Hearing Aids

What are Hearing Aids?

Hearing Aids are miniature computers that are programmed by a Doctor of Audiology to improve hearing and speech understanding.   

Do I need Hearing Aids?

Are you 55 years old or older? Do you feel you are missing parts of conversations or asking others to repeat often? If you answered yes to either of these questions you need to have an audiogram. 

  1. Call 412-828-0250 to schedule your audiogram.  An audiogram is a full diagnostic hearing exam.  It will reveal if you have hearing loss, what type of hearing loss and start the conversation on how to treat the hearing loss. 
  2. If a hearing loss is present the next step is a Hearing Aid Evaluation.  Hearing Aids will be demonstrated at this time and the patient's lifestyle, hearing loss and needs will be discussed. 
  3. The Doctor will then recommend hearing aids based off the patient's hearing loss and discussion.  
  4. It is important to note that the Doctor's recommendation is heavily influenced by the patient's lifestyle and needs. This is the time to discuss all of your questions and concerns. 

Hearing Aid Style

The style of a hearing aid is the shape and look of the aid.  It does not always dictate the price.  Hearing aids come in multiple styles.  Please see the chart below to review each style. 

Technology Level

Technology level is determined by the sophistication of the computer chip within the hearing aid style and how many features it includes. 

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance companies are covering Audiograms and partial costs of hearing aids.  We are more than happy to check your insurance benefit for you. Please call 412-828-0250 and have your insurance card on hand.


Insurance Accepted: UPMC, Highmark, Humana, Medicare, Cigna, TruHearing, BCBS, United Health Care, Hearing Care Solutions, Aetna, Amplifon, American Hearing Benefits, Hear In America, EPIC, United Mine Works, United Auto Workers.  Our coverage continues to grow. Please call 412-828-0250 to verify coverage.

Manufacturers

There are multiple hearing aid manufacturers each with their own unique benefits.  We work with ReSound, Starkey, Phonak, Unitron, Signia (Siemens), Oticon, Rexton, and Widex. 

Hearing Aid Styles

RIE - Receiver-In-Ear

Most popular, this style can fit a wide range of hearing loss and patients.  RIE hearing aids can also easily adapt to change in hearing loss and ear canal shape. *Some RIE aids offer rechargeability vs. traditional batteries.

IIC - Invisible-In-Canal

IIC aids are the smallest style hearing aids.  They sit completely in the ear canal invisible to our friends and family.  

MIH- Microphone-In-Helix

MIH places the microphone in the helix of the ear versus the ear canal.  This allows room for bluetooth connectivity and enhanced hearing aid features while remaining nearly invisible. 

BTE- Behind-the-Ear

BTE is the traditional style of hearing aid.  It is worn with a custom mold and can fit even a profound hearing loss. Bluetooth Connectivity and Rechargeability available in some models.   

ITC- In-the-Canal

ITC aids are the larger version of the IIC.  By increasing the size the aids have the option of a volume control, push button, bluetooth connectivity, directional microphones and larger battery sizes.

ITE- In-the-Ear

ITE is the largest custom hearing aid.  It is perfect for patient's with significant hearing loss and poor dexterity.   This style can also come with a volume control, push button, bluetooth connectivity and larger battery sizes.