Hearing Aid Information

Answers to frequently asked questions about hearing aids and Songbird Hearing.

•  

  Where can I get replacement tips for my Songbird Ultra 2.0?

  You're almost there... just visit the products section of this site and scroll to the bottom. For your Songbird Ultra 2.0, you'll find both left and right ear fittings as well as replacement batteries if you need them too. Tips and batteries wear out from use. It is always wise to stock-up so that you may maintain your Songbird hearing aids it top condition and have spare batteries on hand when you need them.

  For your Songbird AIR, you find both left and right wax guards and replacement batteries. Replacing the wax guards keeps the sound emitting tip of your hearing aid clean and clear of ear natural earwax. You will also find batteries especially designed for your Songbird AIR hearing aids.

  The tip & tube assemblies for Songbird Ultra 2.0 are available in left and right side formats, are available in Small, Medium (normal size), and Large sizes, and come with either "zip tip" (normal) or "dome tip" styles. When reordering by telephone, our customer care team can help you select the configuration you most enjoy.

  If you need to return your purchase, simply call 1-800-647-5560 for easy instructions.

   

   

•  

  How does the Songbird Money-Back Guarantee work?

  We want happy customers. If you are dissatisfied or change your mind and want to return your purchase for a refund, simply ship the items back to us within 45-days from the date of your purchase. Our "no questions asked" money-back guarantee takes all the risk out of purchasing your hearing aids from Songbird Hearing.

  Once we receive your shipment, we will issue a refund for the purchase price of the merchandise (less shipping & handling). Please contact our customer service department at 1-800-647-5560 for shipping address and instructions.

•  

  What is the average time before the hearing aid battery needs to be replaced?

  The average battery life for your Songbird digital hearing aids (Ultra 2.0 or Air) is about a week depending on how many hours you have you devices powered on. You may reorder the correct size and type battery for you device at www.songbirdhearing.com. Check out the products section to find our hearing aid battery selection.

  To extend the battery life of your hearing aid, make sure it is off when not in use. You can turn off your Songbird Ultra or Songbird Air hearing aids simply ensuring that the battery compartment is open completely. Opening the "door" of the battery compartment turns off the device and saves battery strength. Likewise, closing the "door" of the battery compartment turns on your hearing aid. Consider the battery door as your ON/OFF switch.

   

•  

  What is the difference between the original Songbird Ultra and the Ultra 2.0?

  The Songbird Ultra 2.0 replaces the original Songbird Ultra and has been improved with 100% digital processing (as opposed to analog), more channels for clearer audio processing, and it also comes with a full six (6) month product warranty.

  You can see a graphic representation of the audio spectrum here.

   

   

•  

  Where can I find a Songbird Flexfit or a Songbird Clear?

  The Songbird Ultra 2.0 replaces the former Songbird Ultra as well as the Songbird Flexfit and Songbird Clear models. New major improvements including 100% digital processing, an enhanced audio spectrum, more channels for clearer audio processing and a full six (6) month warranty make the enhanced Songbird Ultra 2.0 a better value for you.

  Songbird has also launched the Songbird Air, a completely in the ear style digital hearing aid. Visit our products page to learn more at www.songbirdhearing.com/products.

   

   

•  

  What should I do if my hearing aid gets wet?

  You should take care to never get your Songbird Hearing Aids wet. Do not wear your hearing aids while swimming, bathing, during extreme physical activity where perspiration can seep into the device.

  If you do suspect your hearing aid has water damage, remove the battery immediately and allow to dry thoroughly. Some customers who have experienced water damage in hearing aids have had success in reviving them by covering in a bowl of dry white rice or silica gel for 24 to 48 hours. The rice and silica gel are said to absorb the moisture faster than air drying. 

  Note: There is no guarantee that this will work in every instance, but the sooner after a water incident occurs and the time this method is used, the higher likelihood there is of success.

  Good News...Songbird also offers repair services. For a flat fee of $125 per hearing aid, we'll do our best to repair your device.  Call us at 1-800-647-5560 for easy instructions and more information.

   

   

   

•  

  What do I do if the Songbird I try does not fit my needs for size and comfort?

  Don't worry. Songbird hearing aids are covered by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If for any reason during the first 45 days from purchase, you are dissatisfied with the product, you can return it and you'll be provided a full refund of the original purchase price, less shipping and handling. So you can purchase with confidence. 

