FAQs and Myths about hearing
Alzheimer's disease is most common type of dementia; accounts for an estimated 60 to 80 percent of cases.
Questions for adult/geriatric patients regarding hearing loss:
Answer the following with either Yes, Sometimes or Never
Does a hearing problem:
- Cause you to feel embarrassed when you meet new people?
- Cause you to feel frustrated when talking to members of your family?
- Cause you difficulty when someone speaks in a whisper?
- Cause you to feel disabled?
- Cause you difficulty when visiting friends or relatives?
- Cause you to avoid going to religious or social events?
- Cause arguments with family members?
- Cause difficulty listening to T.V.?
- Cause you to limit your personal or social life?
- Cause you difficulty when in a restaurant with relatives or friends?
Tabulate the patient's score using the following scores:
YES = 4 points
SOMETIMES = 2 points
NEVER = 0 points
Summary:
0-8: No handicap
10-24: Mild-moderate hearing disability
26-40: Severe hearing disability
Taken from Ventry & Weinstein (1983) in Guidelines for Audiologic Screening, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Panel on Audiologic Assessment), 1997.
MEDICAL, TECHNOLOGICAL AND SURGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR HEARING LOSS
Comprehensive Otolaryngology & Audiology, Core Physicians
Did you know that the FDA requires Audiologists and hearing aid dispensers to advise patients to receive medical clearance from a physician, ideally an Ear, Nose and Throat physician, prior to fitting a hearing aid? If the patient declines to receive medical clearance, the patient must sign a waiver stating they understand that they are declining medical clearance even though it is in their best interests.
The bottom line is, hearing loss is best treated with a partnership between an ENT Physician and Hearing Specialist. There are many reasons why your hearing may not be optimal. Although devices may be recommended in some circumstances, they are not always necessary or the right answer to solve hearing problems. Sometimes, fluid, infection, wax or other more serious medical conditions can play a role in hearing loss.
reNew Hearing works closely with Comprehensive Otolaryngology to make sure that our patients have the best treatment options available for their specific type of hearing loss.
MYTHS:
Myth 1:
They are uncomfortable and unattractive Ironically, this myth persists because modern hearing instruments are so well concealed that most people never see them. The styles most people see in public are actually older generation units worn either directly in the ear or in a large behind-the-ear-case. Today's instruments are an astonishing blend of camouflage and miniaturization that disappear behind the ear, tinted to blend with your hair or skin color. They are ultra-light, and you barely feel the receiver as it hovers over your ear canal and delivers natural, vibrant sound.
Myth 2:
They will make me look old.
The people you meet may not even notice you're wearing a hearing device. But, you'll notice a huge difference in how you communicate with them. Today's hearing devices let you hear what you need to hear with greater comfort and convenience. They are discreet and elegant.
Myth 3:
Hearing instruments are not for me. Not yet anyway...
People who believe they have only slightly impaired hearing make the mistake of thinking that they don't have much to gain from a hearing instrument.
Untreated hearing loss has been linked to dementia (Most common is Alzheimer's disease) and other cognitive disorders!
If you let your hearing go without aids for too long, your brain loses the ability to help you recognize and hear sounds correctly.
Once this is lost, it might never be regained. The ability to reproduce certain sounds goes also.
It's a shame, because they waste years of their lives coping and adapting, and missing out on the joy of being more fully engaged with family, friends, and colleagues. The only way to understand what you're missing is to try these state-of-the-art hearing instruments in your own home, your own office, and your own daily life. If you're suffering from hearing loss, you'll see how these devices can pull you back into the more vibrant life you love, in a way that adapting, coping and older hearing technology cannot.
Hearing devices can adapt to the environment so you can follow conversations in a variety of situations—restaurants, phone calls, sporting events. Break out of your shell and redefine your expectations of style and comfort.
Myth 4:
They cost a lot of money
While some premium hearing aids can sell for several thousand dollars per pair, there are affordable options available in every price range, starting at $595 each. Also, more insurance plans now offer a benefit to help with the purchase of hearing aids and easy payment plans are available. Your Specialist can advise you on the best choices and options for you.
Myth 5:
I don't need hearing protection
It’s never too early for hearing protection
Prolonged noise can damage your hearing — even short bursts of sound over 90 decibels can have an impact.
Permanent hearing loss can occur in as little as 15 minutes with exposure to certain sounds and almost instantly with unprotected exposure to sounds generated from firearms and certain power tools. If your hearing is susceptible to any sounds above 90 decibels, you need to take immediate action to prevent permanent hearing damage. Because once permanent hearing damage occurs, it can't be reversed.
