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Frequently asked questions about hearing aids and hearing loss

Helping a loved one

Many people with hearing loss don't realize what they're missing. Here are some simple steps you can take to help your friend or loved one get the help they need:

 
Don't:
  • Repeat yourself
  • Raise your voice
  • Act as their messenger on the phone

 
Do:
  • Communicate how their hearing loss is affecting their relationships
  • Remind them that waiting won't make the hearing loss go away
  • Encourage them to try an online hearing screening
  • Accompany them to their free appointment
Click here to learn more about helping a loved one with hearing loss

Daily use

To clean your hearing aids, be sure to use cleaning agents approved for use with the medical-grade components in a hearing aid. Use a soft cloth to clean components and avoid using straight alcohol or caustic solvents. Browse Beltone's hearing aid cleaning supplies

Click here to learn more about cleaning your hearing aids

 

Here are some basic tips for maintaining your hearing aids and extending their life:

  • Turn off your hearing aids before going to bed to preserve their batteries. If your hearing aids are rechargeable, place them on the charger overnight.
  • If your hearing aids are exposed to moisture, leave the battery door open at night to allow the components to dry out. Better yet, invest in a Beltone hearing aid dehumidifer.
  • Keep your hearing aids away from heat or extreme cold temperatures.
  • Remove your hearing aids before using hairspray, spray perfume, or shaving lotions.
  • Handle your hearing aids as gently as possible and avoid dropping them on hard surfaces.
  • Keep your hearing aids out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Learn about the benefits available to you as an owner of Beltone hearing aids.

Do not wear your hearing aids while showering, swimming, or siting in a sauna. Beltone’s hearing aids feature HPF80 NanoBlock™ technology for basic protection against moisture, dust and particles, but hearing aids are not waterproof. Excessive moisture may require a Beltone dehumidifier. If your hearing aids were exposed to water and are functioning differently than they should, your hearing care professional can check them for possible damage.

Hearing aid batteries

Store hearing aid batteries at room temperature, between 18°C (65°F) and 26°C (80°F). These batteries will retain up to 97% of their power for a full year when stored at room temperature. Avoid storing in hot or humid places. Do not refrigerate, as refrigeration may loosen the tab, causing activation and loss of power. Open the battery compartment door of your hearing instruments every night. This prevents moisture buildup and saves battery.

Hearing aid batteries come in five sizes. The right one for you depends on the style and size of your hearing aids. The hearing aid industry has color-and-number-coded the packaging of batteries to make buying replacements easy (choose 5-red, 10-yellow, 13-orange, 312-brown, or 675-blue). The sticky tab on the back of the battery is also color-coded.

Browse Beltone's hearing aids, available in convenient and cost-effective rechargeable models

To keep your hearing aids working their best performance, consider the following tips:

  • To enjoy maximum battery life, store hearing aid batteries at room temperature. Heat exposure can shorten the life of hearing aid batteries, as can a humid environment, such as a bathroom or refrigerator.
  • It is not recommended to carry batteries in a pocket or handbag where they can mingle with metal items like loose change or keys. Doing so can short-circuit your hearing aid batteries.
  • For optimal performance, open the battery compartments in your hearing aids whenever you're not wearing them. This limits battery drain and helps alleviate moisture build-up. Turning your hearing aids off when not in use can also help extend battery life.
Browse Beltone’s hearing aids, available in convenient and cost-effective rechargeable models

A typical digital hearing aid battery lasts anywhere from 5 to 7 days.

Improve the life of your hearing aid batteries

Batteries can be harmful if swallowed. Keep batteries and hearing aids out of reach of infants and children. If a battery is accidentally ingested, see a doctor immediately. For recommended treatment, call the National Button Battery Hotline at (202) 625-3333 in the U.S. or dial 911 for your local emergency services.

Browse Beltone’s hearing aids, available in convenient and cost-effective rechargeable models

Batteries are harmful to pets. If you suspect your dog or a cat swallowed a hearing aid battery, don’t wait— call your emergency veterinarian immediately.

Browse Beltone’s hearing aids, available in convenient and cost-effective rechargeable models

Tinnitus

If you hear constant ringing, whistling, hissing, or other sounds that never seem to go away, you could be suffering from a condition called tinnitus.

The onset of tinnitus is often related to exposure to loud sounds, which can cause damage to the sensory cells of the inner ear. It has also been associated with excessive ear wax, ear infections, high blood pressure, the aging process, and sensory nerve disorders. Alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and some medications, such as aspirin and bismuth subsalicylates, can also cause or worsen your tinnitus.

Learn more about tinnitus

Tinnitus is the name for the perception of sounds, such as ringing, buzzing or hissing, when these sounds are not present in the environment. If you have tinnitus, you are not alone. Many people in the United States experience tinnitus and seek medical advice about it every year.

Learn more about tinnitus

There is no known cure for tinnitus, but there are effective ways to reduce or even eliminate the symptoms. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Wear hearing protection if you’ll be around loud noises such as motorcycles
  • Maintain healthy blood pressure
  • Watch your diet, reducing your intake of salt, coffee and caffeine products, tobacco, aspirin, pink antacids, and alcohol (especially red wine)
  • Monitor your stress levels
  • Make time for rest, relaxation, and moderate exercise
  • Use white noise when trying to sleep

Beltone offers a free app - Tinnitus Calmer app – that works on Apple and Android devices and connects directly to your hearing aids. The app features a variety of soothing sounds and interactive experiences that help to reduce stress and relieve tinnitus.

