Richie Eye Clinic - Faribault, Minnesota

Hearing Center

As part of our effort to continually improve our services,Richie Eye Clinic has introduced comprehensive hearing healthcare services to our practice. Joining our team is Jayne Bongers, Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist.

The Facts:
Hearing loss is much more ubiquitous than many believe. Over 80 percent of people with hearing loss go undiagnosed and remain untreated. Hearing loss affects over 30 million Americans.

Vision and Hearing

Why a Hearing Center?
At Richie Eye Clinic we’ve helped thousands of individuals see more clearly. Now, we are pleased to be able to help our patients hear more clearly too. Research shows the strong correlation between vision loss and hearing loss. With the introduction of the Hearing Center, our patients are now able to find superior solutions to both vision and hearing problems….under one roof.

Comprehensive Hearing Healthcare Services
As the name of our program suggests, the services we provide are all-inclusive. From diagnostic hearing loss testing to our extensive selection of state-of-the-art hearing aids, the Hearing Center offers first-rate care and hearing solutions at affordable prices.

Services include:

Identification of Hearing Impairment
Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation
Lifestyle Hearing Instrument Choices
Custom Fit Hearing Instruments
Programming of Hearing Instruments
Battery Replacement/Sales
Repair and Maintenance of Hearing Instruments

Signs of Hearing Loss:

Do you frequently ask people to repeat themselves?
Do you hear people talking, but don’t understand the words?
Do you have difficulty communicating in noisy places, like restaurants?
Do you feel people are mumbling, speaking too fast or speaking unclearly in everyday conversations?
Do you have difficulty understanding women or young children?
Do others complaint that the TV volume is too high?
Do you have ringing or other noises in your ears?
Do you have trouble determining where sounds originate?

If you answered YES to two or more of the above questions, you may have a hearing problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How common is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health care problems facing older adults. More than 30 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, and as many as 80 percent are either undiagnosed or undertreated. As our population continues to age, the problem is growing. Recent studies show that over 50 percent of Baby Boomers are experiencing significant hearing loss as much as 20 years earlier in life than did previous generations.

2. What should I expect during a comprehensive hearing examination?

Our hearing center uses state-of-the-art technology during a series of tests designed to predict the body’s neurological and mechanical abilities to detect and amplify sounds, as well as the ability to interpret speech. Testing is performed in a comfortable setting and takes 45 to 60 minutes.

3. What should I expect after the comprehensive hearing exam?

After the exam, our sophisticated equipment will generate a detailed report which the hearing specialist will interpret and then explain the findings to you. The hearing specialist will answer any questions you may have and make recommendations based on your test results. After the exam you should have a clear understanding of your hearing capabilities and treatment options. You and your spouse or significant other will be given a demonstration of how you could hear with a properly fitted instrument. The experienced hearing specialist at our hearing center will help you select the best hearing aid style and fit based on your lifestyle needs and hearing loss. You will also be instructed on how to use the hearing aids to achieve the best possible results.

4. If I have hearing loss, why should I wear hearing aids if I can “get by” without them?

Untreated hearing loss is more noticeable that you might think. Clinical studies show untreated hearing loss dramatically decreases quality of life for you and for those closest to you. All miscommunication is noticeable to others and can lead to negative behavioral changes. Many people with untreated hearing loss withdraw from activities they enjoy, leading to isolation and depression.

5. How much do hearing aids cost?

Quality hearing aids are available in all price ranges at our hearing center. We do not use promotional pricing, misleading advertising or sell discontinued models. You can be assured of being prescribed the correct hearing aid at a competitive price. We also offer patient financing for hearing aids, including no interest and extended payment plans.

6. Are hearing aids covered by Medicare?

While comprehensive hearing evaluation is typically covered by Medicare and some insurance plans, the hearing aid itself is not covered by Medicare, and is only rarely covered by other health insurance.

7. Can I deduct my hearing aids from my taxes?

Yes! Hearing aids are a medical device and as such are tax deductible. We suggest you contact your tax advisor to remain current about any new changes to the tax law. Furthermore, flex benefits and Health Savings Accounts are a great tax-free source for medical expenses.

8. Will I need two hearing aids?

Because you have two ears, you naturally hear in stereo. Most patients are prescribed two hearing aids because most hearing loss occurs symmetrically in both ears.

9. Why do hearing aids whistle?

The whistle associated with hearing aids is called feedback. It occurs when air escapes from the sides of a hearing aid and is picked up by the microphone - creating this whistling sound. Fortunately, the newest and most sophisticated hearing aid technology allows us to eliminate this problem altogether.

10. Will a hearing aid make all sounds louder, including background noise?

Today’s hearing aids use directional microphones to distinguish human speech from background noise. They incorporate advanced programming to diminish undesirable noise.

11. Aren’t most hearing aids unsightly and uncomfortable?

At our hearing center, 85 percent of first-time users are fit with hearing aids that are virtually invisible and exceptionally comfortable. People who have been wearing older style hearing aids are delighted when they try our new, smaller, lighter hearing aids that have the added benefit of clearer sound.

We are located within the Richie Eye Clinic
Crossroads Professional Building
1575 20th St. NW Suite 101, Faribault, MN 55021