Frequently asked questionsabout hearing care in Maryland.
3D Hearing is a Maryland-based hearing care provider with four offices serving Anne Arundel, Calvert, and Charles Counties since 1999. Below are answers to the questions our patients ask most.
About 3D Hearing
What is 3D Hearing?
3D Hearing is a Maryland-based, family-owned hearing care provider with four office locations — Annapolis (Edgewater), Huntingtown, Pasadena, and Waldorf. Founded in 1999, we offer free hearing evaluations, hearing aid fitting with real-ear measurement, same-day repairs, and direct insurance billing.
How long has 3D Hearing been in business?
3D Hearing has served Maryland patients since 1999 — over 25 years. We are one of the longest-operating independent hearing care practices in the state.
Is 3D Hearing independently owned?
Yes. 3D Hearing is a family-owned, independent practice not affiliated with any national chain or big-box retailer. This allows us to carry all six major brands and recommend the best fit for each patient rather than the device with the highest margin.
What Maryland counties does 3D Hearing serve?
Our four offices cover Anne Arundel County (Annapolis/Edgewater and Pasadena), Calvert County (Huntingtown), and Charles County (Waldorf). We also see patients from Prince George's, St. Mary's, and Frederick Counties who find our offices convenient.
Are 3D Hearing professionals licensed in Maryland?
Yes. All hearing care professionals at 3D Hearing are licensed by the state of Maryland to perform hearing evaluations and dispense hearing aids. We are members of the International Hearing Society (IHS) and follow ASHA best-practice fitting guidelines.
Hearing Tests
How much does a hearing test cost at 3D Hearing?
Nothing. Hearing tests and consultations are completely free at all four 3D Hearing locations — no referral required, no obligation to purchase anything.
How long does a hearing test take?
A complete hearing evaluation takes approximately 45–60 minutes, including a health history review, pure-tone audiometry in a soundproof booth, a speech recognition test, tympanometry (middle ear evaluation), and a results review with a licensed provider.
Do I need a referral to get a hearing test?
No. You can schedule a free hearing evaluation at any 3D Hearing location without a doctor's referral. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm).
What does a hearing test measure?
A full hearing test measures three things: (1) pure-tone thresholds — the softest sounds you can detect across frequencies from 250 Hz to 8,000 Hz; (2) speech recognition — how clearly you understand words at a comfortable volume; and (3) middle ear function via tympanometry, which checks eardrum movement. According to the NIDCD, these three measures together provide a complete picture of hearing function.
What should I bring to my hearing appointment?
Bring a photo ID and your insurance card. If you wear existing hearing aids, bring those too so we can evaluate them. No special preparation is needed.
What happens after my hearing test if I have hearing loss?
Results are explained to you immediately in plain language — no jargon. If hearing loss is found, your provider will review the degree and type, whether hearing aids are likely to help, and what your options are. There is no pressure to purchase anything at any point.
At what age should I get a hearing test?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends baseline hearing screening for adults at age 50, with retesting every 3 years or whenever you notice changes. However, anyone who struggles to follow conversations, regularly asks people to repeat themselves, or turns up the TV should get tested regardless of age.
Costs & Insurance
How much do hearing aids cost in Maryland?
Hearing aids at 3D Hearing range from approximately $999 to $6,000+ per pair depending on technology level. Entry-level devices (basic Bluetooth, rechargeable) start around $999–$1,800 per pair. Mid-range devices with automatic environment adjustment run $1,800–$3,500 per pair. Premium AI-powered models with health tracking are $3,500–$6,000+ per pair. On average, our patients save $1,100 compared to big-box hearing centers.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids in Maryland?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. However, most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include hearing aid benefits — often through programs like TruHearing, NationsHearing, or UnitedHealthcare Hearing. 3D Hearing accepts these plans and verifies your specific coverage at no charge.
Does private insurance cover hearing aids?
Many private insurance plans, employer benefit programs, and union plans cover hearing aids in full or in part. 3D Hearing accepts most major Maryland carriers including BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and TruHearing. We verify your coverage and bill your insurer directly — you just pay any applicable copay.
Does 3D Hearing offer financing for hearing aids?
