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FAQs about Hearing Loss & Hearing Aids
- What is an Audiologist?
- Why consult an audiologist?
- What causes hearing loss?
- What medical conditions could I have that may contribute to hearing loss?
- How does noise affect hearing?
- How do I know I have hearing loss?
- What should I do if I think I have a hearing loss?
- What can I expect from an appointment?
- What if medical or surgical treatment will not restore my hearing?
- Which hearing aid is best for me?
- What can I expect from my hearing aid?
- Do I really need two hearing aids?
1) What is an Audiologist?
An Audiologist is the professional who specializes in evaluating and treating people with hearing loss. Audiologists have extensive training and skills to evaluate hearing of adults, infants and children of all ages. Audiologists conduct a wide variety of tests to determine the exact nature of an individual’s hearing problem. Audiologists present a variety of treatment options to patients with hearing impairment.
From “What is an Audiologist” (2006). American Academy of Audiology.
2) Why consult an audiologist?
Audiologists are highly trained professionals who hold graduate degrees from regionally accredited universities. They are licensed in most states to practice audiology, and have completed externships and national competency examinations. Audiologists are guided by rigid codes of ethics requiring the highest standards of service and ethical business practice.
From “Selecting Hearing Aids that are Right for You” (2006). American Academy of Audiology
3) What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by noise, heredity, aging, some medications, infections, and some medical conditions. It can also be caused by ear wax.
4) What medical conditions could I have that may contribute to hearing loss?
- Meniere’s Disease
- Otosclerosis
- Otitis Media
- Tinnitus
5) How does noise affect hearing?
Prolonged exposure to high-intensity noise, such as that in industry, military service, power tools, firearms or loud music, as well as many other environmental sources, can cause damage to the inner ear. No medical or surgical intervention can correct a hearing loss resulting from noise exposure.
6) How do I know I have hearing loss?
- Do you have problems hearing over the telephone?
- Do you have trouble following the conversation with two or more people talking at the same time?
- Do people complain that you turn the TV volume up too high?
- Do you have trouble hearing in a noisy background?
- Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves?
- Do you have to strain to understand conversations?
- Do many people you talk to seem to mumble (or not speak clearly)?
- Do you misunderstand what others are saying and respond inappropriately?
- Do you have trouble understanding the speech of women and children?
- Do people get annoyed because you misunderstand what they say?
If you answered “Yes” to three or more of these questions, schedule an appointment with our audiologist for a hearing evaluation (303-347-0800)
7) What should I do if I think I have a hearing loss?
Schedule an appointment with Colorado Adult & Children Ear Nose Throat for a hearing test and consultation (303-347-0800).
8) What can I expect from an appointment?
You can expect a complete audiological assessment to determine if you have hearing loss, to what degree you have loss, and what type of loss it is. In some cases, medical or surgical intervention can resolve hearing. In those cases, Dr. Tomaski will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
9) What if medical or surgical treatment will not restore my hearing?
Our audiologist will meet with you to discuss amplification options. Hearing aids are available in a variety of styles. Based on the type and degree of hearing loss, as well as your lifestyle needs, our audiologist will help you choose the hearing aid most suitable for you.
10) Which hearing aid is best for me?
Our audiologist will discuss the styles and technologies that are available and most appropriate for you based upon the results of the audiological evaluation. Today’s technology provides significant improvement over older conventional hearing aids. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) hearing aids represent the most advanced technology available. DSP allows the audiologist to adjust the parameters of the hearing aids through special computer programs. DSP operates by conducting millions of calculations per second to enhance sounds for easier listening.
Today’s hearing aids offer a large number of features that may improve your listening comfort and your understanding of speech.
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Directional Microphones to help understanding of speech in noise
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Digital Noise Reduction automatically lowers the hearing aid volume for many types of noises, which may improve your listening comfort
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Automatic Feedback Reduction/Cancellation can reduce the annoying squeal that some hearing aids make
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Telephone Coil Microphone allows you to access different listening devices, which can work in collaboration with your hearing aid.
From “Selecting Hearing Aids that are Right for You” (2006). American Academy of Audiology and “Hearing Loss? You may not know what you’re missing” (2007) American Academy of Audiology
11) What can I expect from my hearing aid?
Because your hearing likely gradually deteriorated, you should not expect your hearing aids to immediately return your hearing to “normal.” Using hearing aids successfully takes time and patience. Our audiologist will work with you through any problems you tell her you are experiencing, making appropriate adjustments as necessary. Our audiologist recommends annual hearing aid rechecks to monitor your hearing and hearing aid status.
12) Do I really need two hearing aids?
For most people with hearing loss in both ears, binaural amplification (hearing aids in both ears) offers substantial improvement in both quiet and noisy environments, along with a better sense of direction for locating the sound source.
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