We offer Starkey and Signia as our go-to brands, offering a variety of hearing aid styles to fit our patients’ needs. We were able to choose these two brands specifically because of their options and capabilities. They have their pros and cons but personally speaking, these two companies do an amazing job creating the most advanced hearing aids in the world. Most of the innovation in the last 20 years with hearing aids has come from one of these two manufacturers and most of what is supposed to come is going to come from them. They are the “Samsung” and “Apple” of hearing aids, they make great reliable products, and their features typically come down to need and preference. We help you decide the right hearing aid based on what’s important to you.
Voted Best of Georgia, 5 years in a row!
Located in Athens, Georgia. We are full service for anything related to hearing aids and hearing tests. We have state-of-the-art equipment, and our primary focus is on keeping the process of managing your hearing loss as SIMPLE and AFFORDABLE as possible.
What Type of Hearing Aid Do We Recommend?
That is so specific and case by case but most common is a receiver-in-canal or a custom hearing aid. They both have their pros and cons, but using both Starkey and Signia allows us to address most (typically) all of those concerns by having options. There are more than just RIC or custom devices, for sure. But, it’s most commonly recommended as they tend to be most reliable, last longer, are easier to repair, keep going longer, and carry the newest technology versus other hearing aids. Of course, not everyone needs the latest hearing aids with all the features, and we can work with you in that regard, too.
Starkey Hearing Aids
Starkey Hearing AidsSignia Hearing Aids
Signia Hearing AidsWhat Technology is There?
There’s too much to mention outside of writing blogs about it, which we will have available. But to keep it sweet and to the point, I am going to talk about what tends to matter most.
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeability is cheaper when it comes to not having to buy batteries. That said, here is a tip: go to Amazon and type in your batterie size and look for a Prime option. You can typically locate a year’s supply of your batteries for $15-$20 for an entire year! Rechargeable is only about $50 more to have the batteries built in and they last from 24-48 hours now. The longer battery life technology has come a long way in the last 4 years. I would just now say it is a feature I would consider for myself.
Directional Microphones
It’s more important than it sounds – this helps you feel properly oriented when communicating with people and most importantly allows the hearing aid to cut out background noise and focus on human speech or music or whatever it is you are really attempting to focus on. Most times, hearing aids are now set to focus primarily on what your head is facing and turn everything else down slightly.
Discretion
This is a tricky one – it comes down to, do you want the hearing device to be in the ear or hardly noticeable out of the ear? It depends on how large your ear canals are and how severe your hearing loss is. That said, we are one of the only hearing clinics in the state of Georgia that uses a 3D scanner to collect your ear impression. This means there is nowhere else to get a more accurate measurement of the inside of your ear so you can more effectively enjoy improved hearing. We take pride in being able to offer this, considering it is so new and took longer than we care to admit to master the equipment. Here is the link to the 3D scanner we use if you are interested in learning more about OTOSCAN.
Direct Connectivity to Phone
If you have a newer phone and new hearing aids, you can listen to music, books, podcasts, take phone calls, and more from your hearing aids like a Bluetooth device. You can also do a few other things like track steps, have GPS location in case you lose the hearing aids, and more – in fact, these hearing aids work as, essentially, smart devices. All of it is optional to have on or off and according to how much you want vs. need. We are much more concerned with your hearing than selling these features, but they are cool.
Frequently asked questions
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How Does Athens Hear Keep Pricing Affordable?
- Bulk Ordering: We order our hearing aids in bulk and get discounts then pass them to the patients
- Lean Six Sigma: We use Lean six sigma (The same process Toyota uses in their business to make amazing vehicles) for our process within the company to eliminate errors from our processes in order to ensure service is smooth and fast. Essentially it’s about doing it right the first time 98% of the time.
- We work with multiple manufacturers: This keeps the manufacturers constantly working for our patients instead of us being stuck with just one manufacturer… What it means is if there is an issue… they ensure it is fixed because they know we are not stuck with just them.
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What Kind of Questions Do We Hear The Most?
Questions and statements we hear most.
- I don’t think I have a hearing loss. I just am not paying attention
- I like the TV loud or he watches the TV SO LOUD
- Is ringing in my ears normal?
- Do I just have ear wax?
- My wife/husband says I can not hear…. But I think I can
- People are just mumbling
- I believe I hear volume but can not fully understand… people are mumbling
You can only answer all of these questions with a Hearing test. Schedule your visit at our Office in order to prove yourself right or wrong. The Hearing test is free and if you have a loss we can fit you with Hearing aids.
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What Makes Us Different?
- We listen first. Your initial consultation is free and pressure-free, allowing our skilled hearing health professionals to assess your hearing and discuss your concerns at length.
- Your care is for keeps. When you choose us, you receive complimentary lifetime support, including cleanings, adjustments, and consultations. Your peace of mind is our priority.
