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So, you have been to an audiologist for a hearing assessment and it is time to receive your results. What can you expect? And how will you know if you require hearing aids? Here are the facts.

What the Results From Your Hearing Assessment Look Like

Most hearing assessment results will be presented to you in the form of a graph. On the Y-axis of the graph, you will see the intensity or loudness of the sound played to you during the assessment. On the corresponding X-axis, you will see the frequency of the sounds. Each circle or cross included on the graph signals both the frequency or pitch level tested in conjunction with the level of volume at which you were able to hear it.

Ultimately, the hearing expert will be able to determine the extent of your hearing loss by analyzing the results of the hearing assessment. If you have severe hearing loss, you will have struggled to hear the vast majority of the softer sounds and will often only be able to hear loud environmental sounds or very loud speech. If you have moderate hearing loss, you will often find yourself struggling to hear regular speech, even when you are standing very close to the person. Individuals with both moderate and severe hearing loss will require hearing aids to rectify the problem.

You may also be told that you have mild hearing loss. This may mean that you find it challenging to hear soft speech. You may even struggle to hear regular speech when in a loud environment. Many individuals with mild hearing loss will still opt to be fitted for hearing aids in an effort to improve their quality of life.

Hearing Assessments at Chenault House of Hearing

When you book a free hearing assessment at the Chenault House of Hearing, you will not need to worry about interpreting the results of the assessment by yourself. Our experts will be there to explain every detail so that you fully understand every aspect. If your test does signify hearing loss, our experts will also be there to walk you through the best-rated hearing aids to consider, as well as provide you with advice in terms of the most affordable hearing aids to suit your budget. As a Beltone hearing center in Texas, we specialize in Beltone hearing aids – one of the best brands in the world.

Getting Fitted for Your Beltone Hearing Aids

Following your hearing assessment at the Chenault House of Hearing, our experts will perform a demonstration of the various available hearing aids so that you can get a better idea of how they work and which hearing aid type is right for you and your lifestyle. There are a number of different options from which to choose, including BTE (Behind-the-Ear), CIC (Completely-in-Canal), IIC (Invisible-in-Canal), MIH (Mic-in-Helix), ITC (In-the-Canal), ITE (In-the-Ear), and RIE (Receive-in-Ear).

The BTE models tend to be the most budget-friendly and work just as well as any other hearing aid. They are simply less discrete than other types, such as the IIC or ITE models. BTE hearing aids might not be an ideal solution for everyone, however. This is especially true if you are an active person who spends time playing sports. In this instance, you may find that an MIH model serves you best. Either way, our experts will be there to guide you in making the right decision regarding your personal circumstances, budget, and preferences.

For more information, or to book your free hearing assessment, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.

In the event that you are experiencing problems with your hearing, you may find yourself completely overwhelmed when conducting research regarding the different options available to you. There are many different types of hearing aids from which to choose, such as Bluetooth hearing aids, rechargeable hearing aids, BTE hearing aids, IIC hearing aids, and so many more.

Read on for all of the information that you need to know about BiCROS and CROS hearing aids in particular.

What Are CROS Hearing Aids?

Many people do not realize that when hearing loss occurs, it may or may not affect both ears. In fact, even if it does affect both ears, there is a good chance that the degree of hearing loss will still vary quite significantly in each. That is where CROS hearing aids come in. These hearing aids are designed for people who suffer from hearing loss in only one ear, often referred to as unilateral hearing loss.

CROS hearing aids, many of which are wireless, are comprised of two devices that sit inside the ear. These devices include a microphone that is worn inside the affected ear, as well as a receiver that is placed in the other, better functioning ear. The microphone is designed to pick up sound and transmit it to the receiver in the well-functioning ear. Ultimately, the CROS hearing aid helps to emulate the experience of hearing well with both ears. There are many different styles of CROS hearing aids available, including CROS BTE devices and ITE devices. You will also have the option to choose between wired CROS hearing aids, wireless CROS hearing aids, and transcranial CROS hearing aids. Transcranial CROD hearing aids are only a consideration for individuals who are completely deaf in one ear.

Wired CROS styles will often be cheaper than wireless alternatives. However, the wire that connects one ear to the other can prove to be rather irritating. Wireless CROS hearing aids are, therefore, often said to be more comfortable and more convenient to wear.

What Are BiCROS Hearing Aids?

BiCROS hearing aids are designed for people with hearing loss in both ears, but who have varying degrees of hearing loss in each ear. They also consist of a microphone and a receiver. The microphone is placed in the ear with the poorest hearing, and the receiver is placed in the ear with better hearing. As with CROS hearing aids, the end result is the ability to hear well with both ears.

