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Hearing Aid Providers in Alameda County serving Alameda, Albany, Ashland, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Komandorski Village, Livermore, Mount Eden, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, Russell City, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Sunol and Union City

How to Find the Best Hearing Aid Dealers and Hearing Test Centers in Alameda County

If in need of battery replacements or hearing aid repair, or even if you've decided it's time to upgrade to the latest technology in hearing aids, you can get good service at hearing aid dealers or hearing test centers throughout Alameda County.  The following research by The Prime Buyer's Report identifies the best hearing aid providers in Alameda County and issues related to buying new hearing aids and hearing aid repair.

How to Find the Best Hearing Aid Dealers and Hearing Test Centers in Alameda County 

For many, hearing loss is just another part of a progressing life. But these days, a lot can be done to help. Over time, new clearer and smaller hearing aid technology has become available to the hearing-impaired. The mid- ‘90s saw the introduction of digital hearing aids along with new cochlear implants and smaller devices that are virtually invisible. These and other devices, as well as the necessary maintenance and fitting, are available at the hearing aid centers in Alameda County.

Alameda County Hearing Aid Dealers Perform Numerous Services
Hearing aid dealers in Alameda County are specialized centers of hearing loss treatment. Patients are generally referred by a general practitioner when preliminary testing shows hearing deficiencies, from mild tinnitus to complete deafness. The hearing aid dealer might be staffed by board certified specialists and audiologists. These professionals can conduct in-depth testing and customized diagnosis and fittings for a large client base, including children, adults, the elderly and occupational health cases.

Based on a doctor's recommendations, hearing dealer technicians may run audiometric evaluations, measurements of hearing sensitivity for air and bone conducted sounds, speech discrimination ability, speech reception thresholds, and assessments of middle ear function (impedance audiometry).

The results of such hearing tests may warrant the purchase of any of several different hearing devices, most of which are sold within Alameda County hearing aid centers. Hearing aid dealers in Alameda County often accept Medi-Cal and private insurance. Hearing devices may be available for a free trial prior to the actual purchase, and follow-up warranties usually include in-house lab repairs and hearing aid refittings.

Alameda County Hearing Aid Centers Sell Many Brands of Hearing Aids and Accessories
Hearing aid dealers and audiologists can often offer custom hearing aids are fabricated, fitted, and repaired on-site. The staff can educate patients and customers about the different options for their particular diagnosis, including pricing, clarity, durability, and other features. They'll be familiar with digital and analog hearing aids, bone conduction hearing aids, canal hearing aids, full-shell hearing aids, half-shell hearing aids, completely in-canal hearing aids, behind-the-ear hearing aids, wireless listening systems, and noise reduction circuitry. These basic systems are better known as the following: ITE: in-the-ear units, ITC: in-the-canal units, MC: mini-canal, CIC: completely-in-the-canal, BTE: behind-the-ear, and PAC: post-auricular-canal-instrument.

Aside from the main speaker and microphone mechanism, hearing aid dealer employees can fit the core and tubing, curved tubing, custom ear molds, ear hooks, mushroom inserts, and straight tubing. Almost all hearing aid centers in Alameda County take care of accessories and maintenance as well. They carry replacement hearing aid batteries, swim plugs, noise protectors, and hear-and-go aids. Alameda County hearing test centers also carry several types of ALDs, or assistive listening devices. They'll sell audio induction loops, infrared systems and FM modulated systems, TV listening devices, and telephone amplifiers. For specific hearing aid needs, investigate the available products and services of the hearing aid dealers in Alameda County before you choose one.

Research Hearing Aid Dealers in Alameda County
Hearing aid dealers may take different approaches to your aural care. Depending on what you need and whether or not you are working off of a general practitioner's orders, find some details about the hearing aid dispensers in Alameda County. Aside from capabilities, try to gauge the history of the hearing aid center, the reputation of the employees, and any details on prices of hearing aids. You'll get a better idea of where they fit into the grand scheme of things if you can compare potential hearing aid centers to others in Alameda County. Hearing health association listings can provide some of this information. See the article, "Key Resources for Hearing Aids in Alameda County" for helpful links.

The Prime Buyer's Report lists these hearing aid centers in Alameda County: Loud & Clear Hearing Aids, Berkeley Hearing Aid Center, Fremont Hearing Aid Center, East Bay Hearing Service, Hearing Services, Ear Unlimited of San Leandro, Continental Hearing Aid Center, East Bay Audiology, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Myhre Hearing Aid. Other hearing aid dealers that might still serve the Hayward, Oakland, Dublin and Fremont areas include: Burt's Hearing Aid Services, East Bay Audiology, Bay Area Hearing & Speech Center, Mini Mini Hearing Aids. Didn't find what you wanted with the TOP 10 Hearing Aid Providers in Alameda County? Then click here to see additional companies in this category.

Learn About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids in Alameda County with Additional Research
The path to healthy hearing begins with some independent research. There are many valuable sources on the internet and in print that can educate you about different disorders and solutions. In order to expedite this process, we've compiled some of these resources and listed them in The Prime Buyer's Report article "Key Resources for Hearing Aids in Alameda County". It never hurts to be an active participant in your health and welfare.

