A quick note before we begin - these are some common questions that those seeking information on hearing health care have had. If you have a question that is not answered below, please email Dr. Van Doorne with your question, and you will receive not only a personal reply, but your question as well as Dr. Van Doorne's answer will be posted below for others to view as well.
What causes hearing loss?
How common is hearing loss?
How does hearing loss affect individuals?
What should I do if I or a loved one has a hearing loss?
How do hearing instruments work?
What about the complains that I have heard about hearing instruments?
Will my hearing instrument amplify loud sounds and damage my hearing further?
What sort of changes or adaptations are necessary with hearing instruments?
Why was my friend's hearing aid cheaper than mine, when we went to the same audiologist and they look the same?
What is the best brand of hearing instruments?
Why does my digital hearing aid buzz when I use my cell phone?
Q: What causes hearing loss?
A: About 80% of hearing loss can be traced to heredity or prolonged exposure to loud noise. Certain illnesses and medications can also be causes of hearing loss.
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Q: How common is hearing loss?
A: One of every ten Americans currently has some degree of hearing loss. For those aged 65 or older, the ratio is almost one in three.
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Q: How does hearing loss affect people?
A: While each hearing loss is unique, most people share common effects from their loss. They can feel isolated from their friends and family. It is often more difficult to meet new people or face new surroundings. They often complain of appearing incompetent or feeling left out. Recent studies have shown a relationship between hearing loss and depression and stress.
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Q: What should I do if I or a loved one has a hearing loss?
A: The first step should be a professional hearing examination by an audiologist. This will help to determine the level and type of your hearing loss. The proper treatment with either medical attention or a hearing instrument will be recommended.
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Q: How do hearing instruments work?
A: Hearing instruments fill the gap created by a hearing loss by receiving and amplifying sound. While there are many different types of hearing technology, four basic components are common to them all:
1. a microphone, which receives sound and translates it into electrical impulses;
2. an amplifier, which makes those electrical impulses stronger;
3. a receiver (speaker), which translates those now-stronger impulses into louder sounds; and
4. a battery, which serves as a power source for the whole system.
Hearing instruments vary widely in their styles, sizes, and levels of circuit technology. We will help you to choose the hearing aid style and circuitry that is right for your hearing loss and lifestyle.
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Q: What about the complains that I have heard about hearing instruments?
A: It is true that there are several complaints that are sometimes mentioned by hearing aid users. Here are two of the most common:
"My own voice sounds strange."
Hearing instruments amplify some or all sounds. This includes the sound of your own voice. Your voice may sound different because it is being amplified by the hearing instrument. The new open tube fitting also eliminates the "plugged-up" sensation. These have been highly effective in eliminating occlusion.
"I have a problem with whistling sounds or feedback."
There are several common causes of this problem all of which are easily solved. First, your hearing aid may fit too loosely. This allows the amplified sound to escape from your ear and be picked up again by the microphone, thus resulting in feedback. New digital technologies now incorporate an anti-feedback algorithm, eliminating annoying whistling sounds.
Q: Will my hearing instrument amplify loud sounds and damage my hearing further?
A: Your hearing instrument will be preset to a safe level of maximum amplification. However, keep in mind that you may have to adjust to loud startling sounds as they are amplified by your hearing instrument.
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Q: What sort of changes or adaptations are necessary with hearing instruments?
A: First, you need to understand that it is not possible for a hearing instrument to completely restore your hearing. What it can do is enhance sound and thus allow you to hear better. Since hearing loss is gradual, over the years you may have become unaccustomed to normal environmental sounds such as traffic noise, the hum of a refrigerator or air conditioner, nature sounds, or background conversation. Therefore, when you begin to wear hearing instruments, it is necessary to re-educate your brain to practice selective listening and learn once again to choose only those sounds which you wish to hear and ignore the rest. This usually happens over a period of four to six weeks.
It is important that you wear your hearing instruments as much as possible after your initial adjustment period. This is the best way for you to get used to them and the way that they work. This also helps you to become more skilled at recognizing sound direction, learning what hearing instrument settings work best in different situations, and using visual clues in difficult hearing environments.
Patience is key. Your friends and family can be very helpful in the whole process. Encourage them to speak to you in a normal voice while they are facing you and in the same room. If, for some reason, you continue to find the adjustment to be difficult, our staff will be happy to answer any questions which you may have and help you to solve any of your hearing-related problems.
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Q: Two of my friends wear hearing instruments that look the same, but each of them paid a different amount. They came from the same audiologist. Why are the prices different?
A: Hearing instrument shells look alike, but its the processor inside that makes one different from another. The least expensive processors are good, but often without noise reduction programs, moderately-priced processors are more flexible in their design, allowing easier accomodation of your hearing loss. Many of them today have automatic directional microphones, noise-management programs and feedback cancellation, as well as data logging. The most expensive hearing aid processors represent the most recent research and the highest level of sophistication available, allowing a user to hear better at a distance and providing the most natural sound possible.
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Q: What is the best brand of hearing instruments?
A: There are over 6 major hearing instrument manufacturers, each producing exceptional quality products. Which brand is right for you is determined by the results of your audiogram, your lifestyle, your cosmetic requirements and your dexterity.
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Q: Why does my digital hearing aid buzz when I use my cell phone?
A: An incompatability exists between a digital hearing instrument and a cellular phone. As of September 2005, cell phone manufacturers are required to provide some models without that incompatability. Look for ratings of M3 or M4 from your cell phone manufacturer. For T-coil use, look for T3 or T4.
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