Hearing Services Definitions

Definitions Organized by Typical Order of Care

Hearing Services - routine exam

A medical evaluation to find the cause of the hearing loss and determine if it can be improved with a hearing aid is covered as an office visit when furnished by a provider, audiologist or other qualified provider.

Audiologist

A professional licensed or legally qualified in the relevant state to perform audiometric and other procedures for diagnosing, treating and managing hearing loss or balance issues, including dispensing and fitting hearing aids.

Audiometric Hearing Aid Examination

A procedure to evaluate hearing and measure hearing loss, which includes:

  • Tests for air conduction

  • Tests for bone conduction

  • Tests for speech reception threshold and speech discrimination

  • Summary of findings

Hearing Aid Evaluation Test

Determines what type of hearing aid should be prescribed to compensate for loss of hearing, based on the results of the audiometric exam.

Conformity Evaluation Test

A follow-up visit to verify receipt and effectiveness of the prescribed hearing aid, evaluating comfort, function and performance.

Hearing Aid

An electronic device worn to amplify sound and improve hearing. A conventional hearing aid (monaural or binaural) is a standard, adjustable hearing aid that fits inside the ear, behind the ear, using an ear mold or attached to the bone. 

Binaural Hearing Aids

Two electronic devices (one set) worn by the patient to amplify sound and improve hearing in both ears.

Monaural Hearing Aid

A single electronic device worn by the patient to amplify sound and improve hearing in one ear.

Bone-anchored Hearing Aid

A bone conduction hearing aid composed of a titanium screw that is surgically implanted in the temporal bone behind the ear.

Blue Care Network (BCN) Coverage for Hearing Aids and Services 

U-M Premier Care and GradCare members' out-of-pocket costs may be lower if using providers in the Value Network.

Value Network

Standard Network

  • Includes all other BCN network hearing aid providers.

  • May have additional out-of-pocket costs for standard hearing aids.

  • You can choose more advanced models, but pay the difference in cost.

Value vs. Standard Network Providers and Upgrades
Feature Value Network  Standard Network 
Providers

Michigan Medicine Audiology & TruHearing

Other BCN network providers
Upgrades

Allowed; balance billing for cost difference

Allowed; balance billing for cost difference
Balance Billing

Only for upgrade to advanced models

For both standard models and upgrades

Value Network Contacts