Hearing Devices Hub
Your complete guide to hearing aids, cochlear implants, BAHA, assistive devices, and device care
Browse Device Articles
Cochlear Implants
Am I a Cochlear Implant Candidate?
Understand eligibility criteria, self-assessment, and when to consider cochlear implants for severe hearing loss.
SurgeryCochlear Implant Surgery Timeline
Complete timeline from evaluation to activation, including what to expect at each stage of the process.
ActivationCI Activation: What Happens
Detailed guide to activation day, initial programming, and setting realistic expectations for first sounds.
Living with CIFirst Month After CI
Week-by-week guide to adjustment, healing, programming appointments, and building listening skills.
CandidacyBilateral Cochlear Implants
Benefits of two implants, candidacy requirements, insurance coverage, and impact on hearing quality.
CandidacySingle-Sided Deafness Options
Treatment options including CI, BAHA, and CROS hearing aids for unilateral hearing loss.
Living with CICochlear Implants and MRI
MRI safety, compatible implant models, magnet removal procedures, and medical imaging considerations.
EvaluationPrepare for CI Evaluation
What tests to expect, questions to ask, documents to bring, and how to maximize your evaluation appointment.
Costs & InsuranceCI Insurance Coverage
Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance coverage, pre-authorization, appeals, and financial assistance.
CandidacyCI: Realistic Expectations
What cochlear implants can and cannot do, success factors, and typical outcomes for different patient groups.
EvaluationCI Evaluation Process
Complete guide to candidacy testing, medical clearance, imaging, team consultations, and decision-making.
Costs & InsuranceCochlear Implant Cost Reality
Transparent breakdown of surgery costs, device costs, ongoing expenses, and out-of-pocket expectations.
SelectionCI Brands Comparison
Compare Cochlear, Med-El, and Advanced Bionics systems, features, compatibility, and choosing what's right for you.
SurgeryCI Surgery Recovery
Day-by-day recovery guide, managing pain and swelling, activity restrictions, and returning to normal life.
Living with CICI Programming Appointments
What happens during mappings, how often you'll need them, optimizing your program, and troubleshooting issues.
Living with CICI and Music
Music perception with cochlear implants, training strategies, realistic expectations, and maximizing enjoyment.
Hearing Aids
Am I a Hearing Aid Candidate?
Understand when hearing aids are appropriate, degrees of hearing loss, and candidacy criteria.
Types & FeaturesHearing Aid Styles Guide
BTE, ITE, ITC, CIC styles explained with pros, cons, visibility, and best use cases for each type.
SelectionChoosing Hearing Aids
Decision framework for selecting the right hearing aids based on lifestyle, budget, and hearing needs.
Types & FeaturesBluetooth Hearing Aids Worth It?
Streaming capabilities, phone calls, music, TV connectivity, cost-benefit analysis, and user experiences.
Types & FeaturesRechargeable vs Battery
Compare rechargeable and disposable battery hearing aids: costs, convenience, lifespan, and best choice for you.
Types & FeaturesCustom vs Standard Hearing Aids
Benefits of custom-molded devices, cost differences, fitting process, and when custom is worth the investment.
SelectionProfessional vs OTC Hearing Aids
Over-the-counter vs prescription hearing aids: regulations, candidacy, fitting, support, and making the right choice.
SelectionHearing Aid Trial Period
How trial periods work, what to test during yours, adjustment expectations, and return policies.
Costs & InsuranceHearing Aid Pricing Guide
Transparent pricing, what drives costs, technology levels, bundled vs unbundled services, and getting value.
Costs & InsuranceHearing Aid Warranties
Understanding manufacturer warranties, loss/damage coverage, extended warranties, and what's actually covered.
Daily UseFirst 30 Days with Hearing Aids
Day-by-day adjustment guide, common challenges, building wearing time, and succeeding through the learning curve.
Care & MaintenanceHearing Aid Maintenance
Daily cleaning routines, moisture management, battery care, professional cleanings, and extending device lifespan.
MaintenanceWhen to Upgrade Hearing Aids
Signs it's time for new devices, technology improvements, lifespan expectations, and upgrade timing.
TroubleshootingTroubleshooting Hearing Aids
Fix common problems: no sound, weak sound, feedback, distortion, moisture damage, and when to seek help.
Daily UseHearing Aids in Noisy Restaurants
Optimize settings, positioning strategies, technology features, and realistic expectations for dining out.
Daily UseHearing Aids: Phone & Video Calls
Phone compatibility, streaming options, telecoil use, video call setup, and troubleshooting connection issues.
Daily UseHearing Aids and Music
Music programs, streaming quality, live performance settings, and maximizing music enjoyment with hearing aids.
Daily UseTraveling with Hearing Aids
Packing essentials, international battery access, airport security, humidity management, and travel troubleshooting.
Daily UseSports & Exercise with Hearing Aids
Water-resistant options, sweat management, retention solutions, protective accessories, and activity modifications.
Costs & InsuranceHearing Aid Repair Coverage
Insurance for repairs, manufacturer coverage, out-of-warranty costs, loaner programs, and budgeting for maintenance.
BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aids)
BAHA vs Cochlear Implant
Key differences, candidacy for each, how they work, success rates, and choosing the right option for your hearing loss.
CandidacyAm I a BAHA Candidate?
Conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, chronic ear infections, and other conditions that make BAHA ideal.
SurgeryBAHA Surgery Expectations
Surgical procedure, healing timeline, abutment placement, activation process, and post-operative care.
Living with BAHALiving with BAHA
Daily care, site maintenance, sleeping, swimming, sports, styling hair, and integrating BAHA into your life.
Costs & InsuranceBAHA Costs & Insurance
Surgery and device costs, insurance coverage, Medicare/Medicaid, pre-authorization, and financial planning.
Assistive Devices
Alerting Systems for Home
Doorbell alerts, smoke alarms, phone ringers, baby monitors, and visual/vibrating notification systems.
CommunicationCaptioned Telephones
CapTel and other captioned phones, how they work, eligibility, costs, setup, and improving phone communication.
HomeTV Listening Systems
Wireless TV streamers, hearing loop systems, soundbars for hearing loss, and enjoying TV without disturbing others.
TechnologyAssistive Apps & Technology
Speech-to-text apps, real-time captioning, sound amplifiers, hearing loss-friendly apps, and smartphone accessibility.
Device Care & Maintenance
Daily Device Care Routine
Morning and evening care, cleaning tools, storage, moisture control, and building good maintenance habits.
TroubleshootingMoisture & Wax Management
Preventing moisture damage, dehumidifiers, earwax removal, filter changes, and protecting devices from humidity.
RepairsWhen Devices Need Repair
Warning signs, DIY fixes vs professional repair, warranty coverage, turnaround time, and backup options.
UpgradesDevice Lifespan & Replacement
Expected lifespan, signs of aging technology, when to repair vs replace, and planning for upgrades.
InsuranceDevice Insurance & Protection
Loss and damage coverage, homeowner's insurance, extended warranties, replacement programs, and protecting your investment.
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