On-line hearing devices

There has been a lot of recent publicity about buying hearing aids on-line. Though this practice has existed for years, the recent move by United Health Care and hi HealthInnovations to provide a hearing aid benefit to their subscribers on-line has brought this issue to the forefront. In fact, it has led to a cease and desist order from the FDA, as the company did not adhere to regulations governing the fitting of hearing aids designed to protect the general public.

It is critical that a thorough diagnostic and physical evaluation be completed to rule out any medical issues that may be addressed. An audiologist is able to refer to a physician when necessary and be a resource for information so that good decisions about how to proceed may be made. The choice and programming of instruments are tailored to the individual as is the programming and adjustment, goals difficult if not impossible to achieve without face to face contact.  Though it may appear on the surface that such policies are cost effective and convenient, there are potential health risks and no way to ensure that fittings are appropriate.

Have you or anyone you know ever tried to use on-line hearing devices?

What are the pros and cons?

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Sudden Hearing Loss

Many people don't realize the importance of reporting sudden changes in hearing and/or dizziness to their physicians, to get an immediate hearing evaluation if indicated, to determine what kind of loss it is and whether or not it requires medical intervention. The tendency of most people is to assume that a hearing loss is temporary and will recover in a few days, but unless there is evidence of upper respiratory congestion and middle ear issues, waiting a few days may adversely affect the eventual outcome. In some cases, it is critical that treatment with medications begin within the first 48 to 72 hours if the hearing loss is sensorineural. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely it may be that the hearing returns to normal.

What causes sudden sensorineural hearing loss? Many conditions;  a virus or vasular problem, heavy physical exertion, barotrauma from flying or diving, ototoxic medications, etc. Some causes are potentially serious but many people experience sudden changes with unknown causes that are benign in other respects. In any case, it's important to have any sudden hearing loss medically evaluated, including a diagnostic hearing evaluation, to ensure the best outcomes. An audiologist is also able to counsel about compensatory techniques and any potential assistive devices. This ensures that ease of communication is preserved as much as possible in spite of permanent changes.

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Why Test Hearing in Children?

Young children who have speech and developmental delays should have periodic hearing evaluations by a pediatric audiologist to make sure that they have access to the full range of sound.  This is particularly important if there is a history of middle ear problems, family history of sensorineural hearing loss in childhood, or slow progress in speech and language or intelligibility. A thorough hearing evaluation should be a prerequisite to therapy for any young child.  One cannot learn sounds and concepts that one can't hear.

Hearing is a sense that stimulates brain development at critical times. If that critical time window is passed, it becomes difficult for the child to catch up in the future. Children may respond to sounds in their environments, but it is important to make sure that they have access to all the pitches that are necessary for speech and language development.

We are fortunate to be living in a time where newborn hearing screening is the norm, but passing a newborn hearing screening does not rule out future problems. Any hearing evaluation is a snap shot of hearing on that particular day; some hearing losses begin later in life and may be associated with other conditions such as kidney, eye, metabolic, and genetic disorders.

It makes sense to have a hearing evaluation to provide children with the support they need to be the best that they can be!

In this economy many people are hesitant to explore their issues with hearing and communication difficulties for fear that they will have trouble dealing with the possibility of new devices or that they are prohibitively expensive.

In my experience, most people very pleased when they have taken the steps to identify hearing problems and possibly work on solutions. Very few people are sorry that they have made the comittment and are surprised about how reasonable, automatic, cosmetically appealing, and effective hearing aids or compensatory listening techniques can be! The cost of hearing aids for most people is well worth it when they realize how much more vital and enjoyable everday life can be. Why miss the sound of a child's or loved one's voice, the sound of birds and water lapping the side of a boat, or the complete richness of a beautiful piece of music!

Hearing problems rob us of vitality and ease of communication,  and can affect relationships and even job security!

Check out the Sandcastle website for more information. www.sandcastlemaine.org

Audiologists vs. hearing aid sales

I am a clinical audiologist with nearly three decades of experience evaluating pople of all ages and collaborating with them and their healthcare providers to provide the best solutions for hearing and balance problems. I have consistently found that when people are treated with senstivity and the time is taken to explain what is going on with their ears or hearing, the eventual outcomes can be amazing! Of course the person has to be ready and willing to admit that they are having problems communicating, and for many that becomes a process that takes some time. Hearing loss is often gradual and humans are magnificently adaptive! We all learn to cope with changes in our bodies and compensate as best we can. Eventually, for many people they learn that this comes with a price. Communication takes effort and concentration particularly when your hearing is not optimal and it can provide subtle barriers to communication and social interaction. It makes it harder to perform well and be perceived as intellligent on a job and can gradually make the person feel left out of things.

As a practitioner with years of training and a desire to work with individuals and their physicians to rule out any treatable medical conditions, I find it frustrating for myself and the consumer that hearing loss and hearing aids are treated as a commodity. The most important part of getting a good fit is not the device alone, but the skill with which it is fit, and the desire of the fitter to work with the person to achieve the best result. This changes over time as the brain becomes accustomed to new sounds and requires time and patience on everyone's part. I would urge anyone who is considering a trial with amplification for himself or a family member or friend to seek a trained and licensed audiologist rather than a sales person to get the best chance of doing well with hearing aids and enjoying life to the fullest.