 

 

Dealing with Hearing Aid Centers in Alameda County 

Step 1: Get Tested
You have the option to skip the initial doctor's examinations and head straight to the hearing test, which can often be provided by the hearing aid dealer (as well as a licensed audiologist or otolaryngologist). But if there are underlying medical problems (especially those that are correctable), only a medical practitioner can detect and diagnose them. Additionally, it is more likely that doctor visits are covered by your insurance. In all respects, it is not advisable to forego a preliminary medical exam.

Step 2: Research the Product
If you already know which type of device you need, do some outside research to price different brands and features and check your insurance coverage to identify exactly which are covered. You can start with the resources we've provided in the article "Key Resources for Hearing Aid Centers in Alameda County."

Step 3: Interview Different Hearing Aid Dealers
Call several hearing aid dealers in Alameda County and ask questions about their business practices. In addition to pricing information, there are several things you should know before you sign a contract with the hearing aid dealers who will not only sell you the hearing aid device, but care for it in the future. Use the list of questions below to guide your phone interviews. Take notes for the final comparison and determination.

How long have you been in business?
Do you give hearing tests on site?
Is testing conducted by a licensed audiologist, otolaryngologist, or licensed speech pathologist?
What brands and models do you regularly carry and specialize in?
Are you familiar with analog and digital devices?
What does the base cost of the hearing device include? (Ask to see a written breakdown)
What are the costs of any additional features?
Do you charge a re-stocking fee after the (FDA-mandated) 30 day trial period?
Can my hearing aid be adjusted remotely?
Is there a fully-covered warranty period (including adjustments and reprogramming)? If so, how long is it?
How do you price major repairs?
Is there a discount or trade-in policy for upgrades?

Step 4: Background Research
After a preliminary assessment of the hearing aid dealers you've interviewed, look at the qualifications of those you would consider pursuing. All professionals involved in the testing and fitting process are required to have state licensure such as the following: Audiologists must have at least a Master's level education and a California State license, which can be verified at the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of the State of California. More established and skilled practitioners have earned a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from ASHA, which can be verified at the ASHA Web site. The ability to dispense hearing aids is a separate certification, which can be verified at the Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau of California. Also verify their BC-HIS (Board Certification in Hearing Aid Sciences) at the NBC-HIS by emailing your inquiry to info@nbc-his.com.

Step 5: Choose a Hearing Aid Dealer
Based on the interviews and sufficient certifications, make a final decision. Arrange for an appointment (or a walk-in, if possible) where you will get a fitting and evaluate merchandise and pricing.

Step 6: Sign a Contract
If you think the pricing or warranty is not up to your standards, you still have the option to seek services elsewhere. But if you feel comfortable with a particular hearing aid dealer, and after you've approved of the warranty agreement, pricing, and professionalism, it is safe to sign a contract.

 

 

Tips On Alameda County Hearing Aid Providers 

Do You Want An Initial Doctor's Visit?
The FDA allows you to waive a visit with a physician and head straight to a hearing test. If your hearing problems are the result of an underlying medical issue, consider a doctor's visit before you have a separate hearing test. Your doctor may be able to perform this test anyway, possibly under your insurance coverage.

Licensed Hearing Aid Dealers in Alameda County Are Specialists.
Hearing aid dispensers in Alameda County are licensed and regulated by the State of California SLPA-HADB (Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board). To be a licensed H.A.D. (Hearing Aid Dispenser) one must take and pass the state licensing exam to show a proficiency in the specialty of hearing loss and hearing aid dispensing, fitting, and adjusting. According to state law, no physician or audiologist who is not a licensed hearing aid dispenser may emply a hearing aid dispenser for the purpose of hearing aid fitting or hearing aid sales, except if affiliated with an HMO or PPO. Any arrangement that includes a fee or percentage of sales for the referral of hearing aids is illegal. Neither party can advertise the other's services; for example, a hearing aid dispenser cannot advertise "physician or audiology services available," and an audiologist cannot advertise "hearing aid dispenser on staff," unless he or she is a licensed hearing aid dispenser in Alameda County.

The Binaural Advantage.
Often, hearing loss is limited to one ear. This does not mean that a single hearing aid is the most beneficial. Sound, like eyesight, requires balanced input to optimize the signal to the brain. One hearing aid can cause the other ear to strain and overcompensate, similar to the effect of wearing a single eye patch. Though the issue is still debated and circumstances may warrant special treatment, many dealers and doctors will advise this, and with good reason.

Investigate Financial Aid.
Hearing aids are expensive, there's no way around it. Many insurance companies offer at least partial coverage, but when it comes to a $500 to $8000 price tag, most people need all the help they can get. Luckily, such help exists. HEAR NOW (1 800-648-HEAR) is a non-profit organization that might be able to offer financial support. For a listing of other related organizations, see the article, "Key Resources for Hearing Aids in Alameda County."

