How to Lessen the Severity of Age-Related Hearing Loss

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

(Page 4 of 4)

Some Won't Hear Of It

Doctors know that hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, and medical evaluations can help individuals with hearing impairment avoid social isolation and other problems associated with hearing difficulties. However, Mann says these options are not being used by the majority of older people who could potentially benefit — perhaps out of embarrassment, because the hearing loss is under-diagnosed, or because it is under-treated.

"Some people perceive that there is a social stigma associated with wearing a hearing aid," he says. Many people who have a hearing impairment are afraid to admit it, or are unaware of the sophisticated communication devices available to improve their hearing. Mann says that many people have unrealistic expectations and are disappointed in the performance of their device. "Most everyone knows a relative or an acquaintance who has purchased a hearing aid that now sits in a dresser drawer," he says.

Mann also cites a significant financial investment in many cases, and associated with this is the risk of ownership. People are worried about losing or damaging a high-priced investment, he says. And there is also some inconvenience on the consumer's part with the traditional route for obtaining a hearing aid — multiple visits, hearing aid evaluations, medical evaluations, and follow-up visits to address specific problems, such as feedback and comfort issues with the ear molds. "In some cases," Mann says, "there may be trust issues with hearing aid dispensers based on a history of unethical business practices with some companies in the past."

But the hearing health care profession agrees that all of these obstacles can be overcome. Many organizations exist to provide people with advice and information, and there are professionals who are willing to work with older people to help them overcome their fears and concerns.

As for McKinney, she still asks her students to speak up and sometimes turns up the volume on her TV when it doesn't inconvenience other family members. But, she says, "How bad does your hearing have to be before you do something about it?" In her case, it's no worse than it was initially. "I'm not embarrassed about the fact that I may need to wear a hearing aid one day," she admits. But the next time she tries one on for size, she says she'll first have a medical evaluation and then be referred to a reputable hearing aid dispenser for a proper fit.

How to Lessen the Severity of Age-Related Hearing Loss

• Get regular hearing tests
• Limit the amount of noise that enters the ear
• Maintain normal volume for music and other forms of entertainment
• Protect your hearing by wearing earplugs in noisy environments, such as when mowing the lawn or using power equipment

Hearing Health Care Professionals At a Glance

Otolaryngologists (M.D. or D.O.) are licensed physicians who specialize in diseases of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT), and are medically trained to identify the symptoms of deafness in context with a person's overall health. They are qualified by special training to diagnose and treat hearing loss and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.

Otologists (M.D. or D.O.) and Neurotologists (M.D. or D.O.) are highly specialized otolaryngologists knowledgeable in the basic sciences of hearing, balance, nerve function, infectious disease, and anatomy of the head and neck. They also may manage diseases and disorders of the cranial nerves and skull base.

Audiologists are qualified by training and experience to specialize in evaluating and rehabilitating people whose communication disorders center around hearing. They must hold at least a master's degree in audiology from an accredited university. In some states, audiologists must satisfy specific requirements to be licensed.

Hearing aid dispensers are people, partnerships, corporations, or associations that sell, lease, or rent hearing aids to the public. Individual dispensers must be high school graduates who have completed at least six months of training under a licensed hearing aid dispenser. They must pass both written and practical state examinations.

Buyer Beware!

Sorting help from hype in any media — television, print, or the Internet — can pose a problem. So remember, if a claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Here are some points to remember when considering a hearing aid:

Hearing aids can be expensive. Know your rights in a hearing aid purchase — including return policies, and how to choose a reputable seller — to avoid ending up with a costly device that doesn't work or one that you might not need.

Hearing aid dispensers are required by federal law to inform people that it is in their best interest to have a medical exam by a licensed physician before they make a purchase.

Fitting involves careful testing of hearing loss and selecting the right aid. A reputable seller will teach you how to use the device and will be available to service it.

Get a referral from your doctor or from friends who were happy with the services they received.

Check with your state health department to determine who is qualified to fit hearing aids. Under Maryland law, for example, audiologists, hearing aid dispensers, and physicians are qualified. Some states have special licensing divisions within the larger health department.

Cell phones and hearing aids may not work very well together because of electromagnetic interference. Ask your dispenser which hearing aid models are compatible with your mobile phone.

About the Author

www.fda.gov
FDA is A United States government body that oversees medical devices, including contact lenses, intraocular lenses, excimer lasers and eyedrops. In the US, these products must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed.