By Theresa H. Bartlett, AuD
After all, that’s where they can buy beer, shrimp and tires. You probably already know the answer, but your patients may not. Here’s an easy way to explain it to them, using that same beer, shrimp and tire analogy.
Purchasing a hearing aid is actually a lot like purchasing beer, shrimp or tires: it’s not simply pulling any old brand off a shelf. People have a favorite beer, a preference for peeled shrimp and a car that only certain tires will fit. They can’t buy any of those things without very specific information, for these products to satisfy a specific need (or desire).
Similarly, hearing aids must be compatible with someone’s specific hearing loss. This requires precise assessment by a hearing professional. Hearing loss may or may not (and probably not) be accurately measured by a hearing aid dispenser.
Another thing patients need to understand: hearing aids aren’t a quick fit or fix. Hearing loss occurs so slowly that most people aren’t even aware it’s occurring. Once it becomes significant enough for people to pursue amplification, it takes time to acclimate to all the sounds that their ears have been missing. After practicing for 20 years, I can tell you that most people expect to put hearing aids on for the first time and hear what they want to hear perfectly all the time. This is not practical; nor is it possible in most cases.
It takes the average person being told seven times in seven years that they have sustained hearing loss before they actually pursue amplification – that’s at least seven years of living with hearing loss. To then put hearing aids on and have all sounds returned immediately can be quite overwhelming, which is why the majority of people put their hearing aids in a drawer, never to wear them again – because they’ve simply been overwhelmed by all the sound. That’s where the Audiologist comes in.
It’s the role of the Audiologist to correctly identify hearing loss and to make referrals to ENTs when appropriate. It’s also the role of the Audiologist to educate patients about their hearing loss, and to explain why they’re having the concerns they have. The Audiologist then helps guide them in selecting the most appropriate form of amplification for their individualized hearing needs. The Audiologist’s role doesn’t end with the fit; it continues for the life of the hearing aid. As Audiologists, we consistently monitor our patients’ progress, educate their families on hearing loss and hearing aids, troubleshoot and fix hearing aids when there’s a problem and monitor any changes in our patients’ hearing.
Hearing aid dispensers at Costco or Sam’s Club can’t do that, anymore than they can select the right beer without knowing the drinker’s preference, or fit tires without knowing what kind of car they’re for.
Theresa H. Bartlett, AuD is a Doctorate Level Audiologist who currently owns and operates a small, private, Audiology practice in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Bartlett specializes in Lyric hearing products and will soon be a Golden Circle Audiologist for Sensaphonics hearing conservation products. www.virginiahearing.com.
