Boots on the Ground: Sharon Speaks Up on Do-It-Yourself Hearing Aids
Dear Tucson Audiologists’ Patients and Colleagues,
Sharon Hopkins is usually the Strong but Silent one in our office — programming hearing aids, performing hearing tests, working hard while Holly does the fun stuff like write posts. But once in awhile, Sharon decides there is a topic about which she feels strongly. When that happens, it’s worth listening to what she has to say because her vast experience down in the trenches gives her a keen perspective on the realities of hearing aid dispensing and audiology in general. Here’s what she has to say on the topic of the new version of mail-order hearing aids…..
Thinking about buying hearing aid(s) over-the-counter (OTC) or online, please consider this:
A lot of us research products over the internet, even purchase certain types of items online. Why? Availability, price, and easy access are probably the most common reasons to shop online. There is some good information out there. It is a good way to prepare the right questions to ask. Internet shopping is convenient, after all you can sit in your PJs at the computer 24/7 and get it delivered the next day to your door. Some products may not be available locally or the initial price may be less. I shop online too, but if I want to feel the quality, or need it to fit properly, or the product will require adjustment or service, I buy locally.
OTC or Internet hearing aid sales may seem attractive to those who don’t understand the process of diagnosing hearing loss or the fitting of hearing aids. Not everyone with a hearing loss should have hearing aids. Audiologists are trained to accurately measure the type and degree of hearing loss on calibrated equipment in a sound booth. We work with you and your physician to discover the origin of the hearing loss and whether it should be medically treated or if and when hearing aid(s) are appropriate. As Audiologists, we should:
- take the time to listen to your history, lifestyle, listening needs, and preferences for how you want to hear all the different environments that constitute your lifestyle;
- help you understand the acoustics of sound and the physiology of hearing loss. Hearing is personal and people have individual needs and preferences about how they hear. Your hearing and your preferences will change over time through a neural process called “acclimatization” as your ears and brain become used to hearing more and working together to optimize what you’re hearing;
- make adjustments to your hearing aid(s) as needed during the acclimatization process and maximize your benefits of amplification as your hearing needs change over time.
Some of our most technically savvy patients require the most time because they have researched online and more questions arise than were answered. We appreciate the effort and interest they take in their hearing. They begin to understand that even though hearing aids have become more automatic over the years they will only achieve optimal results with individualized fine tuning which is introduced on a time-line that is unique to each patient.
Thank-you for your consideration,
One of Your Tucson Audiologists,
Sharon Hopkins
Sharon K Hopkins MA, Dispensing Audiologist
