Call today to schedule your FREE Hearing Evaluation!

Eden Prairie office:
952.294.HEAR (4327)

Mendota Heights office:
651.225.HEAR (4327)

what our
patients say...

"I am delighted with my new Starkey hearing aids. I have worn analog aids for 6 years and it’s amazing what the new digital technology can accomplish. I can now use the telephone without taking them out, and there is no feedback or whistling. My wife is delighted as well because I’m not asking her to repeat. Many thanks to Expert Hearing – I could not be happier!" - Don R., Edina

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should I go to Expert Hearing & Audiology? What's the difference between you and other "hearing aid stores"?

Expert Hearing & Audiology is a professional audiology clinic specializing in hearing evaluations and hearing instrument fittings. We are not a store that sells hearing aids. What differentiates us from other providers is the experience and capabilities of our audiologists. The extensive and varied backgrounds of our audiologists uniquely qualify them to assess your hearing loss and provide you with solutions that match your lifestyle and budget.

When choosing a provider, be sure to seek the services of a qualified audiologist. Audiologists are hearing healthcare professionals who hold a Master's degree or Doctorate in Audiology (the science of hearing), and specialize in hearing evaluations, hearing loss, and the fitting of hearing instruments. Audiologists have undergone extensive training in the anatomy and physiology of the ear and its mechanisms, and have a solid background from which to evaluate your hearing and make an appropriate recommendation.

We are a family-owned business -- we are not a chain or franchise of hearing aid stores. As residents in the local community, we have a vested interest in providing you with the best possible value in hearing instruments, along with exceptional service and patient care. We promise to make your experience at Expert Hearing & Audiology one that is interesting, informative, rewarding and totally unique.

• What is the difference between Analog and Digital hearing instruments?

The very first hearing aids were introduced with analog technology, which simply amplified all incoming sounds. Tone controls and other adjustments were available, which the audiologist could adjust by turning small controls on the hearing aid faceplate with a miniature screwdriver. Common complaints with analog devices were that everything was amplified, including background noise.

Digital technology was first seen in hearing instruments in the early 90s, with the first mainstream digital instruments released in 1998. Incoming sounds are converted to digital "bits", which the computer circuit processes or manipulates electronically. This allows the instrument to detect the difference between speech and noise, amplifying the speech sounds while suppressing background noise. In addition, the instrument is capable of suppressing feedback or whistling under a variety of changing conditions, and may employ directionality that switches itself on and off automatically, depending on the environment.

Digital hearing instruments are programmed on a computer by our audiologist. Your hearing loss is first entered into the computer, which then connects to and programs the instrument. The result is a totally customized response based on your hearing loss, with just the right amount of amplification where you need it the most. In addition, special programs may be created for specific listening situations such as, "church", "telephone", "music", etc. Based on your hearing loss and also your lifestyle, our audiologist may also program specific settings to provide different amounts of amplification based on the level or volume of incoming sounds.

• Have there been any changes in Digital hearing instruments recently?

There have been many exciting changes in the past few years, with some significant breakthroughs released recently. Sounds are still digitally processed, but new algorithms (formulas that apply changes to the sounds) have been developed to allow the instruments to adapt more naturally. For example, if you move from a quiet environment to a noisy one, the instrument can automatically change its response, suppressing background noise while amplifying speech. It may also switch from non-directional to directional mode, focusing on sounds in front of you while pushing down distracting noise from behind. In addition, digital hearing instruments use dynamic feedback or whistle suppression, allowing feedback cancellation under many different and difficult situations (using the telephone, wearing a hat, etc.). Unlike previous feedback technologies, it accomplishes this by using phase cancellation, rather than gain reduction, which reduces the amount of amplification (and benefit) in an attempt to eliminate feedback.




Some recent changes allow sounds from the TV to be sent wirelessly to both hearing instruments, eliminating television "volume wars" and giving the listener complete control over their own volume. Being able to hear the TV clearly in both ears while still hearing sounds around you is an incredible experience! Please call or stop by to visit to learn more about this exciting technology!

• Are all Digital hearing instruments the same?

No, there are many differences between manufacturers and each of their models. Our audiologist is uniquely qualified to understand the differences, strengths and weaknesses of all of the major brands and products. We stay current with technology and its ongoing changes, adjusting our products and services accordingly. Because of this, you will receive the best possible recommendation for your hearing loss, lifestyle, cosmetic preference and budget.

• Why do some hearing instruments have volume controls, and others do not?

While volume controls on hearing instruments are still available, digital instruments do not really need them. Your instruments are programmed to apply different amounts of amplification to different levels and frequencies of incoming sounds. Soft sounds will receive more amplification than will loud sounds. Volume controls were most often used on analog hearing aids to turn down the volume to reduce whistling or feedback. Our own ears do not have volume controls, and for most people wearing properly programmed digital hearing instruments, this is no longer necessary. But for previous hearing aid wearers who are used to volume controls, they are still available on new models.

