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Fact:
Hearing aids to work for those with “nerve” type (sensorineural)
hearing loss.
In fact, most hearing aids are designed for just
this type of hearing loss. It is true that hearing
aids do not fix the ear, but they can help most
people to hear better.
Fact:
No hearing aids eliminate background noise.
It is true that there are newer digital hearing
aids that help people to hear in noisy environments,
but hearing aids do not know what a person wants to
hear and what he or she does not want to hear.
Consistently wearing the appropriate hearing aids,
set properly will however, allow the brain to do
what it does best-sort through the information and
focus on what is important while ignoring the rest.
When you have a hearing loss, it is almost always
going to be difficult in noisy settings. The goal is
to still be able to follow the conversations in
those settings.
Fact:
No one type of hearing aid is right for all.
There are many types and brands of hearing
aids. Each person has a unique hearing loss,
hearing needs, and brain processing; which hearing
aid will work best is a very individual thing.
Working with your doctor of audiology is essential
to determine the best device for you. Close
follow-up after the hearing aids are fit will help
to ensure they are truly meeting the person’s needs.
Fact:
It is not that difficult to grow accustomed to
wearing hearing aids.
Sure, anything new will take some time to get
accustomed to, but if the hearing aids are fitting
comfortably and work properly allowing the person to
“hear” better, this adjustment period will be
short. Patience and realistic expectations are
vital to the process and make it go smoothly. If the
person is motivated to do what it takes to feel
comfortable with new hearing aids will go quickly.
Follow-up with the doctor of audiology is important
to answer any questions and to be sure the hearing
aids are adjusted properly.
Fact: Thorough hearing testing is critical to
determine whether hearing aids are necessary and
what type is appropriate.
All too often only a cursory hearing test is
performed before hearing aids are recommended. The
more precise the testing the more accurate the
recommendations will be for either medical exams or
hearing devices. A doctor of audiology will perform
the necessary testing and provide appropriate
recommendations. |