- Top-notch technology, factory-direct savings. We offer the latest advancements in hearing aids at competitive prices, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your budget and preferences.
A legacy of excellence. Recognized as Best of Georgia every year since 2019, we’re committed to serving our community with exceptional care and value.
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At What Age Should Hearing Screening Take Place in Older Adults?
You should get a hearing test every year immediately if you notice you are having any issues or others notice you are as a preventive measure. a good rule of thumb would be after 45 years old you should get a test every year as a preventive measure to track your hearing health. Hearing loss has been linked to lots of other medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia, so staying aware of your hearing health is critical to living a long happy life.
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What Can I Expect at an Audiology Appointment?
An audiologist will test your hearing by playing a series of noises within a soundproof booth to see which frequencies you can hear. They will also use specialized equipment to test your eardrums.
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Do You Need a Prescription to Get Hearing Aids?
No. All you need is an audiogram completed by a specialist. We do that at all of our locations free of charge.
Water Resistance Rating
This is a big one for us. The newer hearing devices have a waterproof rating of IP68, meaning they can even be submerged underwater for several minutes and still work properly. I don’t recommend testing it, but it does come in handy if it is raining, you are sweating, or you jump in the shower and forget you have the hearing aids on.
Telehealth
This is another big one – simply put, we can make necessary adjustments and troubleshoot your hearing aids remotely. This is a great feature for people who travel or struggle to get out of the house. The only thing we cannot do with telehealth is clean the hearing aid or physical repairs. But, we can even run a test on the device remotely to help us figure out what is going on.
There are more features and we will list them with some of the featured devices. I don’t like spending too much focus on this as stupid as it may be for our business, because number one is hearing people talk. The features these things can do are fascinating and should only be considered by someone semi-capable with technology. If you are not, they are just annoying and you could end up spending a bunch of money on things you don’t use or need. That said, here are more of the features.
Connectivity & Streaming
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Stream audio directly from your smartphone, tablet, or TV to your hearing aids for a seamless listening experience, eliminating the need for separate headphones.
- Phone Calls: Answer and make phone calls directly through your hearing aids, enjoying clear, hands-free communication.
- Remote Control Apps: Control various settings like volume, programs, and tinnitus therapy directly from your smartphone app for added convenience.
Sound Quality & Processing
- Directional Microphone: Focus on the speaker in front of you, reducing background noise and improving speech clarity in challenging environments.
- Adaptive Noise Reduction: Automatically adjusts to quiet unwanted background noise like traffic or crowds, enhancing speech understanding.
- Artificial Intelligence: Utilizes AI to learn your listening preferences and automatically adjust settings for different environments, offering a personalized listening experience.
- Rechargeable Batteries: Eliminate the need for frequent battery changes with convenient rechargeable batteries, offering longer lifespans and eco-friendly benefits.
Fast Financing
You shouldn’t compromise on something as vital as your hearing. Luckily, Athens Hearing Aid Factory Outlet carries some of the top financing options available in the state of Georgia. Through our trusted partners, we can develop a cost-effective plan that saves your wallet without sacrificing your health.
Visit our financing options page to learn more about CareCredit, Healthiplan, and Allwell. We can help you pay for out-of-pocket expenses with no interest if you meet minimum monthly payments.
See Your OptionsHealth & Wellness Features
- Fall Detection: Some models can detect falls and automatically send alerts to emergency contacts, providing added peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Fitness Tracking: Monitor your daily steps, activity levels, and even heart rate (in some models) for a holistic view of your well-being.
- Tinnitus Therapy: Built-in sound therapy features can help manage tinnitus symptoms, offering relief and improved sound perception.
- Translation Features: Certain models can translate languages in real time, bridging communication gaps and enhancing social interactions.
Additional Features
- Water Resistance: Enjoy worry-free use in various environments with water-resistant models.
- Discreet Designs: Choose from a variety of styles, including receiver-in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, and completely in-the-canal options, for a comfortable and discreet fit.
- Telehealth Compatibility: Consult with your hearing healthcare professional remotely using telehealth features offered by some models.
What types of hearing aids do you offer?
How do I know which hearing aid is right for me?
Are your hearing aids covered by insurance?
How long does it take to get fitted for a hearing aid?
Do you offer a trial period for hearing aids?
What brands of hearing aids does Athens Hearing Aid Factory Outlet offer?
Can I get a custom-fit hearing aid at Athens Hearing Aid Factory Outlet?
Do you offer hearing aids with smartphone connectivity?
How long is the warranty on hearing aids purchased from Athens Hearing Aid Factory Outlet?
Does Athens Hearing Aid Factory Outlet offer a trial period for hearing aids?
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Explore Your Solutions
To see which hearing aid options are best for you, schedule your appointment at Athens Hearing by calling (706) 888-6921 or clicking here.
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