Dedicated to better hearing at affordable prices!

Q) You have many hearing aid manufacturers and models listed on your website does A1 Hearingaid sell every hearing aid model and manufacturer that you have listed?

A) Yes, we sell every hearing aid model and manufacturer that we have listed on our website. We also sell many that are not listed on our website. We believe that the more hearing aid manufacturers and models that our professionals have to choose from the better the chances that our customers hearing needs will be met.

Q) Does A1 Hearingaid prefer one manufacturer over another?

A) There are many very good manufacturers and hearing aid models available. Audiologists and Dispensers have developed relationships with various manufacturers while in their privite practice and they select the manufacturer and hearing aid models that they have had success fitting. A1 Hearingaid's network is designed so that no matter what hearing aid is recommended by our network professionals they will make the same amount of money. With our system you do not have to worry or wonder if you are being sold a hearing aid based on profit or quotas.

Q. There has been many dot com companies that have folded in the past year or so do I have to worry that the same fate awaits A1 Hearingaid?

A) Investors financed almost all of the dot Com companies that have failed. When a company that is backed by investors fails to provide a profit within a given amount of time the investors no longer are willing to back that company and they pull out their investment. When that is the case the company usually closes it's doors. A1 Hearingaid is a privatly owned business with no investors. We have been selling hearing aids and services Nationwide for three years longer than any other Internet based company. A1 Hearingaid is firmly situated for the long haul.

Q) I have seen advertising for other companies on the Internet that seem to have a network of Audiologists. What is the difference between A1 Hearingaid and other companies that are advertising that they have a network?

A) Not all networks are created equal. The networks that you speak of are usually the same kind of networks that you can find in normal retail channels. Your first clue to whether or not they offer any kind of price relief is if they publish their pricing. If they do not publish hearing aid prices then that is usually a sign that they can not compete with Internet based companys like A1 Hearingaid. They offer the same retail pricing that you could find prior to the commericalization of the Internet. But you will not find out until they have you in their office.

Q)Will a hearing aid help me hear on the telephone?

A) All hearing aids will make speech over the telephone louder. Many hearing aids will also have special "T" (telecoil) switches that are specifically designed for use with the telephone. Telephone sounds are amplified more efficiently and background noises are better eliminated with a telecoil switch. People with hearing impairment may also need a telecoil to use some of the special sound systems that are now available in many auditoriums, theaters, and other public places.

Q) Will a hearing aid eliminate all my communication problems?

A) With a hearing aid, you will hear some sounds you have never heard before, or at least haven't heard in a long time. Your own voice will sound louder. You will need to learn how to "tune out" background noises. Sometimes speech sounds will sound different than the way you think they should. It may take several weeks to become adjusted to your hearing aid.

Q) Are all hearing aids the same?

A) All hearing aids work similarly and have similar parts. These include:

• a microphone to pick up sound
• an amplifier to make sound louder
• a miniature loudspeaker (receiver) to deliver the sound into the ear
• batteries to to power the electronic parts

Some hearing aids also have earmolds (earpieces) to control the flow of sound into the ear, enhance sound quality, and help hold the hearing aid in place.

But, hearing aids also differ in design, the amount of power, ease of handling the volume control, and availability of special features.

Q) What are the basic styles of hearing aids?

A) Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids--these aids are contained in a tiny case that fits into the ear canal. They are the smallest hearing aids available.

All-In-The-Ear aids--all parts are contained in the concha and helix part of your ear (the bowl). These hearing aids are larger than canal aids.

Behind-The-Ear-aids--all parts are contained in a small plastic case that sits behind the ear, the case is connected to an earmold by a piece of clear tubing.

Today more than three- quarters of hearing aids sold are custom made ITE's-CIC's.

Q) How expensive are hearingaids?

A. Hearing aids vary in price according to style, electronic features, and local market conditions.

Price can range from several hundred dollars for conventional hearing aids up to $3,000.00. The average price in 1997 for a digital hearing aid was $3,200.00. Through A1 Hearingaid's system you can expect to save hundreds of dollars off of these prices.

Purchase price shouldn't be the only consideration in buying a hearing aid. Having a company that you can trust is a primary concideration. Customer service is a very important part of the hearing aid process before, during, and after the sale. Product reliability can save repair costs as well as the frustration of a malfunctioning hearing aids. An extended reapir warrany can save you time, money, and heartache.

Q) Do I have to buy the hearing aid from the audiologist who evaluates my hearing?

A) No. As a matter of fact with A1 Hearingaid's system our professionals make the same amount of money whether they recommend a CIC, programmable or digital hearing aids. When we refer a customer to one of our professionals they make their money on the services that they provide. A1 Hearingaid will sell the hearing aid based on the professional's recommendation. Though our system you can be assured that the hearing aids that are recommended to you are based on what the hearing professional feels is the best hearing aids for your particular hearing loss and not based on profit. You can go to an audiologist for a hearing evaluation and buy your hearing aid(s) elsewhere. When it comes to selection, fitting and adjusting hearing aids a person that is knowledgeable, qualified and honest, whether or not they are an Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser is the most important factors.

Q) How do I know if I have a hearing loss?

A) You may have a hearing loss if:

• You hear voices when people are talking but have to strain to understand their words. You may find that this problem occurs frequently or that it happens only with certain people or in certain situations.
• You often ask people to repeat what they said.
• You do not laugh at jokes because you miss too much of the story.
• You frequently complain that people mumble.
• You need to ask others about details of a meeting you just attended.
• You play the TV or radio too loudly. (Ask your family or friends about this)
• You can't hear the the doorbell or telephone.
• You find that looking at people when they talk to you makes what they say easier to understand.

If you have ANY of these symptoms more than occasionally, you might have a hearing loss.

Get more information on hearing loss and hearing aids!