Common questions
Frequently asked questions
The questions patients ask us most, answered plainly. If yours is not here, call the office and ask. We would rather explain it once properly than have you guess.
Appointments
What happens at a first appointment?
We start by listening. Your routines, your priorities, and the situations where listening is hardest shape everything that follows. From there we evaluate carefully and explain what the results mean in practical terms, not just as a chart.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
No. You can call and book directly with us. We also welcome referrals from physicians and other providers, and we are glad to coordinate with them. Some insurance plans have their own requirements, and we can check yours for you.
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes, you are welcome to stop in during business hours. Our offices keep different schedules, though: Vancouver is open Monday through Friday, Ridgefield Tuesday through Thursday, and White Salmon on Thursdays. Call ahead for Ridgefield or White Salmon so you are not making the drive on a day we are closed, and so we can have your file ready when you arrive.
Insurance and benefits
Do you take my insurance?
We accept most insurance plans. Hearing coverage differs quite a bit from plan to plan, so rather than guess from a website, bring your plan information to your visit and we will walk you through what it covers and what your options are.
Devices and cost
Which manufacturers do you work with?
We fit ReSound, Signia, and Starkey. For hearing protection and specialty needs we also work with SoundGear and FalCom. Which one is right depends on your hearing, your priorities, and how you spend your time, not on brand loyalty.
How do you pay for hearing aids here?
We accept CareCredit healthcare financing for eligible purchases, subject to credit approval and the issuing bank's terms, along with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Care after fitting
What is Real-Ear Measurement and why does it matter?
Real-Ear Measurement shows how the devices actually perform inside your ears rather than how the software predicts they should. Two people with similar hearing tests can need very different settings because ear canals differ. Verifying means we adjust based on measurement instead of assumption.
What happens after fitting day?
Adjustments, cleanings, troubleshooting, and education continue. The goal is a solution that keeps working, which means follow-up is part of the care rather than something extra you pay for later.
Can you service hearing aids I bought somewhere else?
Often, yes. We clean, service, and troubleshoot devices that were not purchased here, including many bought online or from a warehouse club. What we can do depends on the manufacturer and the model, so call us with the brand and we will tell you honestly whether we can help before you make the trip.
Do you make hearing protection for shooting or music?
Yes. We fit custom and level-dependent protection, including SoundGear and Signia options, for shooting, hunting, and music. See the Specialty Hearing page for detail.
Visiting us
Where are you and when are you open?
Vancouver, 12214 SE Mill Plain Blvd Suite 201, Monday through Friday 9-5. Ridgefield, 2 South 56th Place Suite 201 A-B, Tuesday through Thursday 9-5. White Salmon, 292 East Jewett Blvd Suite C-1, Thursday 9-5.
When should I see a doctor instead?
Hearing care supports communication and participation. It is not a substitute for medical care. Sudden or one-sided hearing changes, ear pain or drainage, marked dizziness, or other warning signs should be medically evaluated.
These answers describe how we generally work. They are not a diagnosis or a recommendation for your situation. Benefits, pricing, and network participation are set by your plan and its hearing benefit administrator, not by Medicare Hearing, and can change.
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