In most cases, BiCROS hearing aids are more diverse than their CROS counterparts. You will have plenty more options in terms of different styles, and almost all BiCROS hearing aids are wireless, which is great news if you intend to wear them on a regular basis. Just remember to do your research in terms of the different types of hearing aids before making a final decision.

Which Is Right for You?

The only way in which to effectively establish whether you would be better suited to CROS or BiCROS hearing aids is to visit a hearing center for a professional hearing assessment. A hearing expert will be able to ascertain the degree of hearing loss that you have in one or both ears and help you choose a hearing aid depending on your results, your lifestyle, your preferences, and your budget.

Here at the Chenault House of Hearing, we specialize in many different types of hearing aids, including BiCROS and CROS hearing aids. Contact us today to learn more or to book your free hearing assessment with our Hearing Aid Specialist (audioprosthologist). We look forward to assisting you in boosting your hearing clarity!

The realization that you may be suffering from hearing loss is not something that anyone wants to face up to. Unfortunately, hearing deterioration is a reality for countless Americans. Men are at a greater risk of developing hearing loss, and the older you get, the more your personal risk increases. In fact, by the time you reach the age of 75, you will have a 50% chance of suffering from extensive hearing problems.

In short, loss of hearing is common and is, therefore, nothing to feel embarrassed about. The great news is that it is possible for you to find a solution to improve your quality of life with a free hearing assessment at the Beltone Hearing Aid Center, Chenault House of Hearing. This is what you need to know.

How Will I Know When It Is Time to Get a Hearing Assessment?

While many may think that hearing loss should be rather obvious to the individual suffering from it, this is not always the case. In many instances, it will be the individual’s loved ones who pick up on the possibility of the problem before he/she does! In other instances, the individual may believe that his hearing loss is not severe enough for it to require investigation.

So, how will you know when it is, in fact, time to get a hearing assessment? What are the main symptoms of hearing loss to watch out for? Here is a breakdown:

Speech and other daily sounds, like the television or the radio, start to become muffled and difficult to understand;
You have trouble understanding what others are saying, especially in a crowded room or when there is a lot of background noise;
You have specific trouble hearing consonant sounds, such as ‘b’, ‘g’, and ‘d’.
You often find yourself asking people to repeat what they have just said, or to speak more slowly or loudly;
You find yourself cranking up the volume of the television or radio more so than usual;
You have noticed that you are becoming anxious in social settings and, as a result, are withdrawing from these situations more and more;
You have begun isolating yourself completely because of your hearing problems.

Ultimately, if your hearing loss is interfering with your daily life in any way, it is time to book your free hearing assessment at the Chenault House of Hearing.

Hearing Loss

Why Am I Suffering from Hearing Loss?

As mentioned, the main reason for hearing loss is the ‘wear and tear’ that comes with age. The older you get, the more likely you are to notice that your hearing is no longer quite what it used to be. However, this is definitely not the only cause of hearing loss. It can also be brought about as a result of an injury, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), damage to the middle ear, and a hole in the eardrum.

Some hearing loss can also be caused by a physical obstruction in the ear. For example, you may notice a reduction in the quality of sound if you have excessive ear wax build-up within the ear canal. An ear infection often leads to the presence of pus and fluid inside the ear, which can also wreak havoc on one’s hearing. In very rare cases, hearing loss can be caused by the dislocation of the middle ear bones, or by the growth of abnormal tumors.

Finally, there are a number of other health conditions and diseases of which hearing loss can be a symptom. For example, you may experience mild to moderate hearing loss if you suffer from a stroke or you are diagnosed with diabetes. Meningitis and shingles have also been linked to loss of hearing, particularly in older adults.

Remember to seek help immediately if you notice very sudden hearing loss, especially if only one ear is affected.

Why Should I Get a Free Hearing Assessment?

There are countless reasons to address your hearing loss problems by getting a hearing assessment. Not only will doing so help to improve your overall quality of life, but it could also help to prevent negative situations occurring in the future. Did you know that people with any extent of hearing loss are three times more likely to have a history of falling?

Furthermore, research has shown that adults with untreated hearing loss are also much more likely to suffer from dementia later in life? The more severe the untreated hearing loss, the greater the risk. Adults with extensive hearing loss that has been left untreated are five times more at risk of developing dementia than adults with near perfect hearing ability or adults who have addressed their hearing difficulties.

Is the Hearing Assessment With a Hearing Aid Specialist (Audioprosthologist) Really Free of Charge?

