Ohio Audiology
Associates

In both the Lancet Health study by Lin and a study by the Alzheimer’s Association, hearing loss can lead to a more rapid cognitive decline.

Ohio Audiology Associates is credentialed with most insurance carriers for both commercial and Medicare policies. While most people do not have hearing coverage, it is worth looking into specific coverage or paying out of pocket to protect your hearing health.

The truth is that while some people may have ‘hearing aid benefits,’ they are not necessarily or even likely to be free or highly discounted. Most third party administrators (TPA) programs through the Medicare Advantage Plans provide limited choices and may reduce the quality of care and services.

Two of the biggest TPAs are owned by one hearing aid manufacturer. That TPA endorses that manufacturer’s hearing aids. Another TPA is owned by one of the biggest insurance carriers; hence, the patient is pushed to their TPA. TPAs can limit your hearing aid choices to specific brands or lower-end models instead of what may be needed. Additionally, the audiologist gets paid less, because the TPA limits the reimbursements for services provided. This may limit how comprehensive the service that is provided, because the provider is not being reimbursed fairly for their time and expertise. Furthermore, there can be extra charges for adjustments, follow-up care, or a limited number of visits included. All of this can be problematic and add to the overall cost.

If you wake up with a sudden hearing loss or a drop in hearing in one ear, like it is clogged, this could be a medical emergency. This is called SSNHL and needs prompt diagnosis and medical attention to make sure permanent hearing loss does not become permanent.