There aren’t any known cures for tinnitus. However, there are different types of therapies that can reduce the symptoms. One such option is sound therapy. Sound therapy introduces new sounds that help blend the tinnitus into the background. You can try sound therapy by downloading our free Tinnitus Calmer app.

Sound therapy introduces new sounds that help blend tinnitus into the background. You can try sound therapy by downloading our free Tinnitus Calmer app.

Tens of millions of Americans report experiencing the symptoms of tinnitus on a regular basis.

Most people with tinnitus also experience some level of hearing loss. The use of a hearing aid often helps to cover up tinnitus symptoms and cause them to be significantly less distracting.

About hearing loss

If you suspect that you’re experiencing the symptoms of hearing loss, don’t wait! Try Beltone’s online hearing screening, then book a free appointment with a hearing care professional.

There are three main types of hearing loss and treatment options differ for each:

  • Conductive hearing loss
  • Sensorineural hearing loss
  • Mixed hearing loss

Read more about the different types of hearing loss here.

Hearing loss can be caused by several factors, including the aging process, heredity, disease, exposure to noises and the buildup of earwax. Read more about the causes of hearing loss here.

Sensorineural hearing loss accounts for most adult hearing problems and is typically caused by aging or exposure to unsafe sound levels. It’s most frequently treated through hearing aids. Read more here.

Certain infections can cause hearing loss at any age, with one of the most common culprits being bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis may lead to mild hearing impairment or even profound deafness. Read more about hearing loss and meningitis here.

Conductive hearing loss is frequently temporary and caused by ear infections, buildup of earwax, punctured eardrums, and otosclerosis (an abnormal bone development in the middle ear). It’s most frequently treated with earwax cleaning and removal, medication, or surgery. Read more here

There are over 200 pharmaceuticals known to adversely affect the human auditory system, in particular the sensory cells of the inner ear. Called “ototoxic” medications, these include prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter remedies. Read more about medications and hearing loss here.

Protect your hearing and wear earplugs whenever your surroundings are so loud that you must raise your voice to be heard. Extremely loud noises can cause permanent damage to the tiny hair cells inside the cochlea. Even moderately loud noise over time can be damaging.
Yes, noise can be dangerous. If it is loud enough and lasts long enough, it can damage your hearing. Read more about earbuds and hearing loss here
 

Hearing tests

During your hearing consultation, a Beltone hearing care professional will ask you questions about your health and lifestyle, as well as administer multiple hearing tests and produce an audiogram.

Your office visit, step by step

Beltone’s online hearing screening is a useful first step in learning the condition of your hearing, but it’s no substitute for a real hearing consultation with a hearing care professional.

Book your free appointment

You can book your free, comprehensive hearing consultation with Beltone by going here and finding a location near you.

Just as you schedule annual physicals and dental exams, it's important to have your hearing tested regularly by a hearing care professional.

Beltone’s hearing care consultations are free of charge— they’re just one part of the Beltone experience.

No. The tests administered during Beltone’s free consultations are pain-free and non-invasive experiences.

About hearing aids

Yes! Today’s modern hearing aids deliver digital performance and are more comfortable and discreet than ever before. The style of hearing aid you choose will depend on the level of hearing loss you’re experiencing, as well as your lifestyle preferences.

Browse Beltone hearing aids

The best approach is to wear your new hearing aids for an hour at a time, several times a day, and in different listening situations. Your hearing aids may also require adjustments as you become used to wearing them.

Learn more about adjusting to your new hearing aids

Today’s hearing aids are extremely comfortable and discreet. Some styles are invisible, and others are available in a variety of colors per your cosmetic preferences.

Compare hearing aid styles

Choosing the best hearing aid solution depends on your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle activities, and technological and cosmetic considerations. Your Beltone hearing care professional will help you identify the hearing aid that best meets your individual needs.

How to buy hearing aids

The price of your hearing aids will depend on the equipment style and technology you select.

Learn more about the cost of hearing aids

Research shows that it is much easier to understand speech sounds when hearing aids are worn in both ears— whether you’re listening in a quieter environment or a noisier situation. Two hearing aids also help with localization and recognizing where sounds are coming from.

Learn more about hearing aids

There are several startup companies that are selling hearing solutions online. However, by buying your hearing aids from a real hearing care professional at a Beltone location, you’ll enjoy access to:

  • A free in-person hearing assessment and consultation
  • Free adjustments and follow-up visits (either remotely or in-office)
  • Warranty service from a convenient brick-and-mortar location in your local community
  • The Belcare program of ongoing support and protection for the life of your Beltone hearing aids (included in most hearing aid purchases)
Learn more about Belcare

Beltone offers a variety of different hearing aids, each with different features and functions. Your hearing care professional will help you pick the right type of hearing aid that best meets your needs.

Browse Beltone's best hearing aid technology

Your audiogram and fitting recommendations will be reviewed and approved by a Beltone hearing care professional who is experienced with hearing loss and knowledgeable about Beltone’s award-winning hearing solutions.

Browse Beltone's best hearing aid technology
Get personal assistance

Visit your local hearing care professional to get personal assistance.

Call to schedule an appointment

1-800-BELTONE