ADULTS

 9) I have nerve deafness.  Can hearing aids help? Approximately 80% of all hearing loss is not medically or surgically treatable and is often referred to as nerve deafness. This type of hearing loss most often occurs in the cochlea rather than the hearing nerve and can be the result of noise exposure, illness, family history or medication.  Hearing aids are often an excellent option for improving hearing.  Your audiologist will evaluate your hearing and provide information about how effective hearing aids can be for your particular hearing loss. 

10) When do I know its time for me to try hearing aids? If you are experiencing difficulty hearing on a regular basis and others are mentioning that you dont hear well, it may be time to look into the possibility of using hearing aids.  Hearing loss develops slowly over time so you may not be aware of how much you are missing.  If you answer yes to three or more signs of hearing loss listed above, you likely have some degree of hearing loss. Your audiologist will evaluate your hearing and determine if hearing aids are an option. 

11) I think I'm ready to try hearing aids.  Now what do I do? First, you will need to have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist.  If your audiologist recommends hearing aids you will be scheduled for a consultation where ear impressions will be made.  Over the next 4-6 weeks you will be fit with the hearing aids and seen for follow-up visits while you adjust to the hearing aids. Adjusting to hearing aids is a process.  You will need to learn to how to listen and adjust to hearing many sounds you have been missing. Your audiologist will help you to develop realistic expectations for hearing aid use and guide you through the fitting process.