View
215
Download
1
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
For More Information Call Us (916) 930-6347 at or visit http://hearing-aids-sacramento-ca.com
Citation preview
Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.
(916) 930-6347
Hearing Aid Help How to Make Hearing Aids
Work For You
A few weeks ago I tested a woman who had
worn hearing aids for over 20 years. She was
getting ready to invest in her fifth set of
hearing instruments…yes, her fifth set. She
had come to me for a second opinion.
First, we did a Lifestyle Assessment to learn
about her day-to-day requirements for hearing. Then, I tested
her hearing and included additional speech testing to determine
how well new technology would help her hear better. Lastly, I
took the time and explained her test results to her.
With tears in her eyes, she told me that no one had ever taken
the time to truly explain her loss to her or ask her where and
when she needed to hear more clearly.
On two occasions, she had received a quick, fifteen minute test
and was then told to go down the hall to be fit with new hearing
aids. Which she did, no questions asked! She felt like she had no
say or any choice in the matter because this was within her HMO
plan. By the way, her health insurance did not cover any of the
costs for hearing aids. This was strictly an out-of-pocket expense.
She described these two experiences as “being treated like a
hearing loss instead of a person or like a number in a massive
medical system.” She also admitted having purchased hearing
aids from “someone she wouldn’t buy a used car from” but again,
felt like she had no other choice. The last time she was fit by “a
Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.
(916) 930-6347
nice person but he didn’t seem to know much about adjusting her
hearing aids”.
In spite of these experiences, she was still searching for a better
solution for her hearing loss. I want to thank this woman for
sharing her stories because she inspired me to write this month’s
column.
You can have the best technology in the world and still not do
well if you are missing any part of the human element to a
successful hearing aid fitting. The three human elements are a
completely competent and caring hearing healthcare provider, a
motivated client and a supportive family member. Each person
plays a vital role in whether you will be happy with hearing aids.
The Hearing Healthcare Provider
In the state of California, Licensed Hearing Healthcare Providers
test hearing for the purpose of fitting hearing aids. This testing is
not considered a medical evaluation. Should your case history or
hearing test indicate a medical problem, you must be referred to
a doctor for medical attention.
The hearing test is usually done as a complimentary service with
no charge to the client. Hearing aids are typically fit through the
“retail” model of dispensing.
Audiologists, on the other hand, are extensively trained in
diagnostic testing. Many, but not all audiologists, hold two
licenses — one for diagnostic testing and one for the fitting of
hearing aids. The price of this testing ranges from $75 - $150,
and hearing aids are usually fit through the “medical” model of
dispensing.
Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.
(916) 930-6347
Completely Competent & Caring Provider
Whether you choose a licensed hearing aid dispenser or an
audiologist, you want this person to be competent in two areas:
people skills and technical knowledge. It is critical that the
provider understands your problems and takes the time to get to
know you. Be sure you feel comfortable with this person since
you will be working closely with them.
Secondly, the provider must demonstrate a high degree of
technical expertise during the testing and follow-up care. Pay
close attention to the thoroughness of your hearing test. Did it
only take fifteen minutes or closer to an hour?
Did you feel rushed? Or were you given the time you needed?
Were the test results explained to you in an easy-to-understand
manner? Or were you simply told you need hearing aids with little
or no explanation?
The care and attention you receive during the initial appointment
is often indicative of how you will be treated after the fitting. A
successful hearing aid fitting actually begins after the delivery of
the hearing instruments. Most hearing aids need adjusting in the
weeks following delivery.
When you have a legitimate complaint, you want to feel confident
that the provider will know what to do to help you. To find the
right provider for you, get a referral from a friend you trust. And
keep looking until you find the right provider. You have a choice.
Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.
(916) 930-6347
Motivated Client
No matter what type of hearing loss you have, you must want to
hear better and be willing to go through some changes. Learning
to hear through new amplification averages four to six weeks but
can take up to several months. No one wants to wear hearing
aids but surveys show that once people invest in better hearing,
the benefits of properly fit hearing instruments far outweigh the
hassles.
Supportive Family
I have actually seen an excellent fitting go sour because of
uninformed family members. To avoid this, be sure to include a
family member for the entire hearing rehabilitation process. You
want them to be with you during the hearing test and explanation
of your results.
Your family must be educated so that they know what you are
going through. They must also be informed as to how much
hearing aids will help you. Hearing aids can’t “cure” hearing loss
anymore that glasses cure vision problems.
But hearing aids do help people hear better and improve family
relationships.
Learning to hear better through new hearing instruments is a
process. Having at least three people (the right provider, a
supportive family member and an informed and motivated YOU!)
working together will ensure a successful hearing aid fitting.
Avalon Hearing Aid Center, Inc.
(916) 930-6347
For More Information Call Us (916) 930-6347 at
or visit http://hearing-aids-sacramento-ca.com