Here are just some of the questions frequently asked by consumers when they are in need of hearing loss information or are ready to purchase hearing instruments. If you can not find the answer to your question please write to webmaster@oticonus.com. Your inquiry will be forwarded to the proper department for response.
How do I know if I have a hearing loss?
You frequently have to ask people to repeat themselves, or have difficulty understanding speech during conversations in noisy areas, when using the telephone, in restaurants and automobiles, or you have trouble understanding dialog in a movie or play.
Hearing problems can occur at any age. Periodic examinations should be given to assess the degree of hearing loss. Annual hearing examinations are recommended for people over 65. Also, the symptoms of hearing loss may be subtle and can go unnoticed for a long period of time. Fore more information on hearing loss please, click here.
Are all hearing losses the same?
Sound is composed of an infinite number of frequencies, which makes it possible for us to recognize so many different sounds. But people who are hard-of-hearing have lost the ability to hear some frequencies more than others. To complicate matters, the essential frequencies of understanding human speech are often those frequencies that are lost.
People continue to hear, but not every word that is spoken is clearly understood. The untreated condition is often seen by others as signs of senility, aging or disinterest. Hearing loss is as individual as a finger print; no two hearing losses are the same.
The process is dynamic. Not only is a person's sound environment changing constantly, but the degree of hearing loss also changes over time. Oticon's most advanced hearing instruments rely on a successful partnership between provider and user continuing, over time, to adapt the instrument to help with changes in a person's hearing needs. To learn more about different hearing losses, click here.
Why can't I buy hearing aids direct from the factory?
State law limits the dispensing of hearing instruments to licensed dealers and audiologists. Beyond the legal restrictions, the process of matching hearing loss and listening needs to a specific instrument requires proper testing and evaluation and face-to-face counseling by a qualified professional. An analogy would be trying to order medication for hypertension over the phone from a drug manufacturer. Only a properly trained medical professional can achieve the full benefit from technology. If you need to locate a hearing care professional in your area please visit our Hearing Center Locator.
Why are hearing aids so expensive?
Hearing instruments are not expensive in comparison to other family expenditures. The average lifetime of a hearing instrument can be 5-8 years depending on care and maintenance. The average cost of an in-the-canal hearing instrument in 1995 was about $1,000 depending on the sophistication of the electronics. Divided by the lower end of life time (5 years) this computes to $200 per year or $17 per month, just about the same cost as cable TV service.
My sister has a hearing loss, which Oticon hearing aids are best for her?
There is no "best" hearing instrument for a particular person. What is "best" depends upon personal perception of sound, cosmetic requirements, physical comfort, ease of operation and budget. A qualified hearing professional will recommend several options and allow a person to try them before purchase. No hearing instrument will restore complete normal hearing, but today's modern digital, automatic, multi-channel hearing instruments come closer than ever before. Realistic expectations of hearing are pre-requisite to success with hearing instruments. to learn more about the Oticon hearing instruments lines available please click here.
Where can I get a catalog of Oticon products?
Consumer information about Oticon products can be obtained from almost any hearing professional in the country. Those who are not familiar with a particular Oticon product can get product technical sheets and consumer literature from Oticon Customer Service. To visit our product websites, click here.