• Is there any way to know what my hearing instruments will sound like before I buy them?

Yes! Our environmental sound simulator can generate hundreds of everyday sound situations where you may experience difficulty hearing. This ranges from social settings like a restaurant or party, to outdoor settings like rain, driving or the sound of birds singing. We use this sound simulator in our office to demonstrate the effectiveness of your new hearing instruments. By doing a comparison with and without amplification, the differences are easy to hear. We also recommend you bring a spouse, family member or friend with you so you can listen to a familiar voice during this process. For many people with a hearing loss who have never had amplification, this is a remarkable way to experience the difference digital hearing instruments can make. And for those who are wearing older technology hearing instruments, you can easily experience the enhancements, changes and sound improvements this exciting new technology has to offer.


• If I have a hearing loss, do I automatically need hearing aids?

There are situations where individuals with a diagnosed hearing loss should first be referred to an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) doctor. This includes ears with indications of disease, trauma or injury, or an asymmetrical hearing loss. Expert Hearing & Audiology will determine if hearing instruments are appropriate for you.

• What can I expect with new hearing instruments?

If you have worn or are currently wearing hearing instruments, you may be pleasantly surprised with the new digital technology. Feedback or whistle suppression has made huge advancements over the past few years. Adaptive directionality can turn itself on and off, automatically reducing background noise from behind you in noisy situations, thereby improving speech intelligibility. All of these changes result in a more natural listening experience.

If you are a new hearing instrument wearer, there will be a period of adaptation. If your hearing loss has occurred gradually over time, it will take time to become used to hearing sounds you have not heard for so long. Because of this, we may recommend a "ramping-up" period, where amplification is increased gradually while keeping you in a comfort zone. This period may range from a few days to a few weeks. We are available for you at any time to make changes or adjustments to the sound of your new hearing instruments.

Simply put, a more natural listening experience means the ability to move from one location or setting to another -- from a windy golf course to a quiet room, from a crowded restaurant to inside your car -- without having to fiddle with controls or change a thing.

• When I purchase my hearing instruments, how long will it take to receive them?

Depending on the type of hearing instrument, some can be fit in our office at the time of your appointment. For other types, a custom earmold may be required to properly fit your hearing loss. In this case, it generally takes approximately 1-2 weeks, but orders can be rushed at no additional cost.

• Does insurance cover the cost of hearing instruments?

Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing instruments. In fact, few insurance plans offer any hearing instrument benefit. If you do have hearing instrument coverage, we will assist you in obtaining direct reimbursement from your insurance company. We do not charge a fee for our hearing evaluations or consultation.

If your policy does provide hearing instrument benefits, we encourage you to compare prices and product. In many cases, our pricing is significantly lower than what insurance companies offer their policy holders. If cost is important to you, this is an important comparison because you may end up paying more through an in-network ENT or audiologist. If satisfaction with your hearing instruments is important to you, please call to schedule a visit with Giselle. In addition to finding a skilled audiologist, it's very important that you feel comfortable and at ease with your healthcare professional. Choosing an audiologist is as important as choosing an internist or family physician. It is often a long-term relationship, and is a critical component that affects your adaptation and adjustment to hearing instruments, and ultimately, your success with them.

• Do I need one or two hearing instruments?

For individuals with hearing loss in both ears, wearing two (binaural) hearing instruments provides the best result. Audiological research has shown that wearing two hearing instruments provides much better speech comprehension in quiet and in noise. This also allows you to localize or determine where sounds are coming from. When your ears work together, lower volume settings are required for comfortable hearing, depth perception is restored, and both sides of your brain work in harmony to create an auditory image. If you have a hearing loss in both ears, have had amplification recommended but simply aren't sure if you need two instruments, we recommend trying two instruments during our trial period. During this time, you can experiment with one or both in the typical listening situations you encounter on a daily basis. If you decide that one is most appropriate for you, return the other one to us for a full refund. This is the best way to make an informed decision.

• Do all hearing aids whistle?

Any hearing instrument can be made to whistle (feedback), but a properly fit and programmed hearing instrument will not. When feedback occurs, it is generally due to a poor fit within the ear canal, incorrect gain or amplification, or a combination of both. Older hearing aids were unable to regulate feedback when it occurred, and the only "solution" was to turn down the volume or just put up with it. New digital hearing instrument technology is capable of continuously monitoring feedback conditions, applying appropriate levels of suppression when necessary.

• I currently wear hearing instruments and they seem to be working well. Is there any reason to consider upgrading them?

Yes. If your hearing instruments are a few years old or more, you may be interested in some of the recent technology changes. Styles have remained much the same, but how the instrument processes sounds has changed dramatically. Improvements in directionality, background noise suppression and feedback or whistle protection have made a significant difference in how these instruments perform, and how they sound. Automatic switching engages different programs or settings as you move from a quiet room to a noisy area, improving your ability to pick out speech in the presence of background noise. Automatic switching can turn directionality on and off in different conditions so speech sounds in front of you are amplified, and background noise behind you is not. And improved feedback capabilities mean no more whistling like you may have experienced previously when using the phone or wearing a hat.

