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Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated 7/27/2026. Written and reviewed by Arkansas hearing professionals.

What is a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

A hearing instrument specialist (HIS) is a professional trained to conduct basic hearing tests in order to determine candidacy for hearing aids. They also fit hearing aids and assistive listening devices as well as provide counseling on those devices. In addition to a certification program and state requirements, a hearing instrument specialist has extensive supervised on-the-job training prior to being licensed. The HIS is also required to fulfill annual continuing education requirements.

Hearing instrument specialists are experts in hearing tests and assistive listening technology. Tests such as otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry, speech recognition testing, tympanometry are performed by HIS. Other common services and treatments provided by a hearing instrument specialist include:

  • Hearing aid fitting
  • Hearing tests and evaluation
  • Hearing aid repair
  • Hearing aid counseling and selection
  • Assistive listening devices
Most of the time hearing problems begin gradually without discomfort or pain. What’s more, family members often learn to adapt to someone’s hearing loss without even realizing they are doing it. Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine whether you have hearing loss.
  • 1. Do I / they often ask people to repeat themselves?
  • 2. Do I / they have trouble following conversations with more than two people?
  • 3. Do I / they have difficulty hearing what is said unless facing the speaker?
  • 4. Do I / they struggle to hear in crowded places like restaurants, malls and meeting rooms?
  • 5. Do I / they have a hard time hearing women or children?
  • 6. Do I / they prefer the TV or radio volume louder than others?
  • 7. Do I / they experience ringing or buzzing in my ears?
  • 8. Does it sound like other people are mumbling or slurring their words?
If you answered yes to several of these questions, chances are you suffer from hearing loss.

You should make an appointment with for an evaluation and hearing test. We offer this evaluation at no charge.

There are several causes for hearing loss. The main ones include excessive noise, genetics, birth defects, infections of the head or ear, aging, and reaction to drugs or cancer treatment. Each type of hearing loss has different causes.

Hearing loss can occur at any time, at any age. In fact, most people with hearing loss (65%) are younger than age 65! There are 6 million people in the U.S. ages 18-44 with hearing loss, and around 1.5 million are school age.
There are three types of hearing loss including: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Most people lose at least some degree of their hearing as they age, and by the time they reach age 65 and older, one in three people has some type of hearing impairment.
Only 5 percent of hearing loss in adults can be improved medically or surgically. The vast majority of Americans with hearing loss (95 percent) are treated with hearing aids.
At their most basic, hearing aids are microphones that convert sound into electrical signals. An amplifier increases the strength of the signal, then a receiver converts it back to sound and channels it into the ear canal through a small tube or earmold. A battery is necessary to power the hearing aid and to enable amplification.

Yes, hearing aids are available for those with single-sided hearing loss. The Starkey CROS System delivers solutions for:
– Those who are unable to hear in one ear and have normal hearing in the other ear (CROS)
– Those with little to no hearing in one of their ears, and a hearing loss in their better ear (BiCROS)

We do not recommend purchasing hearing aids online or from a big box retailer – surprising coming from us, we know 😉
Hearing aids are not a one-size-fit-all type of product. Each hearing loss is unique, and to achieve the best possible results, it is recommended to consult with a hearing professional at a clinic in which specializes in hearing health care – like ours.
Buying hearing aids fit and serviced by professionals may cost more than ones bought off the internet or from a retail store, but they’re also going to fit better, work harder, last longer and deliver more significant benefits.
Arkansas is one of the best states in America for hearing aid benefits. That said, the price of a hearing aid will vary depending on the specific model and features you need, and how effective it is in various noise environments.
Factors that affect the price of hearing aids include:
  • Features — Features that cancel noise, modulate volume, enable direct connectivity to smartphones and TV, or track and measure physical and mental activity, greatly improve performance and enhance everyday life, but also increase costs.
  • Professional Services — Like many other medical devices, the proper selection and fitting of a hearing aid require the skill of educated and trained healthcare professionals. Professional services associated with the selection, fitting, adjustments and overall maintenance of hearing aids are often included as part of the cost of the hearing aid.
Yes. Most people need an adjustment period of up to four months before becoming acclimated to — and receiving the full benefit of — wearing their hearing aids. However, you should expect to notice obvious benefits during this trial period. Remember, your hearing professional is there to help. Do not be afraid to call or visit to discuss your concerns.
1. Be realistic.
Remember that your hearing loss has been gradual; over the years you have lost the ability to hear certain sounds in the speech spectrum and normal sounds of the environment, such as traffic and wind noise, the hum of machinery and other background noises.
2. Practice.
When you begin to wear hearing aids, these sounds will be restored but your brain will need practice and reeducation in order to selectively focus on and filter sounds. Some sounds may even startle you at first. Know that your brain will acclimate to these sounds again over time.
3. Be patient.
It takes time to adapt to hearing aids. Wear them as much as possible at first to become more skilled at recognizing sound direction and to learn which hearing aid settings work best for you in different situations.
4. Rest.
The adjustment period may be tiresome. It’s a lot like retraining a muscle that hasn’t been used in a while. But the benefits will be worth it after you’ve made the adjustment.

Styles of hearing aids include:

  • Behind-the-ear (BTE) The full device rests behind the ear and delivers sound through a tube and earmold. Fits the widest range of hearing loss, including severe to profound. Largest battery, longest runtime, and the easiest style to handle.
  • Receiver-in-canal (RIC) A small case behind the ear connects by thin wire to a receiver seated in the ear canal. The most commonly fitted style today. Suits mild to severe loss and is discreet, comfortable, and quick to adjust.
  • In-the-ear (ITE) Custom-molded to fill the outer bowl of the ear. Works for mild to severe loss, with room for directional microphones and manual controls.
  • In-the-canal (ITC) Smaller custom style sitting partly within the canal. Best for mild to moderately severe loss.
  • Completely-in-canal (CIC) Sits fully inside the canal with a small removal handle. Best for mild to moderate loss.
  • Invisible-in-canal (IIC) The deepest and most discreet fit, essentially invisible in everyday wear. Best for mild to moderate loss.
Hearing aids are available in many different sizes and styles, thanks to advancements in digital technology and miniaturization of the internal components. Many of today’s hearing aids are considered sleek, compact and innovative – offering solutions to a wide range of hearing aid users. When selecting a style of hearing aid, the following should be considered:
  • The type/degree of the hearing loss
  • Power requirements
  • Manual dexterity and visual abilities
  • Budget
  • Cosmetics and aesthetics
  • Anatomical and medical considerations
  • Lifestyle requirements

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