FAQs

Educational resources for
your hearing related questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hearing loss and hearing aids can seem confusing when you don’t have the right professional to help you. At Uhring’s Hearing and Balance, we are here to answer any of your hearing related questions and to help you enjoy an improved quality of life through better hearing. If you have a question you don’t see listed below, then contact us today. We would be happy to help you or to schedule you for an appointment.

Will hearing aids make my hearing loss worse?

When properly fit by a hearing professional, hearing aids will never damage your hearing. During your hearing evaluation, we will determine the extent of your hearing loss and fit you with the appropriate hearing aid. We will program the hearing aids to work optimally for you, in your unique environments. Studies have shown that hearing aids can actually reduce the rate at which hearing loss worsens.

How often should I wear my new hearing aids?

When first being fit with new hearing aids, it’s recommended that you wear them as frequently as possible. The more you wear your hearing aids, the quicker you’ll become comfortable with them, and the more natural they will feel. We also suggest that you wear your hearing aids when you are alone so you can adjust to hearing soft sounds, such as the refrigerator humming or the birds chirping outside.

How often do I need to replace my hearing aid batteries?

Hearing aid battery life can vary depending on the wearer. The average battery life is 5-7 days. We recommend turning off your hearing aids or opening the battery door when they are not in use. This can greatly increase the life of your batteries.

We also carry rechargeable hearing aids that don’t require any battery changes. If you are interested in our rechargeable devices, contact us today.

How often should I get my hearing tested?

We recommend scheduling yearly hearing screenings. By frequently having your hearing tested, you can be proactive about your hearing health, so if there is a change, it can be addressed immediately. For people who already wear hearing aids, you should have your hearing aids serviced every couple of months in order to keep them working properly and to get the best performance out of them.

How do I cure this ringing in my ears?

A constant ringing in the ears is referred to as tinnitus. Unfortunately, there is no cure for tinnitus. At Uhring’s Hearing and Balance, we can help you manage your tinnitus and greatly reduce its impact on your life.

Can my child have hearing loss?

Yes. Children of any age can have hearing loss. In fact, two or three out of every 1,000 newborns in the United States is born with hearing loss. If you suspect that your child has hearing loss, it’s important to bring them in for a hearing evaluation. Our audiologists can test your child’s hearing and set them up on the right path to success. We even carry a wide range of children’s hearing aids.

Tips for Hearing Aid Wearers

Wearing new hearing aids frequently, even when alone, can help you adapt to them quickly.
You can use a soft, dry toothbrush to clean the receiver and microphone on your hearing aid.
Exposing new batteries to the air for a couple minutes before inserting them into your hearing aid can greatly improve battery life.
Dry hearing aids immediately if they come in contact with water or moisture.
Scheduling routine hearing aid cleanings and adjustments can ensure you are receiving the most out of your devices.

Tips for Family Members

When having a conversation with a hearing aid wearer, speak clearly and directly at them.
Get their attention with a tap on the shoulder before beginning to speak to them.
Rephrasing what you say, rather than repeating it, can help them understand better.
Noisy environments, such as restaurants, can make it difficult for a hearing aid wearer to understand conversations.
Offer to attend a hearing screening with them. Being supportive can help relieve any stress they may have.