FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything You Need to Know
WHY WOULD I BUY A HEARING AID FROM HERE WHEN COSTCO IS CHEAPER?
At Uwharrie Hearing, your care is overseen by doctors of Audiology who have undergone years of education to learn how to effectively diagnose and treat hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders. Treating hearing loss can be a lengthy process that involves "retraining the brain" to tolerate and process sounds. At UHD, we come up with unique treatment options which ensure we're treating you holistically and individually. At Costco, your care is likely to be overseen by a Hearing Instrument Specialist who does not have the educational background of an Audiologist. Costco devices are most often a few generations older than the most current technology, while we offer the newest and most advanced hearing devices on the market. Costco often "locks" the software in their devices, meaning you can only have your devices serviced at Costco as other providers are not able to access the software. Your relationship with your hearing healthcare provider is a long-term one, and we suggest choosing the route that you feel most comfortable with and confident in.
I SAW A HEARING AID FOR SALE ONLINE FOR $500. WHY DO YOURS COST MORE?
Many of the "hearing aids" sold online are simply amplifiers - they make everything louder and are not customized for your individual hearing loss. While it is possible to find some real hearing aids for sale online, you risk purchasing a stolen or defective device. The manufacturer is not likely to honor a warranty when a device has been purchased through an online source that is not a recognized account.
IF I BUY A HEARING AID ELSEWHERE, CAN I BRING IT TO YOU TO PROGRAM?
As long as the devices were purchased through a reputable account and are not "locked," we are able to program devices purchased elsewhere. Programming charges apply.
WHICH HEARING AID MANUFACTURERS DO YOU WORK WITH AND OFFER?
We offer hearing aids through every major manufacturer apart from a few proprietary brands (Miracle Ear, Beltone, etc...).
MY FRIEND PAID $8000 FOR A PAIR OF HEARING AIDS AND DOES NOT LIKE THEM. I DO NOT WANT TO WASTE MY MONEY OR TIME. WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST?
Treatment for hearing loss is a very individual process. There are many factors that can lead to an unsuccessful fitting, including the severity and nature of one's hearing loss, patient motivation, the inclusion or exclusion of audiological best fitting practices, and the step possible to ensure that our patients are satisfied with our services and the technology they are fit with,
IF MY HEARING AID IS UNDER WARRANTY, WHY ARE OFFICE VISITS CHARGED?
The warranty is through the manufacturer and covers the cost of repair if your aids have to be sent back to the manufacturer. However, office visit fees would still apply unless a service plan is purchased. Office visit fees cover our time and services, allowing us to best serve our patients.
WILL MEDICARE PAY FOR MY HEARINGS AIDS OR MY HEARING TEST?
Medicare will not directly pay for hearing aids. They will usually pay for diagnostic hearing tests with a physician referral.