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How to Find the Best Redwood City, CA Hearing Aid Dealers and Hearing Test Centers

If in need of battery replacements or repairs for your hearing aid, or even if you've decided it's time to upgrade to the latest technology, you don't have to visit an audiologist. You can get good service at hearing aid dealers or hearing test centers in the Redwood City area. To find one of these Redwood City hearing centers, simply read these articles. You'll learn about the choices in the San Mateo County area, as well as some helpful ways to determine which business can best meet your needs. more »

How to Find the Best Redwood City, CA Hearing Aid Dealers and Hearing Test Centers 

For many, hearing loss is just another part of a progressing life. But these days, a lot can be done to help. Over time, new clearer and smaller technology has become available to the hearing-impaired. The mid- ‘90s saw the introduction of digital hearing aids along with new cochlear implants and smaller devices that are virtually invisible. These and other devices, as well as the necessary maintenance and fitting, are available at the hearing aid dealers in San Mateo County.

San Mateo County Hearing Aid Dealers Perform Numerous Services
Hearing aid dealers in San Mateo County are specialized centers of hearing loss research and treatment. Patients are generally referred by a general practitioner when preliminary testing shows hearing deficiencies, from mild tinnitus to complete deafness. The hearing aid dealer might be staffed by board certified specialists and audiologists. These professionals can conduct in-depth testing and customized diagnosis and fittings for a large client base, including children, adults, the elderly and occupational health cases. Based on a doctor's recommendations, hearing dealer technicians may run audiometric evaluations, measurements of hearing sensitivity for air and bone conducted sounds, speech discrimination ability, speech reception thresholds, and assessments of middle ear function (impedance audiometry). The results of such tests may warrant the purchase of any of several different hearing devices, most of which are sold within San Mateo County facilities. Hearing aid dealers in San Mateo County often accept Medi-Cal and private insurance. Hearing devices may be available for a free trial prior to the actual purchase, and follow-up warranties usually include in-house lab repairs and refittings.

San Mateo County Hearing Aid Dealers Sell Many Hearing Aid Types and Accessories
Hearing aid dealers are often more sales-based than hearing/audiology offices, and custom pieces are often fabricated, fitted, and repaired on-site. The staff can educate patients and customers about the different options for their particular diagnosis, including pricing, clarity, durability, and other features. They'll be familiar with digital and analog hearing aids, bone conduction hearing aids, canal hearing aids, full-shell hearing aids, half-shell hearing aids, completely in-canal hearing aids, behind-the-ear hearing aids, wireless listening systems, and noise reduction circuitry. These basic systems are better known as the following: ITE: in-the-ear units, ITC: in-the-canal units, MC: mini-canal, CIC: completely-in-the-canal, BTE: behind-the-ear, and PAC: post-auricular-canal-instrument. Aside from the main speaker and microphone mechanism, hearing aid dealer employees can fit the core and tubing, curved tubing, custom ear molds, ear hooks, mushroom inserts, and straight tubing. Almost all hearing aid centers in San Mateo County take care of accessories and maintenance as well. They carry replacement batteries, swim plugs, noise protectors, and hear-and-go aids. San Mateo County hearing aid dealers also carry several types of ALDs, or assistive listening devices. They'll sell audio induction loops, infrared systems and FM modulated systems, TV listening devices, and telephone amplifiers. For specific hearing aid needs, investigate the available products and services of the hearing aid dealers in San Mateo County before you choose one.

Research Hearing Aid Dealers in San Mateo County
Hearing aid dealers may take different approaches to your aural care. Some are geared toward providing specialized medical care, and some are more sales-oriented. Depending on what you need and whether or not you are working off of a general practitioner's orders, find some details about the hearing aid dealers in San Mateo County. Aside from capabilities, try to gauge the history of the business, the reputation of the employees, and any pricing details. You'll get a better idea of where they fit into the grand scheme of things if you can compare potential hearing aid centers to others in the region. Association listings can provide some of this information. See the article, "Key Resources for Hearing Aids in San Mateo County" for helpful links.