Yes. We offer financing through CareCredit, which provides low- or no-interest payment plans. This allows patients who need hearing aids to start treatment immediately and pay over time.
Can I try hearing aids before committing to buy?
Yes. Every hearing aid purchase at 3D Hearing includes a 45-day risk-free trial. If the devices aren't right for you for any reason, return them within 45 days for a full refund — no restocking fees, no questions asked.
What is included in the price of a hearing aid at 3D Hearing?
The price includes the devices, professional fitting using real-ear measurement, a user education session, a care kit (cleaning tools, storage case), unlimited follow-up adjustments, and routine cleanings for the life of the device. Manufacturer's warranty is also included.
Do you offer price matching?
We offer competitive pricing and will work with you to find the right device at the right price. Because we carry all six major brands, we can almost always find a device that fits your budget without sacrificing clinical quality.
Hearing Aid Brands
Which hearing aid brands does 3D Hearing carry?
3D Hearing carries all six leading hearing aid manufacturers: Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Signia, Starkey, and Widex. Carrying all six brands allows us to match each patient to the right device for their specific hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.
What is the best hearing aid brand?
There is no single best brand — the right hearing aid depends on your audiogram, lifestyle, dexterity, and preferences. Oticon excels at speech clarity in noise. Phonak leads for severe-to-profound loss. ReSound has the best Bluetooth streaming range. Signia is unique for natural own-voice processing. Starkey adds fall detection and health monitoring. Widex offers the lowest processing delay for music and sound quality. Our licensed providers use fitting software to match you to the optimal device.
What is the difference between Oticon and Phonak hearing aids?
Oticon uses BrainHearing™ technology designed to deliver a full, open sound scene that lets the brain naturally filter what to focus on — it excels for people who struggle with speech in noise. Phonak's AutoSense OS automatically adapts to over 200 listening environments and has the most extensive lineup for severe-to-profound hearing loss, including waterproof options. Both are excellent brands; the best choice depends on your specific audiogram.
Are rechargeable hearing aids better than battery-powered ones?
Rechargeable hearing aids eliminate the hassle of replacing tiny batteries every 3–7 days, which is a significant quality-of-life improvement for most patients. Lithium-ion rechargeable models typically last a full day on one charge. Battery-powered models offer flexibility if you can't access a charger. All six major brands now offer rechargeable options. According to consumer surveys, patients who switch to rechargeable models report very high satisfaction.
How long do hearing aids last?
Most modern hearing aids last 5–7 years with proper care. Factors that extend lifespan: daily cleaning, using a hearing aid dryer, protecting from moisture and wax, and annual check-ups at your 3D Hearing office. We perform cleanings and minor repairs at no charge throughout the life of your devices.
The Fitting Process
What is real-ear measurement?
Real-ear measurement (REM) is a clinically validated process where a thin probe microphone is placed in the ear canal alongside the hearing aid to measure the actual sound output reaching the eardrum. This verifies the hearing aid is programmed precisely to your audiogram — not just a manufacturer default. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) identifies REM as a best-practice standard for hearing aid fitting. Most big-box hearing centers skip real-ear measurement. 3D Hearing performs it on every fitting at no additional charge.
How long does a hearing aid fitting appointment take?
Initial fitting appointments at 3D Hearing take 60–90 minutes. This covers audiogram review, lifestyle interview, device selection, real-ear measurement, initial programming, user education, and setup. Follow-up adjustments are shorter.
How many follow-up appointments are included?
Unlimited follow-up adjustments are included with every fitting at 3D Hearing. Most patients schedule 2–3 visits in the first 90 days as they adapt to amplified sound. Walk-ins are welcome for minor tweaks.
Can hearing aids be reprogrammed if my hearing changes?
Yes. Hearing aids can be reprogrammed at any point if your hearing changes or if your lifestyle changes. Bring your devices to any 3D Hearing office and we'll update the programming to match your current audiogram.
What is the 45-day trial period?
Every hearing aid purchase at 3D Hearing includes a 45-day risk-free trial. During this period, you wear the devices in your real life and attend follow-up adjustment visits. If the devices don't work for you for any reason within 45 days, return them for a full refund — no fees, no questions.
