FAQ

A. The only professional trained in the measurement of hearing is an audiologist, so that should be your first stop. An audiologist has earned, at minimum, a master’s degree in audiology from a University and he or she should be licensed by the State Board of Examiners. An audiologist will measure your husband’s hearing and will do all appropriate testing to determine if hearing aids might be of benefit. With today’s advanced technologies, the vast majority of hearing losses can be corrected with hearing aids. Only 20 percent of hearing losses in adults are caused by medical problems, but if indicated, an appropriate referral will be made for medical treatment.

A. Hearing loss often occurs very gradually and is a problem only in certain listening conditions. It is easy for the listener to blame background noise, room acoustics or the speaking characteristics of others for inability to hear clearly. It is hard for many to accept that the problem is theirs and not the speaker’s. It may be useful to sit down with your mother and share with her how frustrating her hearing loss is for you. You have to get her attention before you can speak to her. You cannot talk to her from another room. She is always asking you to repeat what you say. It is just plain hard work to communicate with her and that makes visiting a chore.

Many people don’t realize what an imposition their hearing losses are for friends and family members and end up socially isolated as a result. Approach your mother’s hearing loss from the standpoint that you would like to be able to visit with her more freely, and that might persuade her to seek help. Offer to make her an appointment with an audiologist and then go with her. Your audiologist is trained to counsel those with hearing loss and help them deal with their feelings of denial.

Many people still feel that the use of hearing aids creates a stigma associated with aging and/or disability. It sometimes helps to point out that the stigma of appearing inattentive, self centered or just plain dumb is much worse than the "stigma" of hearing loss. The successful use of hearing aids is very common. Patients usually find that the benefits of better hearing outweigh their concerns that someone will see their hearing aids.

If a significant hearing loss exists, the hearing aid user will not hear that feedback but it is mighty annoying to anyone nearby! A visit to your audiologist is in order to take new ear impressions or to get instruction on proper insertion of the hearing aid into the ear canal.