Learn About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids with Additional Research
The path to healthy hearing begins with some independent research. There are many valuable sources on the internet and in print that can educate you about different disorders and solutions. In order to expedite this process, we've compiled some of these resources and listed them in The Prime Buyer's Report article "Key Resources for Hearing Aids in San Mateo County". It never hurts to be an active participant in your health and welfare.

 

 

Dealing with Hearing Aid Centers in San Mateo County 

Step 1: Get Tested
You have the option to skip the initial doctor's examinations and head straight to the hearing test, which can often be provided by the hearing aid dealer (as well as a licensed audiologist or otolaryngologist). But if there are underlying medical problems (especially those that are correctable), only a medical practitioner can detect and diagnose them. Additionally, it is more likely that doctor visits are covered by your insurance. In all respects, it is not advisable to forego a preliminary medical exam.

Step 2: Research the Product
If you already know which type of device you need, do some outside research to price different brands and features and check your insurance coverage to identify exactly which are covered. You can start with the resources we've provided in the article "Key Resources for Hearing Aids in San Mateo County."

Step 3: Interview Different Hearing Aid Dealers
Call several hearing aid dealers in San Mateo County and ask questions about their business practices. In addition to pricing information, there are several things you should know before you sign a contract with the dealer who will not only sell you the hearing device, but care for it in the future. Use the list of questions below to guide your phone interviews. Take notes for the final comparison and determination.

How long have you been in business?
Do you give hearing tests on site?
Is testing conducted by a licensed audiologist, otolaryngologist, or licensed speech pathologist?
What brands and models do you regularly carry and specialize in?
Are you familiar with analog and digital devices?
What does the base cost of the hearing device include? (Ask to see a written breakdown)
What are the costs of any additional features?
Do you charge a re-stocking fee after the (FDA-mandated) 30 day trial period?
Can my hearing aid be adjusted remotely?
Is there a fully-covered warranty period (including adjustments and reprogramming)? If so, how long is it?
How do you price major repairs?
Is there a discount or trade-in policy for upgrades?

Step 4: Background Research
After a preliminary assessment of the hearing aid dealers you've interviewed, look at the qualifications of those you would consider pursuing. All professionals involved in the testing and fitting process are required to have state licensure such as the following: Audiologists must have at least a Master's level education and a California State license, which can be verified at the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of the State of California. More established and skilled practitioners have earned a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from ASHA, which can be verified at the ASHA Web site. The ability to dispense hearing aids is a separate certification, which can be verified at the Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau of California. Also verify their BC-HIS (Board Certification in Hearing Aid Sciences) at the NBC-HIS by emailing your inquiry to info@nbc-his.com.

Step 5: Choose a Hearing Aid Dealer
Based on the interviews and sufficient certifications, make a final decision. Arrange for an appointment (or a walk-in, if possible) where you will get a fitting and evaluate merchandise and pricing.

Step 6: Sign a Contract
If you think the pricing or warranty is not up to your standards, you still have the option to seek services elsewhere. But if you feel comfortable with a particular hearing aid dealer, and after you've approved of the warranty agreement, pricing, and professionalism, it is safe to sign a contract.

 

 

Research Hearing Aid Dealers in Redwood City 

Associations & Licensure
AAA American Academy of Audiology (www.audiology.org)
AAO-HNS American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (www.entnet.org)
AHAA American Hearing Aid Associates (www.ahaanet.com)
ALDA Association of Late-Deafened Adults (www.alda.org)
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (www.agbell.org)
ASDC American Society for Deaf Children (www.deafchildren.org)
ASHA American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (www.asha.org)
ATA American Tinnitus Association (www.ata.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
BHI Better Hearing Institute (www.betterhearing.org)
CAA California Academy of Audiology (www.caaud.org)
CICI Cochlear Implant Association, Inc. (www.cici.org)
CSHA California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (www.csha.org)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
HADBCA Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau of California (www.dca.ca.gov/hearingaid)
HLAA Hearing Loss Association of America-California State Association (www.hearinglossca.org)
HIS International Hearing Society (www.ihsinfo.org)
LHH League for the Hard of Hearing (www.lhh.org)
NAD National Association of the Deaf (www.nad.org)
NBCHIS National Board for Certification Hearing Instrument Devices (www.hearingnbc.org)
NHCA National Hearing Conservation Association (www.hearingconservation.org)
NIDCD National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (www.nidcd.nih.gov)
SHA Sight and Hearing Association (www.sightandhearing.org)
SHHH Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc (www.hearingloss.org)
SLPAB Speech-Language Pathology Board of the State of California (www.slpab.ca.gov)

