Your hearing aid consultation is the perfect time to get to know your new audiologist. Telling us about your hearing needs and letting us run non-invasive tests helps us recommend the right hearing aids for you.
It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions! To help you make the most of your appointment, here are a few questions to ask during your hearing aid consultation.
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who finds, diagnoses, and helps manage hearing and balance issues in patients of all ages. While their position requires a master’s degree in audiology, many also choose to obtain a doctorate.
Perhaps most importantly, audiologists find and dispense hearing aids to help manage hearing loss and prevent additional future loss. They are well-versed in translating their education to their patients clearly and concisely. Working with an audiologist instead of buying OTC hearing aids means getting their first-hand experience and expertise, which makes a huge difference to how your hearing aids work for you!
At SoundGate Hearing, we have two dedicated audiologists passionate about their work and patient care. Learn more about our audiology team.
Hearing aids are covered for those 18 and under, according to the 2022 Minnesota Statute. However, for adults, it differs from person to person. I recommend calling up your insurance provider to get a clear understanding of what’s covered and what’s not.
According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, Medicare in Minnesota covers the following services:
That being said, Medicare doesn’t cover all hearing aid brands. During your consultation, we’ll talk you through your options.
Keeping your hearing aids in good condition directly correlates to their lifespan. In fact, it’s so important we created an article all about hearing aid maintenance, including what to do if your hearing aids stop working!
During your follow-up appointment, our team will show you how to use, care for, and maintain your hearing aids so they last as long as possible.
Different hearing aids have unique functions and abilities. Before you take your pair home, we’ll show you how to change programs and settings so you’re comfortable doing it yourself. While reviewing your different options, we can also discuss your lifestyle and how involved you’d like your hearing aids to be.
If I have hearing loss in only one ear, do I need two hearing aids?
Yes. Our ears work in tandem, and our brain is responsible for sorting through the sounds and making sense of them. With two hearing aids, it’s easier for our brains to keep up with the noise around us. That being said, you may have different hearing loss levels in each ear. We’ll do thorough non-invasive testing to understand your circumstances and adjust the hearing aids accordingly.
Curious about the possible causes of hearing loss in one ear? Read the answer here.
Before you leave your appointment, we’ll talk you through any additional costs that may be associated with your hearing aids.
After your hearing aid trial, you’ll come back in to finalize your decision. Once you do and your hearing aids arrive, you’ll do another fitting. After that, you won’t need to come back for a follow-up appointment unless something changes or they’re not working as well as they used to.
At SoundGate Hearing, we prioritize the comfort of every single patient. With Twin Cities-adjacent locations, you can visit us in Blaine, Buffalo, Edina, or Monticello. Whatever area is best for you, my team and I are here to listen to your needs and address them to your satisfaction.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.