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Hearing Aids

20% of all people who need hearing aids actually get them. Most people don't realize that most hearing losses can be treated with hearing aids and deny the existence of hearing loss. Most people also don't realize that untreated hearing loss causes embarrassment, loss of independence, social stress, tension, fatigue, and eventually social isolation and loneliness - not only for the person with the hearing loss but also for family members, friends and work associates.

Successful hearing aid users are those who are motivated to improve their communication by improving their listening skills and hearing. They have worked with their audiologist to learn what they can expect from hearing aids.
What are the first steps in considering hearing aids? First you should have a good understanding of your hearing loss. What kind of hearing loss do you have? Is it permanent? What does your audiogram say about what sounds you can and cannot hear? Once you understand your audiogram, you can begin to understand why you have trouble hearing in different situations.

What can I expect the audiologist to do in selecting a hearing aid for me?

Assuming that the audiological evaluation has been completed and you have had an opportunity to ask questions about your hearing loss, the audiologist will talk to you about the possibility of wearing hearing aids. Your audiologist will want to find out about your typical communication activities and the demand on your hearing: at home with family, at work, in your social activities, and in your leisure time activities. You are a very important partner in this discussion.

Your answers will aid in deciding the type and style of hearing aid that is best for you. Your answers will also help in deciding what hearing aid features you need.