FROM THE DESK OF GARY WOOD, BOARD CERTIFIED HEARING INSTRUMENT SPECIALIST
Ask Gary Wood, Board Certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences
Q. Is it natural to lose your hearing as you age?
A. It is true that most people experience some hearing loss as they grow older. However, there are many reasons why up to 65% of people with hearing loss are under age 64.
Q. What type of improvement should I expect from a hearing device?
A. Depending on your specific hearing loss, your hearing device should enable you to hear soft noises (such as a whisper), high frequency noises (such as a child's voice), and low frequency voices (such as a man's voice) that you couldn’t hear before. Most importantly, your hearing device should allow you to understand speech more clearly—treating the most devastating effect of hearing loss.
Q. Can a hearing aid restore my hearing to normal?
A. No. There is no "cure" for sensorineural hearing loss. However, early treatment can ensure that you enjoy the quality of life that you deserve. Treatment with a hearing aid can also prevent auditory deprivation from occurring or progressing.
Q. Are hearing aids comfortable?
A. They should be. Properly fitted devices should be so comfortable that you don’t even feel them. If you experience soreness, you should see your hearing care specialist immediately.
Q. What should I expect when I get my hearing aid?
A. Expect that your quality of life will improve along with your hearing. You should be able to understand speech more clearly. You will enjoy music and TV at a volume more comfortable for those around you. You will find it easier to relate to family members and friends. You will enjoy the sounds of nature again. You will be startled by what you have been missing.
Q. I have one good ear. Do I need a hearing device?
A. Yes. It is important to treat that hearing loss immediately. The impaired ear is at risk for auditory deprivation and can also "contaminate" your hearing in the other ear. That can result in all of the same difficulties experienced by people with hearing loss in both ears.
Q. I’ve been told in the past my hearing loss is untreatable. How can I know for sure?
A. Today, nearly everyone can be helped with hearing instruments. A hearing care specialist can determine the most appropriate treatment for you during your first consultation.
Q. Aren’t hearing aids just for people who are nearly deaf?
A. No. Even a mild loss affects your ability to relate to people, understand speech, enjoy listening to music, and much more. Why miss out on life? The longer you wait, the less treatable hearing loss is.
Q. Won’t a hearing aid make me look old or handicapped?
A. No, not as much as having to ask people repeat themselves. Hearing devices can help you function more normally. (They actually make you seem younger!) Today’s compact technology makes hearing devices less noticeable. Your reconnection with life will make you more confident, and that shows!
Q. Can’t I just wait until my hearing loss gets worse?
A. Please don’t! Untreated or improperly treated hearing loss can lead to auditory deprivation, making hearing loss less treatable. Simply put, if the brain doesn’t hear certain pitches for a while, it actually forgets how to hear them. This loss is not reversible, so it is vital that you start treating the loss as soon as possible. |