Yes, it is. Furthermore, the hearing assessment to which we are referring is far from basic. All free hearing assessments conducted at our Beltone Hearing Aid Center are comprehensive and thorough for total peace of mind. In other words, all of your hearing problems can be adequately addressed with this free assessment. You will only need to pay for any hearing aids with which you are fitted.

Hearing Loss assessment

What to Expect at Your Free Hearing Assessment

Your hearing assessment at the Chenault House of Hearing will include an audiometric hearing test, video ear scan, as well as a consultation with our Hearing Care Practitioner (HCP) and hearing aid specialist (audioprosthologist). After your evaluation, the HCP records your results on an audiogram. He or she will then evaluate your results before taking the time to explain them to you in detail. He or she will explain what you are hearing and what you are missing and will provide advice in terms of possible solutions going forward. Should you have hearing loss, we also offer free demonstration of hearing and technology we recommend for you, your lifestyle, and your budget.

In short, your free hearing assessment will work something like this:

Assessment
Evaluation
Explanation of Results
Hearing Aid Demonstration
Fitting and Delivery

Using your audiogram results, you’ll be fitted with instruments specific to your loss using our proprietary Solus and Solus Pro, Select-A-Fit software.

What Types of Hearing Aids Are on Offer?

Due to the fact that the Chenault House of Hearing is a Beltone Hearing Aid Center we only stock Beltone hearing aids. However, we are of the firm belief that Beltone hearing aids will be the only hearing aids that you will ever need! Did you know that Beltone offers its hearing aid users a lifetime service promise? Central to a rewarding Beltone Experience is BelCare™, which is a program of ongoing care and protection that covers you for the life of your hearing aids. This program provides you with peace of mind from your first hearing screening, through all the years that you own your Beltone hearing aids. You will be able to claim your BelCare benefits at any one of over 1,500 participating Beltone Hearing Care Centers, nationwide.

Despite specializing solely in Beltone hearing aids, we stock a wide variety of different styles of hearing aids so that you are bound to find one that really speaks to you and that you feel fully comfortable and confident wearing.

The different styles of Beltone hearing aids that we currently stock are as follows:

IIC – Invisible-in-Canal: IIC hearing aids are especially small and discrete. They are practically invisible, hence their name. Furthermore, despite being tiny, they promise very high-quality sound. The absence of obstruction also makes it possible for you, as the wearer, to easily localize the sound coming from outside.

CIC – Completely-in-Canal: CIC hearing aids sit inside the ear canal, which means that, like IIC hearing aids, they are almost completely invisible to other people around you. They come with varying levels of technology, meaning that there will likely be an option for you to consider regardless of your budget constraints.

MIH – Mic-in-Helix: Are you someone who plays a lot of sport or who leads a generally active lifestyle? MIH hearing aids are particularly popular among the sporty and active due to the fact that it sits snugly in the ear and is unlikely to fall out at inopportune moments. The strategic construction of the MIC style hearing aid also takes advantage of the ear’s anatomy to provide near-to-natural sound quality.

ITC – In-the-Canal: ITC hearing aids are slightly larger than many of the aforementioned styles, but they are also practically invisible. As the name suggests, they are placed in the ear canal itself.

ITE – In-the-Ear: Placed in the ear, ITE hearing aids are not only comfortable to wear, but also very discreet.

RIE – Receive-in-Ear: RIE hearing aids are recommended for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They promise a reduced risk of occlusion, but may not be as effective as certain other models when worn by those individuals suffering from extensive loss of hearing.

BTE – Behind-the-Ear: Unlike other types of hearing aids, a BTE model will be easily visible. However, BTE hearing aids are also often more durable and require less maintenance than many other models. They produce minimal feedback, and are usually very comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

BTE hearing aids are worn behind the ear and are the most common, traditional types of hearing aids. They are also often the most affordable and are a great option for people who are not worried about their hearing aid being visible. If, however, you would prefer something a bit smaller and slightly more discreet, you may wish to opt for styles like CIC or IIC hearing aids. Our hearing aid specialist (audioprosthologist) will help you to choose a model that works for you and your budget.

Hearing Aids

How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?

Hearing aids vary greatly in terms of cost, with BTE hearing aids generally being one of the cheapest options available. Generally speaking, a set of hearing aids range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. The cost of the hearing aids could be influenced by a variety of many other factors, among which the following:

The extent of your hearing loss,
The style you choose for your lifestyle, and so on.

There is no way to predict or to guess without seeing you for a hearing evaluation – and that’s absolutely free! And remember, if hearing loss is due to a condition such as earwax, hearing aids are not even needed.

