Kinston Head & Neck Physicians & Surgeons, P.A. dispenses hearing aids as part of our otolaryngologic practice to provide a professional evaluation of hearing aids at a reasonable cost to our patients and to offer a more comprehensive rehabilitation service to hearing patients who cannot be treated for their hearing loss surgically or medically.
The recommendation to consider a hearing aid is the culmination of a process which involves a thorough medical evaluation by an Otolaryngologist trained in the treatment of ear, nose and throat disorders and a complete hearing evaluation by a clinical audiologist trained in the evaluation and rehabilitation of hearing impaired persons. If a recommendation for a hearing aid is made after the examination and initial hearing tests, and if this recommendation is accepted by the patient the following is done:
- Making an ear impression. This is often done following the hearing aid evaluation. It involves preparing an impression of the ear in order to make an ear mold (the piece that couples the ear to the hearing aid or, in some models actually contains the hearing aid). The instrument takes about two weeks to manufacture.
- A Hearing Aid Evaluation is scheduled. The hearing aid evaluation is a series of tests designed to determine if there is an actual improvement in hearing as the result of wearing an aid. This testing is performed by clinical audiologists trained to evaluate hearing aids and to teach individuals in the use of a hearing aid.
- Hearing aid orientation. When the evaluation is completed, there will be an in-depth discussion of test results, preparing the patient for adjustment to a hearing aid and instructing the patient in the proper operation and maintenance of a hearing aid.
- Thirty Day Trial. (Self Evaluation Period) Regardless of the results obtained during a hearing aid evaluation, the benefits of the hearing aid are best determined by actually using the aid on a daily basis. Each individual responds differently to a hearing aid and it is up to the patient involved to make an informed decision as to the actual hearing help that he derives from the instrument.
- Follow-up Hearing Aid Check. At the end of the thirty-day trial period, the patient will be seen to discuss the benefits and/or difficulties experienced during the preceding thirty days. If the hearing aid has been unsatisfactory, further tests may be recommended or a mutual agreement may be reached not to fit a hearing aid at this time. If all has gone well an appointment will be made for one year for a routine check of hearing performance
Important Information
Kinston Head & Neck Physicians & Surgeons, P.A. is a medical practice. At no time during the discussion of a possible hearing aid fitting will there be an attempt to convince any patient to wear a hearing aid or to direct where it must be purchased. We are here to provide all possible help to enhance the hearing of our patients, but the decision to wear a hearing aid must be made by the patient on a voluntary basis; otherwise, success will be limited.
Payment
Payment in full is expected on the day the hearing aid is dispensed.
Most aids have a one (1) year warranty. (An extended warranty and insurance for loss is optional and an additional cost.) You will be rescheduled for a recheck near the end of the warranty period. This recheck is provided at no charge. If problems arise between these scheduled visits, and appointment can be made as needed. An office visit charge may be made. The hearing aid will be repaired free of charge during the warranty period and a limited number of loaner aids are available for use while repairs are made.
After the warranty has expired, additional hearing aid rechecks and repairs will be charged.
Refunds
If, at the end of the trial period, a decision not to wear the hearing aid is reached, a refund will be made to you on the cost of the hearing aid(s) minus a $50.00 (per aid) cancellation charge. There will be no refunds for the hearing aids kept longer than thirty (30) days nor for hearing aids showing obvious signs of mistreatment.
