Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How do I make an appointment?
  • Call 617 383-6800 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
What are the office hours?
Monday through Friday 8:00-5:00 - other hours may vary
Do you take new patients?
Yes
Do I need a referral?
Only if your insurance requires it. If you do not know please call your insurance carrier to find out prior to your appointment. If you need a referral please contact your primary care provider to obtain one prior to your visit.
Do you see children?
Yes We see adults and children of all ages.
Do you have emergency appointments?
Yes. We have same day appointments for physician referred emergencies. Have your physician call on the physician line to arrange.
What do I do in an emergency?
We have physician coverage 24/7/365. If you call the office number you will be directed on how to proceed. If you are having a life threatening emergency call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
Are you board certified?
All of our physicians and audiologists are board certified.
What does board-certified mean?
When a physician undergoes and passes a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation in his area of practice he becomes board certified. Continuing education is then required to maintain that qualification.
What insurances do you take?
We take almost all insurances. If you have a question about a specific policy, please ask when you make your appointment
Do I need to bring my insurance card to the visit?
Yes. Please bring your insurance card to every visit. We make a copy of it each time due to the number of changes that occur in coverage. It can often save you a call or a bill.
Do I pay at the time of the visit?
Payment or copayment is expected at the time of the visit. We accept cash, check and credit cards.
Where do I park?
You can park for free below the office building or in the parking lot adjacent to the office behind Finagle a Bagel. Do not park in the marked reserved spots as they may tow you.
Does public transportation come near you?
Yes. You can take the T (Green Line/D Train) to the Chestnut Hill stop and walk several blocks to the office (see directions) You can also take the MBTA Bus # 60 which has a stop in front of the office.
What should I do prior to my visit?
Try to get copies of any relevant old medical records and bring them with you. This includes any prior operative notes, laboratory tests, hearing and balance tests and radiology films and reports.
Can I get hearing and balance testing without seeing a physician in your office?
Yes. Your primary care doctor can refer you directly to audiology for testing.
What about a second opinion?
We are all happy to provide you with a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment options. We are also happy to provide you with a copy of your records if you want to get a second opinion about our recommendations.
Will you send a note to my primary care doctor?
We fax a copy of our notes to your primary care doctor at the time of your visit. We will also send a copy to any other physician that you wish.
Can I have a copy of my office notes and test results?
Yes. Please ask at the time you check out and we will give you a copy to take with you. If you are not in the office, we will need a signed request mailed or faxed to us to send out a copy of your records.
Are you HIPAA compliant?
Yes. We do everything possible to insure the confidentiality of your medical records.
Do you speak any languages other than English?
No. If you do not speak English you will need to bring someone who can translate for you.
Is your office handicapped accessible?
Yes. And there is handicapped parking below our office building.

Hearing Aid Questions

What are the differences in hearing aid circuitry?
Historically, hearing aid circuits have fallen into one of two classes. Analog circuits are the older technology and serve to make sounds louder with only a few controls over the quality of sound. Digital circuits are the newer technology and strive to amplify primarily the softer speech sounds. Digital technology is available in entry-level, advanced, and premium tiers. The differences in these tiers are the features available in a particular technology category.
What are the differences in hearing aid style?

The degree and nature of a person's hearing loss, their lifestyle, and the physical orientation of the ear are all factors in determ ining the best possible hearing aid style for a patient.

  • Behind-the-Ear (BTE) - This hearing aid lies behind the ear and is secured with a custom ear mold. It offers the highest available gain and can support a directional microphone system. A directional microphone system is a feature that offers the wearer better understanding of speech in noise.
  • In-the-Ear (ITE) - This hearing aid is custom-made to fit the wearer's ear. It is available in a larger model called a full shell and a smaller model called a half shell. A directional microphone is available in this style.
  • In-the-Canal (ITC) - This hearing aid is custom made to fit the wearer's ear. It is slightly smaller than the ITE and offers slightly less gain. A directional microphone option is available in this style.
  • Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) - This hearing aid is the smallest custom-fitted product It inserts deeply into the ear canal and offers the most cosmetic discretion in a custom hearing aid. A directional microphone system is not
    available in this style due to size constraints.
  • Open Canal (OC) - This is a miniature BTE hearing aid that fits behind the ear. It is supported by a thin filament that sends sounds into the ear. This style is ideal for persons with normal to near normal low-frequency hearing with a high frequency hearing loss because it helps to maintain a natural sound quality to the hearing aid wearer's voice.
How do I choose a hearing aid?
The hearing aid evaluation is a consultation with the audiologist during which your hearing loss and communication needs are reviewed. The audiologist will recommend the amplification device(s) that best suits your needs. This appointment is scheduled for one hour. There is no charge for this evaluation.
What if I don't like my hearing aid(s)?
Patients are offered a 30-day trial period to fully assess the benefit of their new hearing aid(s).
What if my hearing aid breaks or is lost?
Each hearing aid purchase includes a comprehensive, two-year warranty, covering repairs and a loss or total damage.
Can I get state-of-the art hearing aids?
Hearing aid technology is ever-changing. Our audiologists stay abreast of this technology in order to offer our clients the best available options.
Which hearing aid manufacturer is the best?
Our clinic is not limited to one hearing aid brand. We maintain a relationship with several hearing aid manufacturers in order to offer our patients the best
option for their particular hearing needs.
Are digital hearing aids really better than non-digital hearing aids?
Our clinic primarily fits digital hearing aid technology. "Digital" is a term that encompasses a large range of items. We sell three tiers of digital technology- Entry level, Advanced, and Premium. A higher technology level offers more sophisticated listening features.
How much do hearing aids cost?
The cost of the hearing aid will vary based on the style and technology level. These prices range from $1000 to $3200.
Many of my friends with hearing aids are dissatisfied. How do I know if I will be satisfied?
Hearing aid satisfaction is based on many factors like patient motivation, realistic expectations, and proper fit. The audiologist will work diligently to make sure the hearing fit is optimal and will work with the patient to establish good hearing habits.

If you are an established patient please contact us through the Patient Portal. If you want to book a new patient appointment please click on the "Book An Appointment" button below.


Locate Our Office


1244 Boylston St
Suite 303
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Get Directions

Phone: (617) 383-6800
Fax: (617) 383-6801
Audiology: (617) 383-6830
Surgical Scheduling: (617) 383-6846