Foster Hearing Center

Many clues are obvious like raisin TV volume, difficulty understanding where background noise is present, suggesting speakers mumble or don’t speak loud enough, reading speakers’ lips, occupying the same place in public places to improve understanding, and ringing noises in the ears (called tinnitus).

Fatigue and/or inattentiveness, indifference, social withdrawal, insecurity, indecision, suspiciousness, false pride, speech deterioration, loneliness, unhappiness, and a need to dominate the conversation.

Basically, it consists of simple procedures that are used to help determine a person’s ability to hear and understand. Part of the evaluation includes the use of different tones, transmitted to the subject to determine if and how well they can be heard. These sounds are transmitted through an electronic instrument called an audiometer. The evaluation also includes the use of special groups of spoken words that are repeated by the subject. As the words are repeated, the Marcon hearing aid specialist determines the levels of loudness at which the words were first heard and how clearly they were understood. Total evaluation results help determine whether or not wearing hearing aids is indicated.

It is a tiny sound amplification system. A microphone receives airborne sound waves and changes them into electrical signals, made louder through a small amplifier. A receiver similar to a loudspeaker changes the signals back into sound waves. Hearing aids are powered by tiny batteries.

There are five basic types: in-the-ear and in-the-canal instruments are worn entirely within the contours of the ear. Other ear-level instruments are behind-the-ear and eye-glass models. A larger aid is worn on the body or is attached to clothing. Body aids are used largely by children or to help the most severe aidable hearing impairments.

Because of delicate and sophisticated construction, it is very important not to perform more than simple maintenance suggested by your specialist. Most hearing aids receive more constant daily use than other appliances, and the average life is about three years, although with proper care they may operate longer. It is suggested you maintain periodic contact with your specialist. He or she can make simple instrument adjustments to assure proper operation and suggest other services enabling you to continue receiving maximum benefits.

Hearing aids, like automobiles, come in several models and styles. There are basic instruments designed primarily to provide proper amplification. There are also more sophisticated instruments with adjustable tone and power controls, automatic sound processor circuitry, switches for telephone usage, and other special features. They are designed for the mildest to the most severe aidable hearing impairments. With different models and operation features available, hearing aid prices will vary. To obtain the best instruments for your particular needs and at a reasonable price, we suggest you seek out an ethical, reputable specialist.

Besides performing the necessary hearing evaluations, the specialist will determine which instruments offer the most effective degree of amplification. Continuing guidance, consultation, and instruction in the care and use of these instruments will be provided, together with simple adjustments for proper operation, repair services, and batteries and other accessories.

In addition to reversing or totally eliminating some of the answers to questions six or seven, consider this: According to the International Hearing Society, a survey of 1200 hearing impaired persons showed their combined incomes rose 790 percent after a year of hearing rehabilitation. Yearly loss of earnings due to communicative disorders is estimated at nearly $2 billion.

Foster Hearing Center addresses conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing losses caused by various conditions affecting the ear and nerve pathways.

Hearing loss can be caused by wax buildup, infections, loud noise exposure, aging, viruses, head injuries, hereditary defects, and certain medications.

Symptoms include raising TV volume, difficulty understanding speech with background noise, lip reading, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

It involves testing hearing ability with tones and spoken words using an audiometer to determine hearing levels and clarity, helping assess if hearing aids are needed.

There are five main types: in-the-ear, in-the-canal, behind-the-ear, eye-glass models, and body-worn aids for severe hearing impairments.

Services include hearing consultation, hearing tests, hearing aid follow-up appointments, and hearing aid repair.

They offer brands such as Starkey, Oticon, Phonak, Resound, Widex, Signia, and Unitron.

They are open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Friday 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 1 PM, and closed on Sundays.

Yes, the center has wheelchair accessible restrooms and requires appointments for service.

Nearby places include Home Care Assistance, Hibbett Sports, The UPS Store, SVS Vision, and TheKey Cincinnati which could be convenient if you need related health services or shopping.