WHAT IS AN AUDIOLOGIST?
An audiologist is a doctoring profession that is involved in the testing, counseling, and instruction related to hearing and disorders of hearing. Audiologists are also involved in hearing aid recommendations, tinnitus assessments, balance testing as well as conducting, or participating in industrial hearing conservation programs.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AUDIOLOGIST AND HEARING INSTRUMENT SPECIALIST?
Hearing Instrument Specialists are limited to testing hearing solely for the purposes of fitting hearing aids. Unlike Audiologists, they may not engage in, nor are they trained to complete diagnostic hearing or balance examinations nor participate in the assessment of patients with tinnitus. Audiologists are uniquely qualified and trained to identify a wide variety of pathology and underlying medical conditions of the hearing and balance systems and to refer these cases for appropriate medical or surgical treatment.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY INITIAL APPOINTMENT?
Bluegrass Hearing Clinic utilizes a four-step process to help assess and improve your communication skills. We will discuss your general and medical history, assess your lifestyle, perform necessary testing and lastly, recommend a personalized solution and treatment plan.
DOES MY INSURANCE OFFER ANY HEARING BENEFITS?
Bluegrass Hearing Clinic is a credentialed provider for most medical insurance plans. Some plans do have a benefit. As a courtesy to you, we have an “in house” insurance department that can verify benefits as well as determine any out of pocket cost to you.
DOES MEDICARE COVER HEARING AIDS?
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) will cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams only if your primary care physician orders these tests based on symptoms, conditions, or complaints that would require medical treatment. Medicare does not currently cover regular hearing exams or treatment, including hearing aids and exams for fitting hearing aids.
I HAVE A HEARING AID BENEFIT WITH MY INSURANCE. DO YOU FILE INSURANCE FOR HEARING AIDS?
Yes, we bill insurance plans directly. Bluegrass Hearing Clinic is one of the only practices in Kentucky that will accept the portion covered by your insurance on assignment. Please contact us for individual plan information.
WHY DO HEARING AIDS COST SO MUCH?
The cost of hearing aids is usually the result of a few things: the quality of sound that the unit produces, the features included that help the user hear better and the custom fitting and follow-up care by the audiologist who fits your hearing aids. Although inexpensive hearing aids do exist, they are typically made with low-quality components, are not correctly fit to treat your specific hearing loss, and do not include any professional care by a highly trained provider who will help you get the most out of your investment.
HOW OLD SHOULD SOMEONE BE TO HAVE A HEARING TEST?
Bluegrass Hearing Clinic offers different methods and processes to evaluate hearing in adults.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, consider making an appointment with one of our Doctors of Audiology.
- You find yourself asking people to repeat themselves or you respond inappropriately.
- You turn the tv volume up too high and others complain.
- The people you speak to seem to mumble or not speak clearly.
- You have ringing or buzzing in your ears.
- You feel like you can hear but you don’t understand.
- Your family or coworkers remark that you miss what has been said.