What do President Clinton, Bob Hope, Arnold Palmer, and Nanette Fabray have in common?  It is not their golf game, it is hearing loss.  Three out of every ten mature adults have hearing loss that significantly impacts their ability to communicate and enjoy life. According to a 1997 survey by the American Academy of Audiology, the average person with a hearing impairment waits five to seven years before they are examined and diagnosed with a hearing impairment.  What are the barriers to seeking help?  Surprisingly, it is not the concern of having to wear a hearing aid that keeps people from seeking help.  The most frequently cited factors that prevent consumers from seeking help for their hearing problem are acceptance of the problem and lack of knowledge about hearing loss causes and treatment options.

Hearing loss isolates us from family and friends.  It typically occurs very slowly over time so that the person with the loss may not even be aware of the problem.  They may accuse others of being the cause of the problem, “My hearing is fine, everyone else mumbles.” 

How do you encourage friends and family to seek help?  Help them understand what they are missing.

Is the TV too loud?  Do you constantly repeat what you say?  Do you find they make excuses for staying home because they can’t hear?  Help your friends take the first step toward better hearing by making them aware of the problem.  “I would love to watch that program with you, but the volume hurts my ears,”  “I am sorry you didn’t hear me.  I am happy to repeat what I said,”  “I am sorry that the restaurant is so noisy that you have trouble hearing, can we go at a quieter time?”

So, before you leave the room, repeat a phrase, or choose another date, PAUSE and regroup. Acknowledge their problem and let them know that you ready to help them take the next step.

Take the next step and make an appointment to see your Audiologist (yes, they are even in the Yellow Pages). The Audiologist will find out what communication problems you are having, and perform a comprehensive assessment of your hearing system.  These tests include measurements of  ear canal resonance, middle ear mobility and inner ear sensitivity, function, and discrimination. Once the type and dynamic characteristics of hearing loss is determined, recommendations are made for rehabilitation.  Recommendations may include aural rehabilitation, lip reading/speech reading, use of assistive devices, cochlear implants, and the use of hearing instruments. 

If you have a medical problem with the health of your ears, such as a hole in your eardrum, draining ears, loss of balance, sudden hearing loss or a difference in hearing between your ears,  you should see an Otolaryngologist.   If hearing instruments are recommended, you may purchase them from an audiologist or a hearing instrument specialist.  Hearing instrument specialists are licensed to test hearing for the purpose of selling and fitting hearing aids.

Take action.  The first two steps, like a good golf swing, only count with good follow through, practice and patience.  Find a hearing care professional who will listen to your needs for hearing lifestyle, price, cosmetics, and performance.   Try the recommended hearing instruments and communicate any concerns about the sound or fitting.  Hearing instruments should fit comfortably.   Soft sounds should be audible, normal speech comfortable, and loud sounds should be tolerable.  If you know are not happy with your hearing instruments, discuss your concerns with your audiologist or hearing instrument specialist until they are resolved and you are satisfied.

Technology changes!  New technologies in hearing instruments such as digital signal processing, directional microphones, and wireless systems are improving the quality of sound and performance.  In addition, there are special assistive devices for TV and telephone that are making life easier for those with hearing loss. Technology keeps changing, offering more people a wider variety of choices for their hearing problems.

So, if you or someone you know have concerns about hearing, clip a copy of this article and send it to them. May is Better Speech and Hearing Month.  There has never been a better time to explore the possibilities of better hearing!