 

 

Hearing Aid Centers Sell Quality Brands of Hearing Aids in Alameda County 

Miracle Ear, Oticon, Phonak, Unitron, Micro-tech, Loctite-medical, Beltone, Siemens, Widex, GN ReSound, Starkey, Audibel, Sonic Innovations, Bernafon, Vivatone, Interton, Electon, Qualiton, Bosch, and Phillips.

 

 

Resources About Hearing Aid Providers in Alameda County 

Associations & Licensure
AAA American Academy of Audiology (www.audiology.org)
AAO-HNS American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (www.entnet.org)
AHAA American Hearing Aid Associates (www.ahaanet.com)
ALDA Association of Late-Deafened Adults (www.alda.org)
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (www.agbell.org)
ASDC American Society for Deaf Children (www.deafchildren.org)
ASHA American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (www.asha.org)
ATA American Tinnitus Association (www.ata.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.com)
BHI Better Hearing Institute (www.betterhearing.org)
CAA California Academy of Audiology (www.caaud.org)
CICI Cochlear Implant Association, Inc. (www.cici.org)
CSHA California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (www.csha.org)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (http://www.dca.ca.gov/)
Diamond Certified www.diamondcertified.org
HADBCA Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau of California (www.dca.ca.gov/hearingaid)
HLAA Hearing Loss Association of America-California State Association (www.hearinglossca.org)
HIS International Hearing Society (www.ihsinfo.org)
LHH League for the Hard of Hearing (www.lhh.org)
NAD National Association of the Deaf (www.nad.org)
NBCHIS National Board for Certification Hearing Instrument Devices (www.hearingnbc.org)
NHCA National Hearing Conservation Association (www.hearingconservation.org)
NIDCD National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (www.nidcd.nih.gov)
SHA Sight and Hearing Association (www.sightandhearing.org)
SHHH Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc (www.hearingloss.org)
SLPAB Speech-Language Pathology Board of the State of California (www.slpab.ca.gov)

Media & Web Resources
Hearing Health Magazine
Hearing Loss Magazine
Hearing Review
Senior Journal
Sound Advice
Volta Voices

www.audiologynet.com
www.betterhearing.org
www.earinfo.com
www.healthyhearing.com
www.hearingaidhelp.com
www.hearingaids101.com

 

 

 

If you need hearing aids, hearing aid repair, or hearing tests, The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the TOP 10 Hearing Aid Providers in Alameda County within the following zip codes.

94501, 94502, 94536, 94537, 94538, 94539, 94540, 94541, 94542, 94543, 94544, 94545, 94546, 94550, 94551, 94552, 94555, 94557, 94560, 94566, 94568, 94577, 94578, 94579, 94580, 94586, 94587, 94588, 94601, 94602, 94603, 94604, 94605, 94606, 94607, 94608, 94609, 94610, 94611, 94612, 94613, 94614, 94615, 94617, 94618, 94619, 94620, 94621, 94623, 94624, 94661, 94662, 94701, 94702, 94703, 94704, 94705, 94706, 94707, 94708, 94709, 94710 and 94712

 

 

 

Hearing Aids Alameda CA

East Bay Audiology Alameda CA 94501-4514

Hearing Aids Albany CA

Burt's Hearing Aid Service Albany CA 94706-2258
Loud & Clear Hearing Aids Albany CA 94707-2118

Hearing Aids Berkeley CA

Berkeley Audiology Service Berkeley CA 94704-2212
Berkeley Hearing Center Berkeley CA 94704-1209

Hearing Aids Castro Valley CA

Hearing Center Castro Valley Castro Valley CA 94546-5270
Professional Hearing Service Castro Valley CA 94546-5306

Hearing Aids Fremont CA

Costco Hearing Center Fremont CA 94538-3809
Fremont Hearing Aid Center Fremont CA 94538-4319
Summit Hearing Center Fremont CA 94536-6169

 

Hearing Aids Hayward CA

East Bay Hearing Service Hayward CA 94541-2961
Miracle-Ear Hayward CA 94545-2135

 

Hearing Aids Livermore CA

CAC Hearing Aid Center Livermore CA 94550-6008

 

Hearing Aids Newark CA

West Coast Hearing Newark CA 94560-5252

 

Hearing Aids Oakland CA

Bay Area Hearing & Speech Center Oakland CA 94609-3306
Continental Hearing Aid Center Oakland CA 94611-4715
East Bay Audiology Oakland CA 94610
Hearing Testing Center Oakland CA 94609-3482
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Oakland CA 94609-3418
Myhre Hearing Aid Service Oakland CA 94612-3408
Ray Hill Hearing Oakland CA 94610-3966

Hearing Aids Pleasanton CA

Advanced Hearing Systems Pleasanton CA 94566-4749
Hearing Services Pleasanton CA 94566-6139

 

Hearing Aids San Leandro CA

Advanced Hearing Systems San Leandro CA 94578-3005
Better Hearing Center of San Leandro San Leandro CA 94577-4908
Ear Unlimited of San Leandro San Leandro CA 94578-2626