Your Hearing Aid Questions, Answered

Common signs include frequently asking people to repeat themselves, difficulty following conversations in noisy environments, turning up the TV louder than others prefer, missing parts of phone conversations, or feeling exhausted after social situations because of the effort required to listen. A hearing evaluation is the only way to know for certain — and it's painless and straightforward.

A hearing evaluation typically takes 45–60 minutes. We'll review your health history, examine your ear canals, and conduct a series of listening tests. You'll listen to tones at different pitches and volumes, and repeat words at various levels. Afterward, Ann will walk you through your results in plain language and discuss whether hearing aids are appropriate for you.

It's a common instinct, but waiting often makes things harder. Hearing loss that goes unaided for years can lead to auditory deprivation — where the brain gradually loses its ability to process certain sounds — making it more difficult to adjust to hearing aids later. Early intervention tends to produce better outcomes and a smoother adjustment period. Hearing loss is a contributing factor leading to memory loss.

Adults over 50 should have a baseline hearing evaluation even if they haven't noticed any changes. If you're younger but work in a noisy environment, listen to music at high volumes, or have a family history of hearing loss, earlier testing is wise. There's no age that's too young to be proactive about your hearing health.

The most common styles are behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), and completely-in-canal (CIC). RIC devices are the most popular today — they're discreet, comfortable, and offer excellent sound quality. The right style depends on your degree of hearing loss, ear anatomy, lifestyle, and personal preference. Ann will help you find the best fit.

Today's hearing aids are remarkably small and discreet. Many RIC and CIC models are nearly invisible when worn. Even behind-the-ear styles have become sleek and low-profile. Most people are surprised by how little attention their hearing aids attract once they're wearing them.

Most modern hearing aids offer Bluetooth connectivity and can stream audio directly from your iPhone or Android phone, tablet, or TV. Many also have companion apps that let you adjust volume, change programs, and track battery life from your phone. This technology has transformed the hearing aid experience for many patients.

We work with several leading manufacturers including Phonak, Signia, Oticon, Unitron, Relate, and TruHearing. Each brand has its own strengths, and we select devices based on your specific hearing profile and lifestyle — not brand loyalty. Our goal is to find what works best for you.

Hearing aid prices vary widely depending on technology level and features. Entry-level devices may start around $1,000–$1,500 per pair, while premium devices with advanced features can range from $4,000–$7,000 per pair. We offer options across the full range and will never recommend more technology than your lifestyle actually requires. Insurance coverage can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Coverage varies by plan. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, and Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advantage. Many of these plans include a hearing aid benefit. We'll verify your benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect — no surprises.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids. However, many Medicare Advantage plans do include a hearing benefit. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, contact us and we'll check your specific coverage. We accept many Medicare Advantage plans.

Yes. We understand that hearing aids are a significant investment, and we want cost to be as little a barrier as possible. Please ask us about financing options during your consultation — we're happy to walk through what's available and find a path that works for your situation.

Most people need 4–6 weeks to fully adjust, though some adapt more quickly. Your brain has to relearn how to process sounds it may not have heard clearly in years. We recommend wearing your hearing aids consistently during this period, starting in quieter environments and gradually working up to noisier ones. Follow-up appointments are a normal part of the process — we fine-tune your devices as you adjust.

Not if they're properly fitted. A well-programmed hearing aid amplifies the sounds you've been missing — not all sounds equally. The goal is natural, comfortable hearing, not amplification for its own sake. If something feels too loud or uncomfortable, that's exactly what follow-up appointments are for. We adjust until it feels right.

Yes, and we encourage it during the adjustment period. The more consistently you wear them, the faster your brain adapts. Most patients find that after a few weeks, wearing their hearing aids feels completely natural — and going without them feels noticeably different.

With proper care, most hearing aids last 5–7 years. Technology advances quickly in this field, so some patients choose to upgrade sooner to take advantage of new features. We'll help you get the most out of your devices and let you know when it makes sense to consider an upgrade.

Daily care makes a big difference. Wipe your devices with a dry cloth each evening, store them in a dry case overnight, and keep them away from moisture, heat, and hairspray. We'll provide a complete care kit and walk you through a maintenance routine at your fitting appointment. Regular professional cleanings are also recommended.

Most issues can be resolved quickly — often a simple cleaning or battery replacement is all that's needed. If a device needs manufacturer repair, we'll coordinate that on your behalf. Many hearing aids also come with a manufacturer warranty that covers repairs and loss. We're here to support you for the life of your devices.

For many people, yes. Tinnitus — the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds without an external source — is often associated with hearing loss. Hearing aids can reduce the contrast between the tinnitus and the surrounding environment, making it less noticeable. Some devices also include built-in tinnitus masking features. Ann has specialized training in tinnitus support and can discuss what options may help you.

Not always, but the two frequently occur together. Tinnitus can have many causes, including noise exposure, certain medications, ear infections, and stress. A hearing evaluation is a good first step to understand what's happening and what options are available to you.

Yes. Ann makes house calls for patients who are homebound or have mobility challenges that make traveling to an office difficult. We believe everyone deserves access to quality hearing care, regardless of their ability to get to an appointment. Please contact us to discuss scheduling a home visit.

A house call can include a full hearing evaluation, hearing aid fitting and programming, device adjustments, troubleshooting, and follow-up care — the same services available in our offices. Ann brings the necessary equipment to conduct a thorough evaluation in your home.

House calls are available for patients who are homebound or have significant mobility limitations that make office visits difficult — including those recovering from surgery, living with a chronic illness or disability, or who lack reliable transportation. If you're unsure whether you qualify, please reach out and we'll discuss your situation.

Please contact us directly to discuss house call scheduling and any associated fees. We're committed to making hearing care as accessible as possible and will work with you to find a solution that fits your circumstances.

House calls are available within our service area, which includes communities in St. Joseph County, Indiana (South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, and surrounding areas) and Berrien and Cass Counties in Michigan (Niles and surrounding communities). Contact us to confirm availability in your specific location.

Cruz Hearing Care's South Bend office is located at 1251 N Eddy St Suite 200, South Bend, IN 46617. We offer hearing aid fittings, hearing tests, and tinnitus treatment by appointment Monday through Friday. Call us at (574) 213-2933 to schedule.

Yes — our South Bend office is just minutes from both Mishawaka and Granger. Many of our patients travel from across St. Joseph County, including Mishawaka, Granger, Osceola, and Roseland. If you're in the area, we'd love to help.

Our South Bend office is approximately 20 miles from Elkhart and is the closest Cruz Hearing Care location for Elkhart County residents. We see patients from Elkhart, Goshen, and the surrounding area regularly.

Our Niles office is located at 210 E Main St, Suite 201, Niles, MI 49120. We serve patients from Berrien County, Cass County, and southwestern Michigan. Call (269) 281-1353 to schedule an appointment.

Yes — our Niles, MI office serves patients from across Berrien County, including Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Buchanan, and Bridgman. We're happy to see patients from anywhere in southwestern Michigan.

Yes, completely. Cruz Hearing Care is a woman-owned, independent hearing care practice — not a franchise or chain. Ann Cruz sees every patient personally. You'll never be passed off to a different provider or pressured into a purchase. That's the difference a locally owned practice makes.