After arthritis and high blood pressure, hearing loss is the third-most-common chronic condition in older people. In fact, hearing loss will affect four out of five of us by the time we reach the age of 85. So, it’s not a surprise that purchasing a hearing aid is something that most of us will consider at some point in our lives. But, how do you know if you really need a hearing aid, and how do you select a hearing aid that’s right for you? Below are some guidelines to help you through this process.
How to Know If You Need a Hearing Aid
The best way to determine if you have hearing loss and need a hearing aid is to have an audiological evaluation done by an audiologist. An audiologist is a licensed professional with doctoral or master's level training, who is uniquely qualified to diagnose, treat and manage hearing and balance problems. The can perform the tests required to fully evaluate your hearing, determine whether you require a medical evaluation, and advise you whether hearing aids may be of benefit. The audiologist will also evaluate your communication needs, recommend the most appropriate hearing aids for you, and provide follow-up service. Each of these steps is critical to obtain maximum benefit from your hearing aids.
Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist – Which to Choose?
An audiologist is a licensed healthcare professional with at least a Masters degree in audiology, or the science of hearing. Many audiologists have also completed a doctorate degree in audiology (AuD), and in fact, by 2012, an AuD will be the entry level degree required for audiologists. As a licensed healthcare provider with extensive training and education in matters related to hearing health, an audiologist is capable of identifying whether or not your hearing problems require a medical referral or if they can be corrected through other means. Audiologists are also trained to identify additional consequences of hearing loss, such as language development problems and psychological disorders. Audiologists work with both children and adults, and their services are essential for individuals who may be more difficult to assess or treat for hearing loss, such as those with dementia, physical disabilities or developmental disabilities.
A hearing instrument specialist or hearing aid dispenser is an individual who has been trained to perform hearing tests and fit people with hearing aids. The requirements include a high school diploma or GED, one year of work experience under the supervision of a hearing instrument specialist, and a passing grade on a written exam. According to Wisconsin Administrative Code DHFS 107.24(3)(h), hearing instrument specialists are prohibited from providing service to Medicaid recipients who are under the age of 21 or who are behaviorally or cognitively impaired or have special needs. A hearing instrument specialist is not trained in the science of hearing and does not have the background that would allow them to treat individuals with more complex hearing issues or whose hearing loss is medically-based.
How Can I Locate an Audiologist?
Finding an audiologist can be accomplished in several ways. You can contact your family doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT or otolaryngologist), and ask for a recommendation. Friends and relatives who are satisfied with their hearing aid services are good sources. You can also check the local yellow pages under "audiologists" or "hearing aids." Websites for the American Academy of Audiology (www.audiology.org) and the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association (www.asha.org) are both excellent online sources to search for an audiologist in your area.
The hearing aid needs assessment, fitting, and follow-up might require many visits. You might wish to consider such factors as location, business hours, and availability. Hearing aids are investments, both financially and personally, so you should feel comfortable with the audiologist with whom you choose to work.
Selecting the Right Hearing Aid
Hearing aids work similarly to "public address" systems. Each hearing aid contains three basic components: a microphone (picks up sound around you), an amplifier (makes the sound louder), and a receiver (delivers the sound to your ear). All hearing aids run on batteries. However, there are many different styles of hearing aids, which may or may not work well for your type and degree of hearing loss. The most common styles include in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-the-canal (CIC), and behind-the-ear (BTE). In addition to style, you will need to consider other features such as the level of technology (analog or digital), whether or not the hearing aid has directional microphones, a telecoil, or multiple program settings.
No matter what style of hearing aid you select, or level of technology, you should always look for maximum sound quality, high quality electronic components, long battery life and low repair rates.
When selecting a hearing aid, it’s important to realize that there is no “best hearing aid” on the market. The best hearing aid for YOU is one that meets the needs of your hearing loss and your lifestyle.
How Much will a Hearing Aid Cost?
The cost of a hearing aid can vary greatly based on style and features. According to an article published in The Hearing Journal, in 2004, the average price for a hearing aid was $1774. Smaller hearing aids tend to be more expensive, as do more versatile or highly programmable hearing aids. While Medicare and insurance generally do not cover the cost of a hearing aid, it is important to view this purchase as an investment in your quality of life and ability to communicate with the rest of the world. With proper care, you should expect your hearing aids to last an average of 5 years.
Whenever you are considering the purchase of a hearing aid it is important that you find out what is included in the purchase price, including the warranty period and follow-up care. All hearing aids should come with at least a 30 day trial period. But, it’s also important to realize that it is common to experience an adjustment period with your new hearing aids in which your audiologist may need to fine tune the programming on your hearing aids in order to meet your specific needs and expectations. During this period, be sure to write down any questions or problems you experience so you can discuss these with your audiologist. |