Media & Web Resources
Hearing Health Magazine
Hearing Loss Magazine
Hearing Review
Senior Journal
Sound Advice
Volta Voices

www.audiologynet.com
www.betterhearing.org
www.earinfo.com
www.healthyhearing.com
www.hearingaidhelp.com
www.hearingaids101.com

If you need hearing aid supplies or need help finding a hearing aid store The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 hearing aid dealers in San Mateo County within the following zip codes.

94002, 94005, 94010, 94011, 94014, 94015, 94016, 94017, 94018, 94019, 94020, 94021, 94025, 94026, 94027, 94028, 94030, 94037, 94038, 94044, 94060, 94061, 94062, 94063, 94064, 94065, 94066, 94070, 94074, 94080, 94083, 94096, 94098, 94128, 94401, 94402, 94403 and 94404

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 hearing aid dealers in San Mateo County within the following cities.

Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Broadmoor Vlg, Burlingame, Colma, Daly City, El Granada, Emerald Hills, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, La Honda, Loma Mar, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Montara, Moss Beach, Pacifica, Palomar Park, Pescadero, Portola Valley, Princeton by the Sea, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Gregorio, San Mateo, Sharp Park, West Menlo Park and Woodside

 

 

5 Helpful Hearing Test and Hearing Aid Tips 

Don't Skip the Initial Doctor's Visit.
The FDA allows you to waive a visit with a general physician and head straight to a hearing test. But if your hearing problems are the result of an underlying medical issue, any other professional will not be able to detect them. In order to rule out health or physiology-related causes, especially those that can be treated, visit a physician before you have a separate hearing test. Your doctor may be able to perform this test anyway, possibly under your insurance coverage.

See an Audiologist.
An audiologist certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CCC-A) specializes in finding the best type and model of hearing aids for your needs. Comprehensive hearing tests can be performed by ear, nose, and throat doctors, as well as the certified technicians at the hearing aid dealer, but the greatest amount of skill and education lies with a board-certified audiologist.

The Binaural Advantage.
Often, hearing loss is limited to one ear. This does not mean that a single hearing aid is the most beneficial. Sound, like eyesight, requires balanced input to optimize the signal to the brain. One hearing aid can cause the other ear to strain and overcompensate, similar to the effect of wearing a single eye patch. Though the issue is still debated and circumstances may warrant special treatment, many dealers and doctors will advise this, and with good reason.

Investigate Financial Aid.
Hearing aids are expensive, there's no way around it. Many insurance companies offer at least partial coverage, but when it comes to a $500 to $8000 price tag, most people need all the help they can get. Luckily, such help exists. HEAR NOW (1 800-648-HEAR) is a non-profit organization that might be able to offer financial support. For a listing of other related organizations, see the article, "Key Resources for Hearing Aids in San Mateo County."

Choose Certified Companies.
There are many ways to ensure the credibility of your hearing aid dealer. Look for local endorsements or good ratings at the Better Business Bureau. Also, Diamond Certification is earned through proven excellence in customer service. Seek out companies with good reputations and you're more likely to receive the best treatment.

 

 

Hearing Aid Centers in Redwood City Sell the Highest Quality Brands of Hearing Aids 

Miracle Ear, Oticon, Phonak, Unitron, Micro-tech, Loctite-medical, Beltone, Siemens, Widex, GN ReSound, Starkey, Audibel, Sonic Innovations, Bernafon, Vivatone, Interton, Electon, Qualiton, Bosch, and Phillips.