  Before you return your Songbirds, contact us. We offer alternative size tip & tube assemblies for the Songbird Ultra 2.0 and retention cords (plastic loops which secure the device in your ear) for Songbird AIR. Often times, changing the size of these items can solve your comfort concerns. The tip & tube assemblies for Songbird Ultra 2.0 are available in left and right side formats, are available in Small, Medium (normal size), and Large sizes, and come with either "zip tip" (normal) or "dome tip" styles. When reordering by telephone, our customer care team can help you select the configuration you most enjoy.

  If you need to return your purchase, simply call us at 1-800-647-5560 for instructions.

   

   

   

•  

  Can I buy a hearing aid for someone else? Can I give Songbird as a gift?

  Yes. With simple instructions, the receiver can start using their Songbird hearing aid immediately, right out of the box. Since our hearing aids are backed by a 45 day money-back guarantee, you will be able to see if either style Songbird Hearing Aid are right for them. If not, simply return the items for a full product refund (less shipping & handling). 

   

   

•  

  Why do I sometimes hear a whistling sound when using my hearing aid?

  That whistling sound you hear is called audio feedback, and is common with all hearing aids and sound amplifiers. Feedback occurs when some of the sound produced by the speaker finds its way back to the microphone, and is amplified once again.

  To fix this, try reinserting the hearing aid into your ear or lowering the volume to reduce the feedback. Both the Songbird Ultra 2.0 and Songbird AIR models have sophisticated audio feedback cancellation features. You may hear feedback when putting the Songbird Ultra 2.0 on, or your Songbird AIR in, adjusting it in place. Once you have hearing device in place and in the most comfortable position, the feedback cancellation feature will activate and the feedback should stop.

   

   

   

•  

  Are hearing aids covered by my insurance?

  Most insurance policies do not provide for hearing aid coverage. However, hearing aids and replacement batteries can be claimed as a medical expense on US Federal Income Tax returns and be paid for using Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) and Medical Savings Accounts (MSA's). Always check with a qualified tax advisor on tax rules and regulations.

   

   

•  

  Can I use a hearing aid while on the phone? What about my mobile phone?

  Yes, you can use your Songbird hearing aids while on your home phone and on your cell phone. Your Songbird is specially shielded so that it won't cause interference with most mobile phones. 

   

  If your hearing aid whistles (feedback) while you are on the phone, tilt the telephone away from your ear until the whistling stops. You may have to try various positions with the telephone until you discover the arrangement that works best for you.

   

   

   

•  

  How can I buy a hearing aid without seeing a hearing professional?

  First of all, it is your right to purchase online and directly from the manufacturer, Songbird Hearing, without having to pay the high prices charged by audiologists and retail stores.

   

  Secondly, Songbird products are designed to be one-size-fits-all. Just like reading glasses, you can get a Songbird when you need it, without the hassle of repeated trips for fittings. The digital acoustic properties are designed to provide smooth amplification for most people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

   

  Please read the important warnings and other product labeling before you buy hearing aids to make sure that you do not have one of the warning signs that should prompt you to see your doctor. Songbird also recommends you have your hearing evaluated every year.

   

   

   

•  

  Is it better to get a hearing aid for each ear?

  Yes, it is.

   

  Ears work in pairs to help distinguish and place sounds in the background.  If one ear is amplified and the other is not, you will not hear as much as having both ears amplified. If you are limited by budget, buy your first device now and add a second one as soon as you can afford it.

   

•  

  What is a hearing aid?

  A hearing aid is a digital electronic device that may be worn behind the ear or inside the ear canal. Hearing aids are designed filter and amplify sounds so that the wearer can better hear their environment in order to better listen, communicate, and participate more fully in day to day life. These devices are calibrated to be effective in both quiet and noisy environments.

   

  A digital hearing aid is comprised of five major components: a microphone, amplifier, speaker, power supply, and housing. The hearing aid detects sound through the microphone, where sound waves are converted to electrical signals and sent to amplifier. The amplifier filters out noise and increases the strength of these signals and delivers them to the ear through a tiny speaker which is powered with miniature battery. All of these components are contained within or attached to the specially designed plastic housing or casing.

•  

  How can hearing aids help?