Paying for Your Hearing Aid

Many of our clients are keen to know if medical aid covers the cost of hearing aids. Unfortunately, most medical aids will only cover a certain portion of the cost of a hearing aid, and often, depending on the severity of the hearing loss. Some medical aids do not cover hearing aids at all. Luckily, Beltone offers a wide variety of payment plans, including interest-free plans. Together with Beltone, the Chenault House of Hearing’s main priority is to make sure that everyone with hearing loss is able to comfortably afford their hearing aids.

So, book your free hearing assessment at our Beltone Hearing Aid Center today!

Recent studies conducted on patients suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s have shown that there is a possible link between these memory-related conditions and hearing loss. The studies have suggested that experiencing age-related hearing loss may, in some cases, be a precursor to dementia and/or Alzheimer’s. This is due to the fact that many hearing evaluation doctors and researchers now believe that hearing loss is more closely related to the health of our brains than was previously assumed. Here is everything that you need to know.

Understanding the Studies

Many of these studies have been conducted in similar ways and each has generated similar results. The approach revolved around meeting with and examining various individuals of a similar age. Some of these individuals were suffering from hearing loss, while some were not. The meetings would continue over the course of a number of years. The researchers would then track which of the individuals were subsequently diagnosed with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s, as well as how quickly the condition progressed in each case. In the vast majority of these studies, those who had been diagnosed with hearing loss wound up with higher rates of dementia. Further to this, in many instances, the more severe the hearing loss, the faster the condition progressed.

So, What Is the Link?

Contrary to popular assumption, the studies do not suggest that hearing loss causes dementia or Alzheimer’s. Rather, they suggest that there is some sort of link between the two. Unfortunately, the exact nature of this link still remains unknown, although there are a few theories that have been put forward over the last few years.

Some experts claim that hearing loss may change the way in which your brain functions. They claim that when the aspect of the brain that is responsible for processing auditory information becomes strained or is used less frequently, it completely changes how the brain functions as a whole, which could trigger dementia/Alzheimer’s over time.

Others assume that hearing loss has a negative effect on one’s cognitive load. In other words, those with hearing problems need to work a lot harder in order to process information and complete day-to-day social tasks and conversations. When all of your mental capacity and energy are going towards this, there is less left for memory and other cognitive functions.

Some think that social isolation may well be the link. It has been scientifically proven that social isolation does a person’s mental health no favors. Seeing as though many people who struggle to hear will avoid social situations as a result, there is a good chance that social isolation may play a role in the degradation of brain function.

Finally, researchers believe that hearing loss and dementia/Alzheimer’s may simply have the same underlying cause, which is likely to be a separate health issue, gene or environmental element.

What Is the Bottom Line?

Ultimately, suffering from hearing loss definitely does not mean that a dementia diagnosis is inevitable. However, what the link could mean is that reducing the chances of developing hearing loss in the first place could also reduce your chances of developing dementia later in life. Prevention is better than cure, so make sure that you:

Steer clear of loud environments,
Get regular hearing assessments,
Avoid using Q-tips to clean your ears, and
Protect your hearing whenever necessary using noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.

Are you looking for a great hearing evaluation doctor (audioprosthologist)? Look no further than the Chenault House of Hearing. Our Beltone hearing care center now offers free hearing screenings! Contact us for more information or to book your appointment today.

The reality of the situation is that the older we get, the higher the chances of us needing hearing assistance in the form of a hearing aid. According to data collected by the National Health and Nutrition Survey, it is estimated that approximately 2% of adults between the ages of 45 to 54 have disabling hearing loss. The rate increases to 8.5% for adults between the ages of 55 to 64. Around one in four adults from the age of 65 to 74 have disabling hearing loss, with an increase to one in two of those 75 years of age and older.

In other words, your parents are more than likely going to require a hearing aid as they age. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to approach them with the request that they consider going for a hearing assessment. Some individuals may react defensively to the suggestion that their hearing is no longer what it used to be, while some may feel embarrassed, offended, or upset. The secret is to approach the situation with tact and understanding. Here are three helpful tips to keep in mind.

Be Upfront but Sensitive

Avoid ‘beating around the bush’, as this may make it seem that they really do have something to feel embarrassed about. The best way in which to get the conversation started is to be upfront, without being accusatory or brash about the subject. For example, you may wish to say something like, “Dad, I have noticed that you are struggling to hear what I am saying a lot of the time recently. Do you think that perhaps your hearing might not be at its best right now? Maybe it is time to go for a hearing assessment with a professional? I would be happy to go with you!”

