(ARA) - Everyone expects to lose some of their hearing as they grow older, so it should come as no surprise that 28 million people, or one in every ten Americans suffers from a hearing impairment of some kind. While measurable hearing losses can occur as early as age 40, the majority of the hearing impaired are age 53 and up.
"The aging process is one factor, so is a lifetime of exposure to loud noise," says Lois Benson, who is an Audiologist at Plymouth, Minn., based Interton, one of the few companies that manufactures a complete line of hearing aids in different technologies.
Shortly after their father died, Tanya Shenkman's children became very concerned about her. "She became withdrawn. She told us she was tired and didn't want visitors," says Mura Mathason of West Palm Beach, Fla.
At first, Mathason thought her mother needed time to mourn and did not push her, but as days turned into weeks, she one day made the decision to show up unannounced and check up on her mother. She got no response when she knocked on the door, but knew her mother was home because she heard the loud television from the front door of the apartment. "I put my key in the lock and opened the door. Mom was sitting there staring at the television and the volume was all the way up. When she saw me, she just smiled, and I knew something was wrong." "Stress can often aggravate the problem, and that's probably what happened in Mrs. Shenkman's case," says Benson. Shenkman's daughter made an appointment with an audiologist the day after finding her in front of the television, and it was determined that she needed binaural hearing aids (a hearing aid for each ear).
* Shopping for a hearing aid
If you've never sought help for a hearing problem, purchasing a hearing aid can be an overwhelming experience, whether it's for you or a parent. There are several different styles and levels of technology to choose from. So how do you know where to start?
A proper hearing diagnosis and treatment starts with an Audiologist or licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist. Check the Better Business Bureau and get references from friends and family who are satisfied customers. Once you find a dispenser, it might be a good idea to bring someone with you for a second opinion or for assistance in making this important decision.
Benson says you should also consider the lifestyle of the person who will be wearing the device. "Today's hearing aids do far more than simply amplify sound. They can be programmed to enhance sounds in specific frequencies that the patient has lost hearing in. They can also prevent loud sounds from becoming too loud in the patient's ear. Modern hearing aids have different programs to amplify sounds in different listening environment; for example in a crowded restaurant vs. in a car with the windows rolled up. They offer incredible flexibility to fit the patient's specific listening needs and lifestyle. Today's hearing aids need to perform this way because hearing loss is like a finger print, no two cases are alike."
It may be helpful to understand the benefits that various technologies have to offer. Many hearing aids are advertised based solely on price but do not solve the individual hearing problem. Nor do they have the ability to be adjusted in later years to match a diminishing hearing ability.
Hearing aids come in various styles that can be worn in the outer ear, behind the ear, in the ear canal and completely in the canal. The latter is nearly invisible when worn. "The audiologist will make recommendations based on the contour of the patient's ear as well as results from the hearing exam," says Benson. "Generally the greater the loss, the larger the hearing aid may need to be in order to house the more powerful components and larger battery."
"Whatever you do, compare prices and services by shopping around," says Mathason. "If the hearing professional doesn't offer at least one hour of counseling to help you become accustomed to the new hearing experience, move on to the next office. And once you find a hearing device you like, ask the dispenser if they are willing to make any necessary adjustments that may be needed with no additional charge. That ended up being a major factor with my mother."
Tania Shenkman's daughters know life will never be the same for their mother now that their father is gone. "But at least we can take comfort in the fact that she can hear what is going on around her, feels more secure, and best of all, knows that we love her," says Mathason.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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