What is Your Concern?
“My hearing aids used to help me, but they don’t help as much anymore. Is there something I can do?”
When hearing aids don’t work as well as they used to, it usually is because of one
of the following reasons:
Your hearing may have gotten worse and your hearing aids need adjustment, or you need
to talk about different solution; or
Your hearing aid may not be functioning optimally and needs to be repaired or replaced.
“I am not making the progress with my hearing aid or cochlear implant as fast as I
thought I would.”
Adjusting to your hearing device takes time. Your brain needs experience with the
device for it to sound natural to you. Most people also benefit from listening therapy
(“aural rehabilitation”). Ask your audiologist if you are making appropriate progress
and how you can benefit from aural rehabilitation.
“I am interested in learning more about cochlear implants, but I’ve heard they only
help children. Is there anything I can do?”
It is a misconception that cochlear implants only help children. MSHC has many patients
who received their cochlear implant as an adult, even elderly adults, and benefit
from the device.
“My hearing aids/cochlear implants work well in quiet. Is there anything I can do
in addition to my hearing aids to help me in difficult listening situations?”
There are many assistive listening devices that can be used with hearing aids and cochlear implants. These devices assist in listening in the following situations:
- Telephone
- Television
- Noisy restaurants
- In the classroom
- Video conferencing
"I suddenly have lost hearing in one or both ears."
This is a medical emergency. See a physician immediately. There are several causes of sudden hearing loss, and some of these can be helped with immediate medical attention.
"I think I might have a hearing loss but I am not ready for hearing aids."
Some hearing problems only happen in one or two areas. For example, listening to the TV or talking on the phone. If this is the case for you, our audiologists can help you to get specialized equipment, like an amplified telephone or tv streamer, or give you tips about using your own equipment (like using closed captioning on your tv or different smartphone apps), to help you hear better in those particular situations. Another option is to learn about techniques that can help make communicating easier. You can make an appointment to discuss these techniques, or plan to attend our Hearing Management Group meetings.
"I purchased hearing aids from somewhere else, and I would like to get them serviced."
If you purchased hearing aids elsewhere and are not satisfied with their performance, we are happy to work with the devices that you have to optimize your experience with them. Our audiologists are able to service hearing aids from all of the major hearing aid manufacturers.
"My hearing problems would go away if my (friend/partner/family member/significant other) would speak more clearly."
Our Hearing Management Group sessions offer you the chance to talk with other people who have similar hearing-related problems and learn from one another about techniques and technologies that work. We know that hearing problems not only impact the person with the hard of hearing, but also those who they communicate with. For these sessions we invite you to bring a close friend or family member to share with the group about what has and has not worked for you so far. You do not need to use hearing aids to be a part of this group. These sessions are led by a hearing professional and are offered to anyone experiencing hearing-related problems. Meetings are scheduled after normal business hours to be as convenient as possible.
"I am ready to purchase hearing aids. Do I need a medical referral?"
It depends. If you have any of the following issues, then you should first see a physician:
- Ear drainage within the last 90 days
- Sudden or rapidly decreasing hearing loss in one or both ears within the last 90 days
- Dizziness
- Pain or discomfort in your ear or ears
- If you are under the age of 18
If you are over the age of 18 and have no reason to think your hearing loss could be treated medically, then you can go ahead and schedule an appointment with us. At your hearing evaluation appointment we will determine whether we should proceed with hearing aids or if you should see your physician first.
"Will Medicaid/insurance cover my hearing aids?"
"Can I participate in hearing or balance research at the University?"
Clinical research is ongoing at the University and we are frequently recruiting participants. You can see our current research here. Check back often or follow us on Facebook to see when new studies become available.
"If I get services at MSHC does that mean I will be treated by students who are not certified?"
All patients at MSHC receive a plan of care that is developed and directly supervised by an experienced, licensed, and certified audiologist. We are a University clinical training program, so you will likely interact with one or more of our graduate students as they pursue their doctoral degrees.
"I know that I need hearing aids but I cannot afford them."