HEARING AID DISPENSING POLICY

Before we recommend a hearing aid, we request medical clearance from a physician, preferably an otolaryngologist or otologist, to rule out any medical condition(s) that preclude the use of amplification. This policy is done in the patient's best interest. Medical clearance may be provided by a physician of the Ohio Ear Institute, LLC or your own physician.

Once medical clearance has been obtained, you will be seen for a Hearing Aid Evaluation. During this appointment, we discuss your hearing loss and its impact on communication. Various types of hearing aids and appropriate options such as circuitry, one versus two devices, and style will be discussed. Most patients and their families have many questions that will be addressed. We allow one hour for this appointment and the cost is $145.00, which is payable on the day of the appointment. We work with several hearing aid manufacturers (Unitron, Phonak, GN Resound, Sonic Innovations) that offer both digital and analog instruments in a variety of styles and sizes. We also offer assistive listening devices (i.e. telephone amplifiers/amplified telephones, TV Ears, etc.) according to patient needs and lifestyle. The cost of a hearing aid varies from approximately $1000 to $3000 for each aid, based on circuitry and features. Once the hearing instruments are ordered, they will arrive in approximately two weeks, for which a second appointment is scheduled. Full payment of the hearing aid is required at the fitting appointment.

When the instruments are fit, you will be shown how to insert and remove them, change the batteries, clean and maintain the aids, etc. You will have an adjustment period of 30-45 days. This adjustment period allows for any necessary fine-tuning of the instruments. If, at the end of this period, you decide to return the instruments for any reason, you will be refunded the amount paid, minus a $200.00 dispensing fee per instrument. In the case of behind-the-ear instruments, the ear mold charge is not refundable, as it is custom made. The purchase price of the hearing aidincludes a one- or two-year warranty from the manufacturer and hearing aid appointments during the first three months post fitting.

Medicare does not pay for hearing aid evaluations, hearing aids, or services related to hearing aids. We do not accept any insurance contracts for payment of hearing aids. If you are aware of any coverage for hearing aids by your insurance, you will be responsible for obtaining reimbursement.