitus, it can be treated and managed.

Since tinnitus can be associated with hearing loss (but not always), the first step is to have a thorough hearing evaluation. At your appointment, the Doctor of Audiology will ask you questions to help determine the cause of the tinnitus. Depending on your answers and the test findings, treatments and/or devices may be helpful in reducing or eliminating your perception of the tinnitus.