When Hearing Grows Difficult
Not hearing as well as you used to? You are not alone. The number of people who probably could hear much better with a hearing aid is increasing. Baby boomers are increasingly becoming aware that they have premature hearing loss. Experts agree that noise-induced hearing loss is to blame for what 40-50 year olds aren't hearing. But, about 60 percent of those who need hearing aids go without them.
We all have lots of reasons why we put off getting our hearing tested. It might be concern for the cost or the way we might look with a hearing aid. Denial that our bodies aren't working quite as well as in the past could play a part. Or we might not know how to start the whole process.
Some things to keep in mind as you begin doing something about your hearing:
- You are shopping for a hearing health care professional, not
a particular product. Because of the great variety of
manufacturers, styles, sizes and options, you will need to rely
on an expert to make recommendations for your particular needs.
Your neighbor's eyeglass prescription probably wouldn't
work for you; neither would her hearing aid.
- Unlike most purchases, you can't just walk into a store
and pick out a hearing aid. You are buying an expensive piece of
electronic equipment that someone has to adjust to your specific
hearing needs.
- Finding the right hearing care is critical. Professionals who
provide hearing health care and sell hearing aids are generally
called "hearing aid dispensers." They may be
audiologists or hearing aid specialists (or hearing aid dealers),
depending on the type of education they have. Audiologists have
advanced degrees in Audiology.
- Interview several dispensers. Ask about their education,
experience, services, and follow-up care. Make sure they offer
products from a number of manufacturers so you have a wide choice
of options. Check with state licensing boards, consumer
protection agencies, or the Better Business Bureau for any
unresolved complaints.
- Understand pricing. Some dispensers bill separately for
testing, the hearing aids, and other services. Most quote one
price that includes many services as well as the aids. Until you
know which aid you will need, you won't be able to know the
complete price.
AARP Resources
- AARP Consumer Guide to Hearing Aids
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Download your copy of AARP’s booklet that explains what you need to know about hearing loss and obtaining help with your hearing.
Additional Resources
- Hearing Loss
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Take this simple self-test to see if you may have hearing loss.
- Hearing Loss Association of America
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This non-profit organization has lots of practical information
for people with hearing loss.
- Sound Advice on Hearing Aids
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The Federal Trade Commission has sound advice on safely
shopping for hearing aids.
- American Academy of Audiology
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This professional association of audiologists has a "find
an audiologist" feature on its Web site that refers you to
its members. Academy members have, at a minimum, a master's
degree, are in compliance with state regulations, and have
signed the academy's code of ethics.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
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The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication
Disorders, part of the National Institutes of Health, can help you determine if you have hearing loss and
whether a hearing aid may help.
