Hearing Aids

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Hearing Aids

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Over the past several years I have noticed that my mother-in-law is having increasing difficulty hearing at family gatherings. She seems to be extremely reluctant to have her hearing tested or to consider the use of hearing aids. Do you have any suggestions that might motivate her to correct this problem? She is missing so much.

A. It is very common for some people to deny the existence of their own hearing loss. Sometimes this is because their hearing has remained normal for soft low-pitched environmental sounds (dripping faucets, furnace fans, etc.) so they feel the problem is not too bad.

However, they may indeed be missing the important higher-pitch components of speech (consonants like s, sh, th, ch, t, k, and voiceless c) making communication difficult. Others are reluctant to admit to their hearing loss, as they fear nothing can be done, or have heard of people who were unsuccessful with hearing aids.

Encourage your mother-in-law to make a complimentary, fact-finding appointment with an audiologist. We strongly believe that one should not embark on hearing correction without knowing what they are getting into. At this appointment the audiologist will obtain a baseline test, discuss the implications of any existing hearing loss and present the alternatives available to correct the problem. The good news is that there have been many advances in technology and today most everyone can obtain help.

Q. My wife complains that I cant hear, but I keep telling her people just dont talk as clearly as they used to. How do I know when its time for a hearing test?

A. Its true that not all people enunciate as clearly as others, but in reality there have been mumblers throughout history and there probably is not a higher percentage today than in the past. The fact of the situation is, if hearing is normal, you can generally understand people in spite of their poor speaking habits. If you find that you ask for frequent repetitions, turn the television higher than others, have difficulty hearing in crowds or noisy places, or find that you hear a conversation but have difficulty understanding the words, its time to schedule a hearing test. An audiologist can help you find out the facts about your hearing and the options available to help you hear more clearly.

Q. Years ago, I was told that my hearing loss was due to nerve damage and that nothing could be done. My hearing is now so bad that I am miserable. Do you have any suggestions?

A. Years ago, many professionals were taught that hearing loss from “nerve damage” could not be helped with hearing aids. At that time, this was often true due to the technological limitations of early hearing aids. In fact, more than 95% of people successfully wearing hearing aids have nerve deafness.

If you suspect you have a hearing loss, a hearing test is the first step toward management of the communication problems you may be experiencing. Call today for a comprehensive hearing test and hearing aid evaluation. There is no need for you to suffer with your hearing loss any longer.