Repair & Maintenance
Do you repair hearing aids purchased elsewhere?
Yes. 3D Hearing repairs all major hearing aid brands regardless of where they were purchased — Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Signia, Starkey, Widex, and others. Walk-ins are welcome. We provide a free estimate before any paid repair work.
How fast is hearing aid repair?
Most common repairs — tubing replacement, receiver swaps, microphone screen cleaning, battery door repair, and moisture treatment — are completed same-day at our in-office service bench. Complex repairs requiring factory service take 7–14 business days.
How often should hearing aids be professionally cleaned?
We recommend a professional cleaning every 4–6 months. Daily home maintenance (wiping devices with a dry cloth, using wax guards, overnight drying) extends device life significantly. Professional cleanings are included at no charge for devices purchased at 3D Hearing.
Can water-damaged hearing aids be repaired?
In many cases, yes. 3D Hearing uses professional drying systems to extract moisture from water-damaged devices. Success depends on the extent of damage and how quickly the device is brought in. If the electronics are permanently damaged, we'll tell you honestly and discuss your options.
Hearing Loss — General
What are the signs of hearing loss?
Common signs include: asking people to repeat themselves frequently; turning up the TV volume louder than others prefer; difficulty following conversations in restaurants or groups; feeling like people mumble; missing doorbells or phone ringtones; and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). According to the NIDCD (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders), approximately 1 in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss.
What causes hearing loss?
The most common causes are age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) and noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Other causes include ear infections, earwax buildup, ototoxic medications, genetics, and head trauma. Most adult hearing loss is sensorineural (inner ear damage) and is not reversible — but it is treatable with hearing aids.
Can hearing loss be reversed?
Most adult sensorineural hearing loss (caused by age or noise exposure) is permanent and cannot be medically reversed. However, hearing aids can restore functional hearing in most cases. Conductive hearing loss caused by earwax, fluid, or ear infections is often treatable by a physician. If you have sudden hearing loss, seek medical attention immediately — this may be a medical emergency.
Is hearing loss common?
Yes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.5 billion people worldwide live with some degree of hearing loss. The NIDCD estimates that about 1 in 8 Americans ages 12 or older has hearing loss in both ears. In people over 65, the rate rises to 1 in 3.
What happens if hearing loss goes untreated?
Research published by Johns Hopkins Medicine links untreated hearing loss to increased risk of cognitive decline, depression, social isolation, and falls. Studies show that people with untreated hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia than those who use hearing aids. Early intervention is strongly recommended by audiologists and gerontologists alike.
Maryland-Specific Questions
Where can I get a free hearing test near Annapolis, MD?
3D Hearing's Annapolis-area office is located at 1430 Solomons Island Rd N in Edgewater, MD 21037 — approximately 10 minutes from downtown Annapolis. Free hearing tests are available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm with no appointment or referral required.
Is there a hearing aid provider in Waldorf, MD?
Yes. 3D Hearing's Waldorf office is located at 11811 Park Waldorf Ln, Unit 515, Waldorf, MD 20601. It serves patients from Waldorf, La Plata, Indian Head, Clinton, and surrounding Charles County communities. Free consultations are available Monday–Friday.
Does insurance cover hearing aids for Maryland state employees?
Many Maryland state employee benefit plans include hearing aid coverage through CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield or similar carriers. 3D Hearing can verify your specific state employee benefits at no charge. Call (410) 590-5572 with your insurance card information and we'll check your coverage within 1–2 business days.
What is the best hearing aid provider in Maryland?
3D Hearing is one of Maryland's largest independent hearing care providers, with four locations and over 25 years in the state. We are distinguished by real-ear measurement on every fitting, six-brand selection, 45-day risk-free trials, and average savings of $1,100 vs. big-box competitors. Free consultations are available at all four locations.
How do I find a licensed hearing aid specialist in Maryland?
Maryland requires hearing aid dispensers to hold a state license from the Maryland Department of Health. You can verify a provider's license at health.maryland.gov. All 3D Hearing professionals are fully licensed in Maryland. A free consultation at any of our four offices is a good starting point — we will never recommend a device you don't need.