If he refuses or claims that his hearing is fine, do not harp on the topic. Rather, leave it be until another time when it is evident that he is struggling to hear and it is a good time to bring it up again in a similar manner. Just be mindful to never broach the subject in a ‘See? I told you so’ sort of manner.

Focus on the Benefits

Instead of pointing out how much your parent’s hearing has deteriorated and what they are battling to do each day as a result of this, try to focus more on the benefits that would come with getting a hearing aid. Explain how they would be able to be more involved in daily conversations, not have to turn the television up so loud and disturb the neighbors, and just generally enjoy a better quality of life. This realization may be just the motivation that they need in order to consider a hearing assessment.

Speak to Their Doctor

Consider approaching their doctor if, despite your best efforts, your parent is just not listening to your suggestions for getting a hearing assessment. Unfortunately, in many instances, people will only be open to listening to advice received from a medical professional rather than advice received by their concerned loved ones!

Here at the Chenault House of Hearing, we offer free hearing assessments and screenings. If it comes to light that your parent does, in fact, require hearing assistance, we can help them to find the hearing aid that best suits their needs and budget. We specialize in affordable and rechargeable hearing aids manufactured by Beltone. For more information or to schedule a hearing assessment with one of our professionals, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Many people who are experiencing hearing difficulties expect to be fitted with a hearing aid and immediately enjoy crystal clear hearing and maximum comfort right from the get-go. Unfortunately, this idealistic expectation is rarely spot-on. For the vast majority of individuals who invest in hearing aids, there will be a period of adjustment necessary in order to get used to them and how they work. This is true for both bilateral hearing aids and binaural hearing aids.

These days, you generally get hearing aids that are powered either by disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries for hearing aids. There are numerous benefits associated with rechargeable hearing aids, hence the reason why they are some of the most popular currently available on the market. Here is everything that you need to know about rechargeable hearing aids, including why they are a great investment and how best to care for them.

Here at the Chenault House of Hearing family hearing center, we are proud to specialize in Beltone hearing aids. If you are suffering from hearing loss, this brand is a sure-fire way to improve both your hearing and your overall quality of life. Below are 7 interesting facts about Beltone hearing aids to help demonstrate why they are quickly becoming the hearing solutions of choice in the USA.

According to hearing aid specialists (also known as an audioprosthologist) and various studies, men are more likely to experience hearing deterioration than women. In fact, men are twice as likely to suffer hearing loss than women, and yet only half as likely to seek help for it.

Another study conducted in Switzerland found that women were more likely to use their hearing aids regularly and for longer periods during the day than men.

If you are someone who is suffering from hearing loss, you will likely be wondering whether or not your regular health insurance covers the cost of hearing aids. The truth, unfortunately, is that health insurers in most U.S. states do not ordinarily provide cover for hearing aids. That said, you will find plenty of cases where patients have been reimbursed by their health insurer for hearing aids that they have bought. So, it will be correct to say hearing aid insurance coverage not only differs between insurers but also from state to state.

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Understanding the Results of Your Hearing Assessment

What the Results From Your Hearing Assessment Look Like

Hearing Assessments at Chenault House of Hearing

Getting Fitted for Your Beltone Hearing Aids

What Are BiCROS and CROS Hearing Aids?

What Are CROS Hearing Aids?

What Are BiCROS Hearing Aids?

Which Is Right for You?

Quick, Affordable Hearing Assessments

How Will I Know When It Is Time to Get a Hearing Assessment?

Why Am I Suffering from Hearing Loss?

Why Should I Get a Free Hearing Assessment?

Is the Hearing Assessment With a Hearing Aid Specialist (Audioprosthologist) Really Free of Charge?

What to Expect at Your Free Hearing Assessment

What Types of Hearing Aids Are on Offer?

How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?

Paying for Your Hearing Aid

Hearing Loss and Dementia – Is There a Link?

Understanding the Studies

So, What Is the Link?

What Is the Bottom Line?

How to Talk to Your Elderly Parents About a Hearing Assessment

Be Upfront but Sensitive

Focus on the Benefits

Speak to Their Doctor

Tips for Adjusting to Your New Hearing Aids

Everything You Need to Know About Rechargeable Hearing Aids

7 Interesting Facts About Beltone Hearing Aids

Who Is More Likely to Need Hearing Aids – Men or Women?

Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

Understanding the Results of Your Hearing Assessment

What Are BiCROS and CROS Hearing Aids?

Quick, Affordable Hearing Assessments

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Hearing Aids Styles