How long does a comprehensive hearing test take at your Redmond and Bend, OR, facilities?
A comprehensive hearing test at Hearing Aids by Tricia Leagjeld takes approximately one hour. During this time, we thoroughly evaluate multiple aspects of your auditory system, including checking for earwax buildup and assessing whether any hearing changes might be temporary or permanent. We use state-of-the-art equipment in our sound booth to ensure accurate results.
What’s the difference between a professional hearing test and online hearing screenings?
Online hearing screenings or smartphone apps might indicate potential hearing issues, but they cannot provide the detailed analysis necessary for proper hearing healthcare. Our professional testing in a controlled sound booth eliminates background noise and measures not just volume sensitivity but also your ability to discriminate between similar sounds, understand speech in noise, and process complex auditory information. This comprehensive data becomes the foundation for precisely calibrated treatment if needed.
How often should I get my hearing tested?
We recommend hearing tests every one to three years for adults, depending on your results. If you have a more significant hearing loss, more frequent testing is advised. Regular evaluations serve as an early warning system, catching changes before they significantly impact your daily life, which is especially important for maintaining the active lifestyle many Central Oregon residents enjoy.
What types of hearing tests do you perform?
Our comprehensive evaluations include audiometric testing to measure your ability to hear different frequencies and understand speech, and tympanometry, which evaluates your middle ear health using calibrated tones and air pressure. These tests help us identify exactly which sound frequencies you might be struggling with and create your personal hearing “prescription.”
Do you offer hearing tests for people who work in noisy environments?
Yes, we pay special attention to noise-induced hearing patterns for those who work in Redmond and Bend’s growing tech sector or industrial areas. Our testing can identify whether you need protective measures and help monitor any changes in your hearing that might be work-related. We also offer custom hearing protection devices for various professions.
What happens after my hearing test?
After your hearing test, you”ll leave with a complete understanding of your auditory health and any recommended next steps. Whether your results show normal hearing that needs protection, mild changes requiring monitoring, or more significant loss needing intervention, we”ll provide clear answers and options. If hearing aids are recommended, we”ll use your test results to precisely calibrate them to your specific needs.
Can a hearing test detect problems beyond just hearing loss?
Yes, our comprehensive hearing evaluations can reveal crucial information about your overall auditory health. We check for earwax buildup (common in our dry climate), assess middle ear health, and can identify whether issues are related to your outer, middle, or inner ear. The test results can also indicate if you should see a medical specialist for certain conditions.
Why is professional hearing testing important for overall health?
Research shows that untreated hearing loss connects to numerous health concerns, including cognitive decline, increased fall risk, depression, and social isolation. Regular hearing evaluations help catch changes early, supporting not just your hearing but your overall wellness and quality of life, which is vital for enjoying everything Central Oregon offers.
Do you offer any special accommodations for hearing tests?
Yes, we offer flexible scheduling options and have served Central Oregon families for over two decades, understanding the unique needs of our community. Our welcoming environment and patient approach ensure you”re comfortable throughout the testing process. We can also accommodate specific concerns related to seasonal allergies or other local factors that might affect your hearing.
What makes your hearing tests different from other providers?
Tricia Leagjeld brings 23 years of professional experience and continues a family tradition in hearing healthcare dating back to 1955. Our deep community connection means we understand the unique hearing health needs of Redmond and Bend residents. We combine this local expertise with the latest diagnostic technology, ensuring that every test reflects both cutting-edge science and personalized care tailored to Central Oregon”s lifestyle.
How long does a professional hearing aid fitting appointment take?
A comprehensive hearing aid fitting appointment at our Redmond and Bend offices typically takes about an hour. We never rush this crucial step, as proper fitting is essential for your comfort and hearing success. Some clients benefit from multiple fitting appointments as their brain adapts to enhanced hearing, and these follow-up adjustments are included in your service.
What is Real Ear Measurement, and why is it important?
Real Ear Measurement is an advanced verification technology that uses a tiny microphone in your ear canal to measure exactly what sounds reach your eardrum. This eliminates guesswork and ensures your hearing aids deliver the precise amplification you need based on your unique ear anatomy and hearing loss pattern.
