Why do so many with hearing loss not seek help?
·       Some are not personally aware of their problem.
·       Some simply do not want to face the problem.
·       Some feel the problem will go away.
·       Some just don’t know what to do about it.
·       Some don’t know where to go for help.

What are some of the reasons for this dilemma?
·    A mistaken belief that hearing loss is a sign of mental weakness or old age.
·   An erroneous notion that there is a social stigma associated with wearing a hearing aid.
·   Vanity or cosmetic concerns.
·   Fear or uncertainty.
·   Lack of information or knowledge about amplification.
·  Assumption that all hearing aids are too expensive.

What are some consequences of long-term hearing loss and deferred treatment?
·              Unexplainable stress and irritability.
·              Unfounded suspicion and paranoia.
·              Family friction and misunderstandings.
·              Withdrawal from favorite social activities.
·              Avoidance of people who are difficult to understand.
·              Protracted period of adjustment to amplification.
·              Reduced hearing habilitation.
·              Diminished motivation and lust for life.

What are some myths and facts about hearing loss and hearing aids?

Myth:        There’s no help for people with “nerve” loss.
Fact:        The vast majority of hearing losses are sensorineural and the vast majority of these can be helped with amplification.

Myth:          Acupuncture will cure “nerve deafness”.
Fact:          There is no clinical evidence that acupuncture benefits nerve loss patients.

Myth:          Hearing aids just make your own hearing worse.
Fact:          Properly selected and fitted hearing aids will not make your natural hearing better or worse.  They will enhance residual hearing.

Myth:          Hearing aids will make tinnitus (“ringing”) worse.
Fact:           In rare cases amplification may exacerbate tinnitus.  In most cases it tends to mask or cover the ringing and provide some relief.

Myth:          Hearing aids limit lifestyle and favorite activities.
Fact:          Quite to the contrary!  Hearing aids can minimize the debilitating and limiting effects of a hearing loss.

Myth:          Hearing aids are ugly and conspicuous.
Fact:          Most people will notice a hearing LOSS a lot more than a hearing AID.  Modern hearing aids are smaller and unobtrusive.

Myth:          Hearing aids are very expensive.
Fact:          There are expensive technologies available but there are also many very good hearing aids available at modest prices.

Myth:          Many people don’t like their hearing aids but they’re “stuck” with them.
Fact:            Everyone responds to amplification differently.  Many people wouldn’t want to be without their hearing aids.

Why do I need a hearing test?  I can order hearing aids from a magazine and get them in the mail.

By today’s standards a mail-order amplifier can not be compared to a “custom fit” hearing aid.  The hearing test produces the audiometric data that is absolutely essential for the appropriate design and selection for a “prescriptive” fitting.  Mail-order hearing aids would be comparable to mail-order eyeglasses or dentures.  Does this make sense?

Who should I go to first?

It is best to rule out any medical reasons for your hearing loss.  You may visit your personal physician (family doctor) or an ear specialist (ENT or otolaryngologist).  If it is determined there is no medical or surgical remedy for your hearing problem you may request the doctor to provide you with a “medical clearance for hearing aid candidacy” slip.

Where should I go to obtain help with hearing aids?

Ears and hearing aids require periodic service.  Ultimately you will develop a working relationship with your dispenser.  It is important to look for a dispenser within reasonable driving distance from your residence.  If there are several, you may want to call for an appointment and visit with them all.  Ask lots of questions.  Try to get a feel for who you can trust and have confidence in.