What is Your Concern?

“My hearing aids used to help me, but they don’t help as much anymore. Is there something I can do?” 

When hearing aids don’t work as well as they used to, it usually is because of one of the following reasons: 
Your hearing may have gotten worse and your hearing aids need adjustment, or you need to talk about different solution; or 
Your hearing aid may not be functioning optimally and needs to be repaired or replaced. 
  
“I am not making the progress with my hearing aid or cochlear implant as fast as I thought I would.” 

Adjusting to your hearing device takes time. Your brain needs experience with the device for it to sound natural to you. Most people also benefit from listening therapy (“aural rehabilitation”). Ask your audiologist if you are making appropriate progress and how you can benefit from aural rehabilitation.  
  
“I am interested in learning more about cochlear implants, but I’ve heard they only help children. Is there anything I can do?” 

It is a misconception that cochlear implants only help children. MSHC has many patients that received cochlear implants as an adult, even elderly adults, and benefit significantly from the device.
  
“My hearing aids/cochlear implants work well in quiet. Is there anything I can do in addition to my hearing aids to help me in difficult listening situations?” 

There are many assistive listening devices that can be used with hearing aids and cochlear implants. These devices assist in listening in the following situations: 

• Telephone
• Television
• Noisy restaurants
• In the classroom
• In the car
• Video conferencing

"I suddenly have lost hearing in one or both ears."

This is a medical emergency. See a physician immediately. There are several causes of sudden hearing loss, and some of these can be helped with immediate medical attention. 

"I think I might have a hearing loss but I am not ready for hearing aids."

Some hearing problems only happen in one or two areas. For example, listening to the TV or talking on the phone. If this is the case for you, our audiologists can help you to get specialized equipment, like an amplified or captioned telephone or TV streamer, or give you tips about using your own equipment (like using closed captioning on your tv or different smartphone apps), to help you hear better in those particular situations.  Another option is to learn about techniques that can help make communicating easier. You can make an appointment to discuss these techniques, or plan to attend our Hearing Management Group meetings.  

"I purchased hearing aids from somewhere else, and I would like to get them serviced."

If you purchased hearing aids elsewhere and are not satisfied with their performance, we are happy to work with the devices you have to optimize your experience with them. Our audiologists are able to service hearing aids from all of the major hearing aid manufacturers.

"My hearing problems would go away if my (friend/partner/family member/significant other) would speak more clearly."

Our Hearing Management Group sessions offer you the chance to talk with other people who have similar hearing-related problems and learn from one another about techniques and technologies that can improve communication. We know that hearing problems not only impact the person that is hard of hearing and their communication partners. For these sessions we invite you to bring a close friend or family member. You do not need to use hearing aids or cochlear implants to be a part of this group. These sessions are led by doctoral students under the supervision of a hearing professional and are offered to anyone experiencing hearing-related problems. Meetings are scheduled after normal business hours to be as convenient as possible.

"I am ready to purchase hearing aids. Do I need a medical referral?"

Yes, you will need a medical referral prior to scheduling an appointment at Memphis Speech and Hearing Center. If you have any of the following issues, then you should first see an Ear, Nose, and Throat  physician:

• Ear drainage within the last 90 days
• Sudden or rapidly decreasing hearing loss in one or both ears within the last 90 days
• Dizziness
• Pain or discomfort in your ear or ears
• If you are under the age of 18

If you are over the age of 18 and have no reason to think your hearing loss could be treated medically, then you will need a medical referral from your primary care physician for a hearing evaluation. Following your hearing evaluation appointment we will determine whether we should proceed with hearing aids or if you should see an Ear, Nose, and Throat physician first.  

"Will Medicaid/insurance cover my hearing aids?"

This is dependent on your insurance plan. Our Billing Coordinator will run your insurance benefits and let you know prior to your hearing aid evaluation appointments if anything is covered by your specific plan. Some plans go through Third Parties. We are currently credentialed with Amplifon and TruHearing. Some insurances will also require pre-authorization. If you have any questions, please contact our Billing Coordinator.
  
"Can I participate in hearing or balance research at the University?"

Clinical research is ongoing at the University and we are frequently recruiting participants. You can see our current research here. Check back often or follow us on Facebook to see when new studies become available. 

"If I get services at MSHC does that mean I will be treated by students who are not certified?"

 All patients at MSHC receive a plan of care that is developed and directly supervised by an experienced, licensed, and certified audiologist. We are a University clinical training program, so you will likely interact with one or more of our graduate students as they pursue their doctoral degrees.

"I know that I need hearing aids but I cannot afford them."

We offer a Client Assistance Program (CAP), which is a financial assistance program for patients who meet specified criteria. This program is offered by the Board of Directors. We are also affiliated with the Lion’s Club and Church Health, both of which supply hearing aids to their patients. Please reach out to these programs if you are interested.