DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? :

THE BEAUTY OF HEARING AIDS

For the more than 20 million Americans with hearing problems, life can be full of

missed opportunities. Friends and families often get tired of raising their voices and adapting

to the problem. This can make a lonely place for the hearing-impaired. Luckily, hearing aids

— small electronic devices that amplifies sound — can help the hearing-impaired people hear

better.

Audiologists from Los Angeles to New York know that not everyone who needs hearing

aids wears them. In fact, one out of five people who could benefit from a hearing aid do not

actually wear them. And to gain a better understanding of this assistive device, here’s what’s

to know.

Aids with hearing

Hearing aids are electronic

devices that fit inside or behind

the ear and helps amplify sounds

from the outside. Hearing aids

are helpful, but no matter how

technically advanced, they do not

restore normal hearing, except in

some very mild hearing losses.

Choosing the right aid

Whether you’re getting the analog or digital version, or the adjustable over

programmable type, you and your audiologist should first determine if a hearing aid is the

right device for your type of hearing loss. Pacific Specialists and other specialized doctors

need to find out first if your hearing problem can benefit from a hearing aid or not.

And before any purchase, ask if the warranty covers repairs and if there is a free trial

period to try it out.

Adjusting to your device

Adjusting to a hearing aid is a gradual process. It involves adjusting and learning to

listen in different environments and becoming accustomed to hearing different sounds at

different levels.

As such, your own voice

may sound too loud. You may

also hear a whistling sound or

feedback. This is often due to

the fit of the hearing aid or

because of earwax or fluid

buildup. See your audiologist for

any concerns.

Hearing is living, and

thanks to today’s digital

technology, people with hearing

problems are living life much

better.

Eye and Ear specialists,

like Pacific Specialists, provide

more resources on hearing aids

and their proper use.