  Hearing aids are most useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension for people who have hearing loss resulting from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. This type of damage may be the result of disease, aging, or injury from noise or certain medications.

   

  A hearing aid magnifies sound vibrations entering the ear. Surviving hair cells detect the larger vibrations and convert them into neural signals that are transferred to the brain. The greater the damage to one’s auditory sensory receptors, the more severe the hearing loss, and the greater the hearing aid amplification needed to compensate. However, there are practical limits to the amount of amplification a hearing aid can provide. In addition, if the inner ear is too damaged, even large vibrations will not be converted into neural signals. In this situation, a hearing aid would be ineffective.

•  

  How can I find out if I need a hearing aid?

  If you think you might have hearing loss and could benefit from a hearing aid, visit your physician, who may refer you to an otolaryngologist or audiologist. An otolaryngologist is a physician who specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders and will investigate the cause of the hearing loss. An audiologist is a hearing health professional who identifies and measures hearing loss and will perform a hearing test to assess the type and degree of loss.

  Because you have the right to purchase a hearing aid without a doctor's order, Songbird Hearing offers online purchase of our most popular hearing aids with a 45-day "no questions asked" money-back guarantee. So, there is no risk in trying Songbird Hearing Aids if you suspect that you have mild to moderate hearing loss. No hearing aid can "fix" hearing loss but like eyeglasses, Songbird Hearing Aids can help most people hear better, affordably.

   

•  

  Are there different styles of hearing aids?

  Hearing aids are produced in three basic styles. These styles differ by size, their placement on or inside the ear, and the degree to which they amplify sound for the wearer.

   

  Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids consist of a hard plastic case worn behind the ear and connected to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. The digital electronic components are held in the casing worn behind the ear. Sound travels from the hearing aid through the earmold and into the ear. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss. The Songbird Ultra 2.0 is an open fit, miniature behind-the-ear style referred to as a mini BTE.

   

  In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely inside the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. The casing holding the digital electronic components. In-the-canal hearing aids fit into the ear canal and are available in two configurations.

   

  The in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is made to fit the size and shape of a person’s ear canal.

   

  A completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid is nearly hidden in the ear canal. Both types are used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. The Songbird AIR is a completely-in-the-ear style. This style is preferred by those of us who may prefer using to most discrete, nearly invisible format available.

•  

  Do all hearing aids work the same way?

  Hearing aids work differently depending on the electronics used. The two main types of electronics are analog and digital.

   

  Analog aids convert sound waves into electrical signals, which are amplified. Analog/adjustable hearing aids are custom built to meet the needs of each user. These hearing aids are programmed by the manufacturer according to the specifications recommended by your audiologist.

   

  Digital aids convert sound waves into numerical codes, similar to the binary code of a computer, before amplifying them. Because the code also includes information about a sound’s pitch or loudness, the aid can be specially programmed to amplify some frequencies more than others. Digital circuitry gives the wearer more flexibility in adjusting the hearing aid to their needs and to certain listening environments. These aids also can be programmed to focus on sounds coming from a specific direction. Digital circuitry can be used in all types of hearing aids. All Songbird hearing aids are completely digital rather than the older, more expensive analog type.

•  

  Which hearing aid will work best for me?

  The hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the kind and severity of your hearing loss. If you have a hearing loss in both of your ears, two hearing aids are generally recommended because two aids provide a more natural “stereo” signal to the brain. Hearing in both ears also will enable you understand speech, locate where the sound is coming from, and enjoy a fuller audio experience.

   

  You should select a hearing aid that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Price is also a key consideration because hearing aids range from hundreds to several thousand dollars. Similar to other equipment purchases, style and features affect cost. However, don’t use price alone to determine the best hearing aid for you. Just because one hearing aid is more expensive than another does not necessarily mean that it will better suit your needs.

   

  A hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing. With practice, however, a hearing aid will increase your awareness of sounds and their sources. You will want to wear your hearing aid regularly, so select one that is convenient, comfortable and easy for you to use. Other features to consider include parts or services covered by the warranty, estimated schedule and costs for maintenance and repair, options and upgrade opportunities, and the hearing aid company’s reputation for quality and customer service.

•  

  What questions should I ask before buying a hearing aid?

  • What style and features would be most useful to me?

