Hearing Aid Services and Information

With our hearing services, our highly trained audiologist in Columbus, OH will give you the attention and hearing care necessary to make the best decisions to treat your hearing loss or balance disorder.

Hearing Aids

There are hearing aids for every lifestyle and budget. Due to all the advanced technologies in the industry, hearing aids can be easily integrated into your life. Hearing aids come in all styles, sizes, and colors. All styles offer different advantages depending on its size and level of technology. All hearing aids come with a 30 day trial period. This allows the patient an ample opportunity to try the hearing aids. There are 6 different styles of hearing aids which are listed below, and all these aids come in different colors and technologies. Technologies are based largely on your needs, lifestyle, and budget. We offer low-end technologies to high-end technologies.

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)

Largely concealed in the ear canal. They are barely seen. Not usually recommended for patients with ear wax or moisture issues.

In-the-canal (ITC)

Smaller, fitting down in the canal, with a small portion visible.

In-the-ear (ITE)

Completely fills the outer portion of the ear.

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

A larger behind the ear hearing aid comes with tubing with a tip or custom ear mold. This hearing aid is usually for severe to profound hearing losses, because these aids are largely known for their power.

Hearing Aid Evaluation and Consultation

During the consultation, a hearing evaluation is performed to see the extent of hearing loss in the patient. This entails pure tone testing under headphones or with inserts as well as speech testing. Prior to this evaluation, if wax is seen in the ears, it is removed by the audiologist. Once the wax is removed and the hearing evaluation completed, we allow the patients to demo a pair of hearing aids so that they can hear and feel what it is like to wear hearing aids.

We feel it is important that our patients understand about hearing loss and hearing devices. We take the time to explain each step, so they can make the right decision for them. We don't tell patients what they want to hear, but what they can realistically expect to hear from their hearing aids.

Ear Plugs

Ear plugs are a form of hearing protection. They are placed in the ear to block out loud noises. They come in various shapes and sizes, and are made by taking an impression of the ear. Ear muffs are also available as an option for hearing protection. Both plugs and muffs can reduce noise 15-30 dB.

Swim Plugs

These plugs are used to keep water from getting into the ear. They fit down into the ear canal and are made by making an impression of the ear so the plugs fit specifically for the individual. They are produced in all colors..swirl, tye dye. Fun and festive for all ages.

Musician Plugs

Made for musicians to help reduce loudness.

Wax Removal

We can remove wax from the ears if the wax is not hard or sitting on or near the eardrum. The audiologist shines a light connected to an otoscope down the ear canal. This enables a clear view of the of the ear canal and eardrum. If wax is present and blocking the eardrum, it is removed by using a small tool. It usually does not hurt, but there are times when it can feel uncomfortable.

Hearing Aid Repairs

Sometimes a hearing aid can be fixed in the office and sometimes it has to be sent out to the manufacturer. Whenever a hearing aid can be fixed in the office, it is always free of charge. If the aid has to be sent out, there could be a charge. These charges vary on the repair, the type of hearing aid, the age of the aid, and the warranty they add when they repair it.

Hearing Aid Adjustments

Most adjustments can be made in the office. Majority of hearing aids require cables that connect to a computer to program them and make any changes that need to be made. The only aids that can be changed without computer and cable technology are analog hearing aids. All adjustments are free when aids are purchased from Southland Hearing Aids & Audiology. If not purchased from Southland, prices vary depending on time and procedure.

Hearing Aid Accessories

We carry a wide range of accessories.

Otoease

A lubricant used to help aid in putting the hearing aid into the ear.

Dri-aid Kits

There are different types of kits and they can come in large and small sizes. They remove moisture from your hearing aids. Very efficient for users who sweat a lot, work outside, exercise.

Batteries

All hearing aids use batteries. Batteries come in all different sizes and can be purchased in different quantities: 4 pack, 8 pack or a carton (a carton is 40 batteries).

Replace Hearing Aid Battery and Wax Guard

Assistive Listening Devices

These devices can help people with all degrees of hearing loss. They can be used with or without hearing aids. When used with hearing aids, listening devices can increase benefits associated with hearing aids and create a powerful combination. They can improve one on one conversations, phone conversations, and even conversations in a noisy environment. These devices can be phones, mini microphones to hear in the distance, wireless TV listening systems, TV ears, alarm clocks, and fire alarms.