#audiology

I feel like 7 hours a day on average is plenty. Like I will wear my processors all day at work but then not very much when I'm just at home or on the weekends. Like I just have them on when I actually need to hear stuff.

Also, it's not like it's hindering my progress with the implants. My speech discrimination is in the top 10% of cochlear implant users. So I feel like it's not really that necessary for me to be wearing my processors all day every day to get the benefit from them.

Also FYI, I am a grown adult (26) and it just seems a bit invasive to have my audiologist able to see my time "on air" (yes, that is the official term). Like quite frankly I don't really think it's any of their business.

01.01.2026/Thursday

After a busy first semester of my MSc, I’m excited to return with a brand new workspace and a fresh perspective for the new year.

3.6 million Australians have hearing loss and the average person waits 7 to 10 years before doing anything about it. a lot of that comes down to myths. so let's bust them quickly.

"hearing aids are for old people" — no. loud music, earbuds, noisy jobs all cause damage at any age. and today's devices are tiny and invisible. the clunky beige thing doesn't exist anymore.

"if it was bad, i'd know" — hearing loss creeps up so slowly your brain adjusts without telling you. by the time YOU notice, everyone around you has noticed for years.

"they just make everything louder" — that was 30 years ago. modern hearing aids filter out background noise, connect to your phone, some even use AI. completely different technology.

"too expensive" — pensioners and veterans can often get devices free through the Hearing Services Program. NDIS, Medicare, and private health can also help. most people just don't know.

"people will stare" — try spotting someone wearing one next time you're out. you won't. they're that small. what people DO notice is saying "what?" five times in a row.

"i'll wait until it gets worse" — hearing loss doesn't get better on its own. and the longer you wait, the harder the adjustment. earlier always means better outcomes.

if any of this sounds familiar, a hearing check takes less than an hour. worth it.

At just 14 years old, Leanne Fan from the USA created an amazing health tech invention called the Finsen Headphones—a low-cost, wearable medical device that treats middle ear infections in children. Since these infections are a leading cause of childhood hearing loss, Leanne wanted to develop a smarter, more affordable solution.

Her headphones use blue light therapy and machine learning technology to detect and treat infections—without the need for antibiotics. This not only protects children's hearing but also helps fight antibiotic resistance, a growing global health concern.

Leanne’s innovation earned her the title of America’s Top Young Scientist in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge in 2022. Her work is a powerful example of how AI in healthcare and youth innovation can change lives and improve access to affordable treatment.

By Smita Singh, M.S., CCC-A — Licensed Audiologist, Royal Oak, MI ·

Rechargeable hearing aids are devices powered by a built-in lithium-ion battery that you charge overnight instead of swapping out tiny disposable batteries. In Michigan, a prescription pair fitted by an audiologist usually runs $2300 to $5,300, lasts about 20 to 30 hours per charge, and comes with a state-required 30-day trial so you can test it risk-free.

If you’ve ever dropped a hearing aid battery on the kitchen floor and spent ten minutes hunting for it, you already understand why so many of my patients here in Royal Oak ask about rechargeable models. The tiny batteries are fiddly, they die at the worst moments and for anyone with arthritis or shaky hands, changing them every few days is more trouble than it’s worth.

So, let’s talk through what rechargeable hearing aids actually are, what they cost in Michigan, and whether they’re the right call for you — without the sales pitch.

What are rechargeable hearing aids, exactly?

Instead of using a removable battery, these hearing aids have a sealed lithium-ion battery inside — the same kind of battery in your phone or laptop. At the end of the day, you drop them into a charging case, plug it in, and go to bed. By morning they’re ready. No little doors to pry open, nothing to buy at the pharmacy.

Nearly every major brand we fit at Excel Audiology now offers a rechargeable option. Signia actually launched the world’s first ready-to-wear rechargeable hearing aid, and Phonak, Oticon, and Resound all have strong rechargeable lineups too.

How long do they last on a charge?

Most rechargeable hearing aids run 20 to 30 hours on a single full charge, which comfortably covers a normal day of wear. A full charge takes about three to four hours, and a quick 30-minute top-up can get you several extra hours when you’re in a hurry.

One thing to keep in mind: streaming a lot of phone calls, music, or TV audio through Bluetooth uses more power. If you’re someone who’s constantly streaming, you’ll land on the lower end of that battery range. For most people, though, one overnight charge is plenty. The battery itself typically lasts the full life of the device — usually four to five years — before it’s time to think about replacing the hearing aids.

What do rechargeable hearing aids cost in Michigan?

Here’s where people want a straight answer. A pair of prescription rechargeable hearing aids fitted by a Michigan audiologist generally costs between $2,300 and $5,300, with premium technology going higher. That price isn’t just the device — it includes your hearing evaluation, professional fitting, programming, and follow-up care, which is what actually makes them work well for your specific hearing loss.

You’ll also see cheaper over-the-counter rechargeable aids online for $300 to $1,000. They can help with mild hearing loss, but they aren’t custom-fit or fine-tuned to your ears like the prescription hearing aids.

Does insurance or Medicare help?

Unfortunately, straight Medicare does not cover hearing aids or the fitting exam — that catches a lot of seniors off guard. Some Medicare Advantage and private plans offer partial coverage, so it’s always worth checking. At our Royal Oak office, we verify your benefits before your Hearing Aid Evaluation appointment and offer payment plans, because nobody should put off better hearing over sticker shock.

The Michigan trial period law that protects you

Here’s something reassuring: Michigan law requires a minimum 30-day trial period on hearing aid purchases, with a refund if you’re not satisfied (this is enforced by the state’s licensing department, LARA). That means if you realize that you are not ready for hearing aids or do not like them, you are not stuck with them.

So, are they worth it?

For most of my patients, yes. You skip the battery hassle entirely, they’re easier to handle, and the long-term battery savings add up. The main trade-off is that if your battery ever runs out mid-day, you can’t just pop in a fresh one — you need the charger. For the vast majority of people, that’s a small price for convenience.

The best way to know if rechargeable hearing aids fit your lifestyle is a proper hearing evaluation. If you’re in Royal Oak or anywhere in Metro Detroit, I’d be glad to walk you through your options in person.