Friday, 10 September 2010
| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. How do I recognize hearing loss? Will I need to wear hearing aids in both ears? What if I pick the wrong hearing aid? Why doesn't my hearing aid work as well as it used to? Is it true that only a few people are truly hearing impaired? How do I recognize hearing loss? Throughout most of our lives, hearing is as natural as breathing. We listen without thinking, converse with ease and wake from sleep to the subtlest of audio cues. Yet, little by little, things can change. If you think someone you know might have a hearing loss, take a look at this list of common warning signs. Do any of the following sound familiar? * They appear to hear people talk but have difficulty understanding some of the words * They’re constantly asking people to repeat themselves * They have a hard time understanding women and children’s voices * They have a hard time understanding in a crowd * It’s hard for them to understand on the phone * They favor one ear over the other * They complain of a ringing sensation in one or both ears * They often appear uncomfortable at social occasions they used to enjoy * They seem withdrawn, depressed or irritable * Other friends or family members have noticed their difficulty hearing While a few "yes" answers don’t automatically indicate a hearing loss, it does suggest the need for a consultation with a hearing professional. Will I need to wear hearing aids in both ears? Two ears are better than one, since binaural, or two-ear hearing, is what helps us determine where sounds are coming from, and to distinguish between competing sounds more easily. If you have a hearing loss in only one ear, you may be fine with one hearing aid. Age- and noise-related hearing loss tend to affect both ears, but your hearing profile for each ear is probably different. If there is a loss in both ears, then you will benefit more with a binaural approach. In addition, some of the benefits of digital technology require two hearing aids. Today, about two-thirds of new purchasers opt for dual hearing aids, and as a group, they report a higher level of satisfaction than purchasers of a single aid. Discuss the pros and cons with our hearing specialist. What if I pick the wrong hearing aid? Fortunately, you can try hearing aids without fear. There is a mandated trial period of a minimum of 30 days in the U.S. (it varies by state) so you can be sure that your new aids meet your criteria. Why doesn't my hearing aid work as well as it used to? The number one destroyer of hearing aids is the accumulation of common earwax in the instrument’s receiver. This buildup of wax occurs frequently, often in just a few months. Your hearing aids are like finely tuned musical instruments. They function best when regularly cleaned and inspected. Is it true that only a few people are truly hearing impaired? With 28 million reporting hearing loss in this country alone, or one in 10 people, odds are good that you or someone you know is indeed affected by hearing loss, especially if you're age 60. |
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