Frequently Asked Questions

How the Human Ear Works: Understanding the Hearing Process

What types of services does Northwest Speech and Hearing Center offer?

At Northwest Speech and Hearing Center, we offer a full range of audiology services to support individuals with hearing loss and related conditions. Our services include hearing evaluations, tinnitus evaluation and treatment options, dizziness and vestibular evaluations, pediatric evaluations, hearing aid consultation, fitting and programming, hearing aid repairs and custom hearing protection.

Where is your office located?

We are located at 1100 W Central Rd, Suite 409, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Our clinic is easily accessible for patients in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. You can get directions to our office here.

Do I need a referral to see an audiologist?

In most cases, a referral is not required to schedule a hearing evaluation or consultation. However, some insurance plans may require a physician referral for coverage. We recommend contacting our office or your insurance provider to confirm requirements.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can request an appointment online or call our office directly at 847-392-2250.

Hearing Loss & Hearing Aids

How do we hear?

The sense of hearing is a highly intricate and complex system within the human body. The following video will provide a visual demonstration of the hearing process.

Do you treat children as well as adults?

Yes. We serve both children and adults, using developmentally appropriate testing methods for pediatric patients to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.

How do I know if I need a hearing aid?

If you have difficulty hearing conversations, frequently ask people to repeat themselves, or struggle to hear in noisy environments, a hearing evaluation can determine whether hearing aids are right for you. We base our recommendations on a thorough assessment and your lifestyle needs.

Are all hearing aids the same?

No. Hearing aids vary in design and functionality. They are specifically tailored to suit different listening environments, as what may be effective for one individual might not be suitable for another. Additionally, there are various styles of hearing aids to choose from:

• In-the-Ear (ITE)
• In-the-Canal (ITC)
• Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
• Receiver in the Canal (RIC)
• Behind the Ear (BTE)

How much do hearing aids cost?

Similar to other technological devices, the cost of hearing aids varies based on individual requirements. Northwest Speech and Hearing Center provides a range of hearing aids that cater to different budgets, needs, and lifestyles. We also offer various service plans to accommodate your specific preferences and financial considerations. To explore your options, it is essential to consult with our doctors.

Do I need two hearing aids?

In the majority of cases, it is recommended to have two hearing aids. Our brain relies on information from both ears to enhance speech understanding. Wearing two hearing aids facilitates better comprehension of speech, reduces the effort required to hear in noisy environments, and improves sound localization. Our audiologists will assess your hearing loss and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.

Are there other strategies I can use to improve my listening in challenging situations?

Yes. While hearing aids are designed to enhance your hearing, they may not completely restore it. In addition to wearing hearing aids, there are various communication strategies that can significantly improve your ability to understand and engage in conversations. By implementing these tips, you and your loved ones can communicate more effectively.

Does it take time to adjust to hearing aids?

Yes. It is common for individuals to require an adjustment period of up to two months before fully adapting to and experiencing the maximum benefits of wearing their hearing aids. Remember, Northwest Speech and Hearing Center is here to support you throughout this process. Feel free to reach out to discuss any concerns you may have.

It’s also important to:A. Set realistic expectations. Keep in mind that your hearing loss has occurred gradually, resulting in the loss of specific sounds within the speech spectrum and environmental noises such as traffic, wind, machinery, and background sounds. B. Practice is key. As you start using hearing aids, these sounds will be reintroduced, but your brain will need time to practice and readjust in order to selectively focus on and filter sounds. Initially, some sounds may even startle you. Rest assured, with time, your brain will adapt to these sounds once again. C. Patience is important. Adapting to hearing aids is a gradual process. Wear them as much as possible, even during quiet activities, to facilitate adjustment and acclimatization.

Tinnitus

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external source is present. You may experience it as ringing, buzzing, humming, roaring or clicking. It can vary in pitch, intensity, and how often you notice it.

Is there a cure for tinnitus?

There is no universal cure for tinnitus, but there are effective treatments that can help reduce its impact. Our Doctor of Audiology will work with you to find a personalized plan that brings relief.

Do you provide tinnitus treatment?

Yes. We offer tinnitus evaluations and management strategies tailored to each patient’s needs. Treatment may include education, sound therapy, hearing aids with tinnitus features, cognitive behavioral therapy, Lenire and lifestyle recommendations to reduce the impact of tinnitus on daily life.

What is Lenire and how does it work?

Lenire is the only FDA-approved, non-invasive device that uses gentle sound and tongue stimulation to retrain your brain’s response to tinnitus. It can help reduce intrusive symptoms over time with consistent use under professional guidance from an audiologist. Learn more about Lenire here.

Payments & Insurance

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. Northwest Speech and Hearing Center accepts most private insurance plans. To understand specific information about your plan, it’s best to contact our office directly. Please note that we do not accept Medicaid or any Medicaid programs.

Are hearing aids covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance policies offer partial reimbursement or a hearing aid allowance, while others may not include hearing aid benefits. As of January 1, 2025, Illinois law requires employer-sponsored and marketplace plans to provide a hearing aid coverage plan, but this does not apply to Medicare. Contact our office to confirm what your specific plan may cover.

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for hearing aids?

Yes. Hearing aids, batteries, and related services are qualified medical expenses under most Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

Additional Questions?

Still have questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We're here to support your hearing health journey.