Will my hearing aids stay secure during outdoor activities?
Yes! During your fitting appointment, we carefully assess how your devices sit in or behind your ears and ensure they stay secure during movement. For active Central Oregon residents who enjoy hiking, skiing, or other outdoor pursuits, we make sure your hearing aids won”t fall out during activities while remaining comfortable for all-day wear.
Can I get my hearing aids adjusted without coming into the office?
Absolutely. We offer flexible fitting options, including traditional in-office appointments, convenient curbside service, and remote programming adjustments for minor tweaks. This means you can receive the support needed to maximize your hearing aid benefits without disrupting your busy Central Oregon lifestyle.
Why can”t I just buy hearing aids online and skip professional fitting?
Unlike generic amplification devices, professionally fitted hearing aids are programmed using data from your comprehensive hearing evaluation to enhance the exact frequencies where you experience difficulty selectively. Without proper fitting and Real Ear Measurement verification, you risk devices that amplify all sounds equally, making everything uncomfortably loud without improving speech clarity.
How do you determine the right ear mold or dome for my hearing aids?
We select custom ear molds or domes based on your ear canal characteristics and hearing loss severity. During your fitting appointment, we may try several options to find the perfect balance between comfort, sound quality, and retention. This prevents common issues like devices falling out or causing irritation that leads to inconsistent use.
What happens if my hearing aids don”t feel comfortable after the initial fitting?
Comfort adjustments are a normal part of the fitting process. We check for pressure points that could cause discomfort during extended use and make necessary modifications. Follow-up appointments for fine-tuning are included in your service, as we understand that achieving perfect hearing aid performance often requires adjustments over time.
Do you program hearing aids differently for people with the same type of hearing loss?
Yes! Even two people with identical hearing loss patterns may require different programming due to differences in ear anatomy, lifestyle needs, and listening preferences. Our fitting process considers your daily routines—from morning conversations to evening social gatherings—to customize settings that enhance the sounds that matter most to you.
What”s included in the hearing aid fitting service?
Our comprehensive fitting service includes initial programming based on your hearing test results, verification of Real Ear Measurement, physical fit optimization, instruction on device use and care, and all necessary follow-up adjustments. We also review all advanced functions of your hearing aids to ensure you”re getting maximum benefit from your investment.
How often should I return for hearing aid adjustments after my initial fitting?
The frequency of adjustments varies by individual. Some clients achieve optimal settings during their initial fitting, while others benefit from fine-tuning over several weeks as their brain adapts to enhanced hearing. We recommend scheduling adjustments whenever you notice changes in comfort or sound quality. All follow-up adjustments are included in your service.
How quickly can you repair my hearing aids?
Most hearing aid repairs can be completed the same day at our Redmond and Bend locations. Unlike many providers who send devices to manufacturers for weeks, our on-site repair capabilities mean you get your hearing aids back quickly. We expedite the process for repairs requiring manufacturer service and may provide loaner hearing aids.
What types of hearing aid problems do you fix?
We repair all common hearing aid issues, including weak or distorted sound, devices that won”t turn on, intermittent cutting out, and whistling or feedback. With 23 years of experience, we”ve seen virtually every problem and often find that major-seeming malfunctions only need simple adjustments or cleaning.
Do you repair all hearing aid brands?
Yes, we service all major hearing aid brands, including Oticon, ReSound, Phonak, Unitron, Widex, Starkey, Signia, and Rexton. Our expertise spans manufacturers, so we can help regardless of where you purchased your hearing aids.
What if I can”t come to your office for repairs?
We offer convenient alternatives, including curbside service where you can drop off hearing aids without leaving your vehicle, secure mail-in repair services with tracking, and phone consultations for issues we can resolve remotely. Your location or mobility challenges won”t prevent you from getting quality repairs.
How much do hearing aid repairs cost?
Repair costs vary depending on the issue and whether it”s covered under warranty. Many problems only require cleaning or minor adjustments. We”ll provide a clear estimate before proceeding with any repairs and can help you understand your warranty coverage.
