Do You Hear That?

Dr. Peter Loring, Au.D., 
Licensed Audiologist

    Your spouse starts to tell you that you’re not listening to them. Family members are telling you to turn the television down. You’re making comments in conversation that are being met with, “I just told you that…”  
    For many people the first signs of hearing loss are noticed by those around them. We hear what we hear, and don’t know what we aren’t hearing. So to us, everything is still fine.  
    One in 3 people above the age of 65 suffer from hearing loss. This normally comes on gradually, and over time. The result is that the person with the issue doesn’t realize it’s been developing over a number of years.  Subtleties in the environment slowly begin to fade out. The world isn’t quite as bright. The birds are much quieter.

Some of the signs of hearing loss most commonly include the fact that:
• You’re able to hear someone is talking to you, but can’t always understand them.
• Crowds are more difficult as the background noise drowns out the conversation.
• Turning up the volume on the television makes things louder, but the clarity (understanding) is still very difficult. The average person with hearing loss typically waits between 5-8 years from the point in time they begin to notice it, until they choose to address it.
    
    Let’s be honest. The fact that hearing aids are the most common, and effective way to help someone with hearing loss, makes many people concerned, frustrated, and even angry.
    So… what should you do next; once you’ve decided “it’s time”?
    Have your hearing tested. Make sure that you find someone licensed. Whether it be an audiologist in private practice, a hearing aid dispenser, or even in an Otolaryngologist (ENT) office. These professionals will be able to test your hearing and explain what the next step should be.­
    The professional should be able to discuss what your needs are based on lifestyle, hearing loss, and of course… your finances. As with everything else in life, you do get what you pay for. Those $199 “hearing aids” in the back of a magazine 
that look too good to be true? They are.
    If you have the ability to try hearing aids before paying for them… DO IT!!! There are professionals who offer you a risk-free trial before having to reach into your wallet. Anything sounds great in the office, but you need to know how they will work in your day to day life.