• Are there any other reasons to consider upgrading my current hearing instruments?

There are a few reasons why people upgrade their hearing instruments: 1) new technology, 2) change in hearing thresholds, 3) change of ear shape, or 4) an expensive repair situation.


1) Technology has changed dramatically in the last few years, and will continue to do so. These changes are significant for you if they provide new benefits. Our in-office demonstrations will allow you to listen to these new instruments, but the best test is to take them home and try them. Our 60-day, no-risk trial period gives you time to listen to your new hearing instruments in the variety of everyday sound situations you typically encounter.

2) If your hearing loss worsens, your instruments can be reprogrammed to accommodate a certain amount of change. Beyond that, you may need to move to a more powerful device. For people with a changing hearing loss, this is often a slow process that may occur gradually over several years.

3) Unlike other parts of our bodies, our noses and ears continue to grow as we age. If this occurs, you may need to either remake the instrument's shell, or have a new earmold made. If you have worn your instruments for several years, and have had a change in your hearing loss, this is often an opportunity to consider upgrading.




4) If your hearing instrument breaks down, dropped or stepped on, or a family pet chews or eats it, this may result in an expensive, out-of-warranty repair. This may be a time to consider upgrading to a newer technology, especially if these features deliver a significant benefit.

• What are the different types or styles of hearing instruments?

Here are the basic styles:

RIC - Receiver In Canal
BTE - Behind The Ear
ITE - In The Ear
ITC - In The Canal
CIC - Completely In the Canal
IIC - Invisible In the Canal

Pictured below are the:
1. BTE (Behind The Ear) instrument
2. ITE (In The Ear) custom instrument
3. ITC (In The Canal) custom instrument
4. CIC (Completely In the Canal) custom instrument
5. RIC (Receiver In Canal) open fit instrument
6. IIC (Invisible In the Canal) custom instrument

Our audiologist will work with you to determine which style and model is most appropriate for your hearing loss, lifestyle and cosmetic needs. The RIC and CIC models are extremely discreet, and offer an excellent solution for those seeking an unobtrusive instrument. The recently-released IIC model is a deep-insertion instrument which is totally invisible and discreet.

  


RIC (Receiver In Canal)        IIC (Invisible In the Canal)

• How much do hearing instruments cost?

The price of hearing instruments will vary greatly based on the type of correction needed for your hearing loss, and the type or style of hearing instrument. Generally, they range from about $900 to just over $2000 each, and are programmed specifically for your level and type of hearing loss. We will work with you to determine the best hearing instruments to fit your hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Why are hearing instruments so expensive?
This is a common question, and a very good one. Although an apples-to-apples comparison is difficult because technology has changed so much over the years, a look at cost changes over the past 25 years yields an interesting perspective. When examined in this historical context, they are not more expensive than they have been in the past:

In 1980, a pair of good-quality hearing aids cost an average of $800. At that time, a one-year supply of batteries cost about $50. With an average life of 4 years, the hearing aids and batteries cost a total of about $1000, or 68¢ per day over the 4 year period. Using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to correct for inflation, this would equate to $1.74 per day in 2009 dollars.

Today, the average price of state-of-the-art digital hearing instrument is about $1800 each, or $3600 per pair. If we assume an average life of 6 years, a battery cost of about $50 per year for both instruments (our current prices for a size 312 battery lasting 7, sixteen-hour days), it equals $1.78 per day in 2009 dollars. If you exclude the first year of batteries, which are free when you purchase hearing instruments from us, it is reduced to $1.74 per day.

This comparison is not meant to imply that hearing instruments are inexpensive, because they are not. But they do represent extremely good value, especially when you consider the benefits of improved hearing, at a price lower than or consistent with historical norms. For many people, sights and sounds are what create memories. For all of us, hearing is an essential sense, contributing not only to communication with others, but more importantly, to our safety and well-being.

• How can I pay for my new hearing instruments?

• We offer a variety of ways to help you purchase your hearing instruments:

• 0% interest-free CareCredit financing over 12 months

• Low-interest CareCredit financing over 24, 36, 48 and 60 months

• Major credit cards and personal checks accepted

• 60-day unconditional money-back guarantee with no restocking fees

• I think I may have a hearing loss. What's the first step?

Please call us to schedule an appointment for your hearing test! The audiometric evaluation is an easy, relaxing and painless process performed by a licensed audiologist that will provide a clear picture of your hearing. It will also tell us how well you understand speech, especially in difficult listening situations. Speech is the single most important sound we listen to, and your ability to understand speech and other sounds in everyday life is vital to both your safety and well-being. Following your hearing evaluation, we will work with you to explain your options and help you choose the most appropriate solution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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