  • What is the total cost of the hearing aid?

  • Can I save money by buying two (one for each ear) hearing aids at one time?

  • Is there a money-back satisfaction guarantee?

  • How long is the repair warranty?

  • Is there a repair service available when my hearing aids are out of warranty period?

•  

  How can I adjust to my hearing aid?

   

  Hearing aids take time and patience to use successfully. Wearing your hearing aids regularly, daily will help you adjust to the enhanced audio experience of aided hearing. Become familiar with your hearing aid’s features. Practice putting in and taking out the aid, cleaning it, identifying right and left aids, and replacing the batteries. Learn to adjust the hearing aid’s volume and to program it for sounds that are too loud or too soft. Keep practicing until you are comfortable as one might be using reading glasses.

   

  You may experience some of the following problems as you adjust to wearing your new hearing aid.

   

  My hearing aid feels uncomfortable. Some individuals may find a hearing aid to be slightly uncomfortable at first. Over time wearing hearing aids will become as natural for you as wearing eye glasses are for others. If you are using the Songbird Ultra 2.0, we can supply you with replacement tip & tube assemblies in smaller or larger than normal sizes if need fit that isn't geared for the average ear. Just ask the customer care representative when ordering by telephone.

   

  My voice sounds too loud. The “plugged-up” sensation that causes a hearing aid user’s voice to sound louder inside the head is called the occlusion effect, and it is very common for new hearing aid users. Most individuals get used to this effect over time as the brain compensates for this new sound sensation.

   

  I get feedback from my hearing aid. A whistling sound can be caused by a hearing aid that does not fit or work well but more commonly is caused by being clogged by earwax or fluid. Use your cleaning tools following the instructions found in your user’s manual.

   

  I hear background noise. A hearing aid does not completely separate the sounds you want to hear from the ones you do not want to hear, just like unaided hearing. Sometimes, however, your hearing aid may need to be adjusted following the instructions found in your user’s manual.

   

  I hear a buzzing sound when I use my cell phone. Some people who wear hearing aids or have implanted hearing devices experience problems with the radio frequency interference caused by digital cell phones. Both hearing aids and cell phones are improving, however, so these problems are occurring less often.

•  

  How can I care for my hearing aid?

  Proper maintenance and care will extend the life of your hearing aid. Please follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.

  It is good practice to always:

   

  Keep your hearing aids away from heat and moisture.

   

  Clean hearing aids as instructed. Earwax and ear drainage can damage your hearing aid.

   

  Avoid using hairspray or other hair care products while wearing your hearing aids.

   

  Turn off your hearing aids when they are not in use. Popping open the battery door will turn off your device and conserve your battery charge for when you are ready to use your device.

   

  Replace dead batteries immediately.

   

  Keep replacement batteries and your hearing aids out of reach of children and pets.

•  

  How does the Songbird warranty work?

  Your Songbird hearing aids are covered by a full 6-month product warranty. If your device has a defect, we will repair or replace at no charge to you. Simply contact our customer care team by phone 1-800-647-5560 for instructions and shipping address.

   

  If you need repair service after the warranty period contact us the same way. Repair service is available for a flat fee of $125 per device.

•  

  How does the Songbird Repair Service work?

  After your 6-month product warranty period has expired, if your device has a problem our repair service can help. The Songbird Repair Services is available for a flat fee of $125 per device. Simply contact our customer care team by phone 1-800-647-5560  for payment instructions and shipping address.

   

  For consumable, replacement parts like Songbird Ultra 2.0 left-side or right-side tip assemblies, Songbird Air wax guards or batteries for either model, order online at www.songbirdhearing.com/products.

•  

  Where can I get replacement parts for my Songbird AIR?

  You're almost there... just visit the products section of this site and scroll to the bottom.

  For your Songbird AIR, you find both left and right wax guards and replacement batteries. Replacing the wax guards keeps the sound emitting tip of your hearing aid clean and clear of ear natural earwax. You will also find batteries especially designed for your Songbird AIR hearing aids.

  For your Songbird Ultra 2.0, you'll find both left and right ear fittings as well as replacement batteries if you need them too. Tips and batteries wear out from use. It is always wise to stock-up so that your may maintain your Songbird hearing aids it top condition and have spare batteries on hand when you need them.