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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HEARING LOSS, MOBILE SERVICES, HEARING AIDS, ETC.

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â–¸Why choose Rainier Mobile Audiology and Dr. Baller for in-home hearing services?

Dr. Baller has been practicing mobile Audiology since 1995, is expertly trained and educated in the field of audiology and hearing aid technology. He strives to stay at the forefront of emerging trends in hearing healthcare by attending conferences, trainings, and courses. He provide Washington's premier mobile hearing delivery service by giving the patient exactly what they need, no more, no less. Each person presents their own unique communication needs and varying degrees of hearing loss. We believe that good hearing is essential in maintaining and engaging your family, friends, and loved ones. Our patients are amazed by the level of commitment and compassionate care we provide.

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â–¸What is personalized care?

Dr. Baller spends extra time to do a thorough case history, vetting out medical issues of concern and making the appropriate medical referrals if needed. We put our patients care and needs first, not hearing aids. You will find us spending ample time getting to know the patients lifestyle, communication needs, and develop a better hearing treatment plan directly related for their own hearing and communication abilities.

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â–¸Is your mobile services convenient?

We keep our hearing services accessible to everyone. We travel far and wide in the South Sound area. Once we are contacted, Dr. Baller will make you an appointment from same day to within just a couple of days. We have flexible hours and can make emergency service calls if needed. The most important part is that all of our services are provided directly to the patient in their place of residence, wherever that may be.

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â–¸How is the hearing test performed in my home?

All of our high tech equipment is portable and small enough to carry with us. Most all of the homes we test in are very quiet and we use insert earphones that meet the standards for ambient noise for hearing testing.

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â–¸What brands of hearing aids do you carry?

As an independent audiologist, we carry all major and secondary brands of hearing aids but are not obligated to any one of them, unlike other clinics. Included in these are: Signia hearing aids, Starkey hearing aids, Oticon hearing aids, Widex hearing aids, Rexton hearing aids, Unitron hearing aids, Resound hearing aids. We can repair most all hearing aids except Costco brand, NuEar, Miracle Ear, Beltone.

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â–¸I have poor dexterity, numb fingers and can't care for the aid myself, do I have any options to hear better?

We encounter this many times and find personalized solutions for patients. If you have a caregiver or live in a facility with care available, we set up services to show them how to clean, put in/ take out, change batteries, etc. There are easier options to choose from like automatic functions on the aid, rechargeable battery systems, better fitting earmolds, etc. You should be able to hear no matter your circumstances and we will find solutions for you!

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â–¸I can't change the tiny batteries in my aids, what can I do?

A great solution is a totally rechargeable battery system that you can charge and then use 20-24 hours the next day. A full charge takes about 4 hours to complete, then it dries the aids out also. A very popular solution is Signia 7AX Pure Charge and Go.

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â–¸I want to get hearing aids to improve my speech understanding, what do I need to decide?

After having your hearing tested by a licensed Audiologist within the past 6 months, and being medically cleared to get devices, you decide on 2 different things. #1 Size of the device (has no bearing on pricing, any level of technology can be delivered in any size), and #2 Level of Technology to match you lifestyle, level of communication, and budget.

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â–¸I already have hearing aids, I just need an adjustment, what can I do?

That is not a problem, we carry most hearing aid manufacturer software and programmers with us. A hearing test will need to be completed (or current within 6 months), then your aids can be reprogrammed according to your new test results. This optimizes the fitting to the appropriate levels. Real Ear verification is provided to make sure it is amplifying the right frequencies. You will be given an opportunity to choose from 3 different programming plans for this and follow up care.

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â–¸How can I pay for services or devices?

We gladly accept Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover

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â–¸Does insurance cover services?

Currently, we are private pay only, except Medicare B covers a portion of a hearing evaluation.  Your receipt and invoice will have all the coding necessary for you to submit the bill to your insurance for reimbursement, if any.

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â–¸How much is the initial hearing test appointment?

The initial appointment of $145 covers the hearing testing, middle ear testing, ear canal exam for wax and eardrum problems, and results consultation. Travel to your residence or facility is $90. Other available services are available for and extra fee. No further obligations.

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â–¸If I decide to get hearing devices, what is the next step?

If the devices or earmolds are to be custom, then earmold impressions will be made immediately. I can usually get the aids back to us in about 5-10 business days, sometimes sooner, but earmolds do take longer. I will program the devices to your hearing loss, set up a time to meet to dispense the devices. The 30 day trial period begins when you get the aids to assure it improves the quality of your life and enhances your communication with better speech understanding.

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