Can you help if my hearing aids are old or discontinued?
Yes, our extensive experience since 1955 means we”ve worked with hearing aids from many generations. While very old models may have limited parts availability, we often find creative solutions and can advise on repair versus replacement options.
What causes hearing aids to stop working?
Common causes include earwax buildup, moisture damage from Central Oregon”s climate changes, worn batteries, or loose connections. Regular maintenance can prevent many issues, and we provide cleaning services and maintenance tips to extend your hearing aids” life.
Do you offer emergency repair services?
We understand how critical hearing aids are to daily life. Call or text us at 541-640-5354 for urgent issues. We prioritize emergency repairs and can often accommodate same-day appointments for Redmond and Bend residents experiencing complete hearing aid failure.
What should I do if my hearing aids get wet?
Remove batteries immediately and bring your hearing aids to us as soon as possible. Don”t use heat to dry them. Our professional drying and cleaning process can often save moisture-damaged devices if addressed quickly.
How often should hearing aids be serviced?
We recommend professional cleaning and checks every 3-6 months, depending on your lifestyle and earwax production. Regular maintenance prevents many common problems and ensures optimal performance in Central Oregon”s unique high-desert environment.
Why can”t I use foam earplugs from the hardware store?
While foam earplugs provide some protection, they often deliver inconsistent noise reduction and can be uncomfortable for extended wear. Professional custom-molded protection is created from impressions of your unique ear canal, ensuring proper fit, consistent protection, and comfort you”ll want to wear all day.
How does Central Oregon”s environment affect my hearing and hearing devices?
Our high desert winds create damaging noise levels for outdoor enthusiasts, while low humidity and fine dust particles can affect your ears” natural defenses and hearing aid performance. Professional protection addresses immediate noise hazards and long-term environmental factors specific to our region.
What”s a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), and why does it matter?
NRR measures how many decibels a hearing protection device reduces. Professional devices offer precise, verified NRR ratings tailored to your specific activities—whether you”re at a construction site, shooting range, or concert venue. Generic plugs often have unreliable or insufficient ratings for your actual noise exposure.
Can hearing damage be reversed if I start protecting my ears now?
No, hearing damage is cumulative and irreversible. However, immediate protection after noise exposure can dramatically reduce permanent damage, and consistent use of proper protection prevents future loss. Every day you protect your hearing is an investment in avoiding hearing aids later.
Do musicians really need special hearing protection?
Absolutely. Musicians need protection that reduces harmful frequencies while maintaining sound quality and clarity. Standard earplugs muffle sound indiscriminately, but musicians” plugs (ER-9, 15, 25) provide flat attenuation, protecting your hearing without compromising your performance or enjoyment.
How long does it take to get custom hearing protection made?
The process begins with quick ear canal impressions at our Redmond and Bend offices. Custom devices are then manufactured and typically ready within 1-2 weeks. This small time investment provides years of comfortable, reliable protection perfectly fitted to your ears.
Will hearing protection interfere with my ability to communicate at work?
Professional hearing protection is designed to reduce harmful noise while preserving speech frequencies. Many custom devices include filters or electronic components that allow normal conversation while blocking dangerous sound levels, making them ideal for construction workers, first responders, and other professionals.
How often should I replace my custom hearing protection?
With proper care, custom-molded protection typically lasts 3-5 years. However, significant weight changes, ear surgeries, or damage to the devices may require replacement sooner. Regular check-ups ensure your protection maintains its effectiveness and comfortable fit.
Does insurance cover custom hearing protection?
Some insurance plans, particularly workers” compensation policies, cover hearing protection for noise-exposed workers. We can help you check your coverage and explore financing options. Remember, the cost of protection is minimal compared to future hearing aid expenses.
Can I get hearing protection if I already wear hearing aids?
Yes! We offer specialized protection for hearing aid users, including custom molds that work with your devices and separate protection for situations where you remove your aids. Protecting your remaining natural hearing is crucial to maintaining your current hearing aid effectiveness.