Adjusting to life with new hearing aids is a life-changing experience.  

When you first receive insurance-funded hearing care through programs like the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) or Amplifon, you get direct access to professional appointments, custom fittings, and initial follow-ups. These programs provide vital support to help you hear clearly again. 

However, many patients believe that once their covered visits end, they can no longer return to our clinic. You might worry that running out of allocated visits means your relationship with your care team is over. 

You can rest assured that our team is here for you long after your original benefits expire. Your hearing health is a lifelong journey, and you always have a place at our practice whenever you need support. 

Understanding Insurance-Funded Hearing Care 

Navigating healthcare coverage can sometimes feel confusing. Many receive their devices through insurance-funded hearing care programs designed to reduce upfront costs: 

• Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR): This state-sponsored program helps individuals with hearing loss to maintain employment or gain new job opportunities. OVR covers initial evaluation, fitting, and a specific number of OVR hearing aid appointments. 

• Amplifon Hearing Health Care: A popular benefit program that offers discounted device pricing and covers specific initial visits for Amplifon follow-up care. 

These structured programs are great for getting your devices on your ears, but funded visits represent the starting line of your hearing care journey. Once those initial visits are completed, your care transitions into standard ongoing hearing care. 

Why You Benefit from Ongoing Hearing Care 

Hearing aids are sophisticated microcomputers that operate in a warm, moist environment every single day. Because your ears and your daily surroundings constantly change, your devices require routine attention to keep performing at their best. 

When you continue attending regular hearing aid service appointments, you benefit from essential services that protect your investment and your sound quality: 

• Routine Hearing Aid Maintenance and Cleaning: Earwax, moisture, and natural skin oils gradually collect in the tiny microphones and tubing of your devices. Professional cleaning removes stubborn debris, prevents hardware breakdowns, and extends the overall lifespan of your hearing aids. 

• Precise Adjustments and Performance Optimization: As your brain adapts to new sounds, your preferences might shift. Our team fine-tunes your device settings, updates software, and customizes programs so you enjoy crisp, clear sound in every environment, from quiet living rooms to noisy restaurants. 

• Comprehensive Hearing Checks: Your hearing ability can evolve over time. Regular check-ups allow us to track any subtle changes in your hearing profile and update your hearing aid programming accordingly. 

• Personalized Advice and Device Support: Whether you’re struggling with phone connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, or physical fit, you receive expert guidance tailored specifically to your daily routine. 

What Happens When Your Funded Visits Expire? 

If your OVR or Amplifon benefits have run out, you don’t need to seek out a new clinic or give up on professional support. You are always welcome to return to Audiological & Speech Associates! 

Transitioning past your coverage period simply means your appointments become standard office visits. While these future appointments incur a modest standard office fee, continuing your care ensures you get the absolute best outcome from your devices for years to come.  

Skipping follow-ups to avoid a small fee often leads to muffled sound, avoidable repairs, or devices sitting unused in a drawer. You deserve to hear your best every day, and routine maintenance is the most reliable way to stay connected to the world around you. 

Our Lifelong Commitment to Your Hearing Health 

Quality hearing support should be continuous, personal, and reliable. Regardless of how your original hearing aids were funded, our team remains dedicated to your long-term wellness. 

You can rest assured that you'll always find warm, compassionate care waiting for you at our practice. We view every patient as a partner for life, and we're committed to helping you navigate every stage of your hearing health with confidence. 

Ready to Schedule Your Next Visit? 

If you're unsure about your eligibility for follow-up care or have questions about appointment costs after your funded program has ended, we're here to help. Contact Audiological & Speech Associates today to learn more about our ongoing hearing aid support and keep your hearing care on track! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Will I have to pay out-of-pocket for my hearing aid support if my OVR or Amplifon visits run out? 

A: Yes, once your program's allocated visits are completed, future appointments transition into standard office visits. While these visits involve a standard office fee, investing in regular maintenance prevents costly device failures, preserves your sound quality, and extends the lifespan of your hearing aids. 

Q: Can I still visit Audiological & Speech Associates if I received my hearing aids through a program years ago? 

A: Absolutely. You are always welcome at our clinic, no matter how much time has passed since your last funded appointment. We keep your records on file and can pick right up with your hearing care after insurance to ensure your devices are working properly. 

Q: What should I do if my hearing seems worse, but I don't have any covered visits left? 

A: Schedule a hearing aid service appointment with our team right away. Changes in your hearing clarity could be caused by simple wax buildup, a blocked wax guard, or natural shifts in your hearing ability. We'll evaluate your ears, check your devices, and make the necessary adjustments to restore your comfort and clarity. 

Source 

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: Find out more about the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and how it could help you with hearing healthcare.  

Amplifon: Discover Amplifon’s different benefit programs here.