Buying Hearing Aids Involves Preparation and Coaching Teamwork

Note: For this blog, the discussion is limited to professional/ prescription hearing aids.

Buying hearing aids can be a rather overwhelming journey. With myriads of instruments on the market, people wonder which ones are best for them. And so, it is said that the best hearing aids are those that patients actually use. Such instruments accommodate clients’ types and degrees of hearing loss. They ease communication challenges related to hearing loss and support lifestyles with technology that is manageable and affordable. In short, they improve quality of life, but getting there can be a struggle.

Finding an audiology coach for the journey

While good technology is hugely important, an experienced audiologist or hearing specialist is essential. Ideally, this is a person of Trust – part hearing expert and part therapist – who takes on the role of Coach. For many people, hearing loss goes beyond hearing & communication struggles. Facing the realities of the condition and exploring the option of hearing aids is also a highly charged emotional issue.

And so, the specialist-coach listens as clients share their worries about the effects of hearing loss on their social and professional lives. They often vent about the annoyance of sound sensitivities and tinnitus and even about their financial concerns. Audiology coaches learn a lot about people’s communication needs and expectations during such sessions. Any input helps them chose the most appropriate hearing aids that help make the most of the hearing that is left in order to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Preparing and doing our part

In the World of Hearing Loss, satisfactory outcomes depend very much on the teamwork between clients and hearing coaches/specialists. Yes, the specialists do their best to diagnose, listen and understand. However, patients must also prepare for their audiology consults. It is best to be involved right from the start. Here are some thoughts on how to prepare for an audiology visit.

• Be upfront and honest about needs, wants and expectations.

There are often huge gaps between people’s wants and expectations and what they actually need for better hearing. Of course, we all want perfection. And although modern-day hearing aids can help a lot, they are still only “aids.” They do not “fix” hearing loss. They can only make the most of the hearing that is left. Yet, it is hard to accept that hearing will not return to “perfectly normal.”

Sadly, many people do not understand the nature of their hearing loss. To kick off a productive working relationship, ask the audiologist to review the hearing test results and to explain what can and cannot be done. In the end, what is both helpful and realistic?

• Don’t despair if the first settings are unsatisfactory

Hearing aid settings must be personalized or customized to maximize patient hearing and comfort.  Nowadays however, hearing aids may be presented to the client as already “all set.” Such first tunings might have been made by manufacturer computer algorithms guided by the results of hearing tests. While they fit the “physical” requirements, such early settings may not be ideal or helpful. The brain has to like them also. Remember, that neither audiologists nor computers hear what we hear and how it makes us feel. This is why patient feedback is important.

• Return for follow-up tuning sessions and provide feedback to the specialist.

When buying hearing aids, we have a trial period during which necessary setting improvements are made. BUT, people must return for follow-up tuning sessions, either in person or electronically during Tele-visits. Now, is the time to speak up and to give detailed “when-where-how” information.

Are the settings too loud or too soft? Is sound distortion an issue? Does tinnitus become worse? Is there hissing? Do sudden volume surges become unsettling and upsetting? Also, are you able to handle the complicated technology itself? Nowadays, customer adjustments are mainly made via smartphone apps, which can become overwhelming to some. It is important to be honest about one’s technical skills. After all, hearing aids are supposed to improve our quality of life, not make us more frustrated and upset.

• Financial worries!

Be honest about cost concerns. These are commonly cited as reasons for not getting hearing tests and hearing aids, even if needed. Is the latest most expensive and most complicated technology actually needed? Are any appropriate instruments on sale? There are clinics that offer refurbished, gently used aids at reduced prices. How about health insurance coverage? For those participating in Medicare Part B at least part of hearing test costs are covered provided that such tests are ordered by the Primary Care provider as diagnostic. What does your Medicare Part C Advantage plan offer? Although coverage varies greatly, check on this but be sure that the audiology clinic participates in your company’s plan. The same is true for benefits & discounts offered by AARP to its members.

In the end, a lot can be accomplished

Buying hearing aids can be a bewildering and lonesome journey. Although good technology is important, success may ultimately hinge on quality teamwork with a caring and experienced audiology coach. As actress Reese Witherspoon states:” With the right kind of coaching and determination you can accomplish anything,” or in the case of hearing help, it can accomplish an awful lot.