Learning Library > FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I’ve been told I have “nerve loss” and a hearing aid won’t help me. Is that true?
A. No. “Nerve loss” is a term formerly applied to permanent hearing loss, arising from damage (noise and/or aging) to the inner ear. However, correctly stated, the term “nerve loss” should only be used when the actual nerve traveling from the cochlea to the brain is involved. This is very rare and may be one of the only times hearing devices are not beneficial.

Q. My hearing dropped suddenly in one ear. Should I wait to see if it gets better?
A. No. Sudden hearing loss must be evaluated promptly to ensure your best chances of correction. Whereas most hearing loss is gradual, sudden hearing loss is such that you wake up one morning and, without pain or other symptoms, your hearing is severely reduced or gone completely (usually in just one ear).
Should this happen to you, do not wait! In fact, call your physician immediately and schedule an appointment for a medical evaluation. There can be a very narrow time window to restore your hearing loss before it is too late.

Q. How often should I have my hearing checked?
A. Get periodic checkups at least once a year. This will enable your audiologist to stay on top of any hearing changes you’ve experienced, as well as ensure your current hearing devices are working like new. The good news is hearing instrument technology is constantly improving, and your solution options today may be an even better fit for your needs.

Q. My husband and I argue because I think he doesn’t hear me, but he says I’m mumbling. Do other people have this problem?
A. Yes, I hear this quite often. In one study of married couples, 51% said they fought because one spouse needed to repeat things to the other spouse, 40% said they argued because the volume on the TV was too loud, and 40% said their spouse didn't listen (these numbers overlap). High frequency hearing loss (the most common type) leads to a lack of clarity for speech.

Q. What is the difference between an audiologist and hearing aid dispenser?
A. The academic and clinical preparation of audiologists and dispensers differs dramatically. Dispensers have a high school diploma or GED coupled with a correspondence course in hearing aids. Audiologists must have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in audiology, a minimum 350 hours of patient care hours, and a passing score on the state licensing examination. Both can select and fit hearing aids, but only an audiologist is qualified to diagnose, treat, habilitate and rehabilitate someone who has a hearing loss.

Q. What is the best hearing aid available today?
A. There are many different types and styles of hearing aids available. The one that is best for you will depend on many factors including the amount of hearing loss you have and the listening situations you are in on a daily basis. The best way to determine the most appropriate hearing aid for you is to have your hearing tested by a licensed audiologist and discuss the options available to you.

Q. Will hearing aids make my hearing worse?
A. No, properly fitted hearing aids will not make your hearing worse. The audiologist should make sure they are not set too loud, and all aids have a cut off level to protect the listener from excessive noise levels. Some people who use hearing aids report that they feel as though their hearing has decreased after they take the aids out of their ears. This is because they have become used to the amplification and to hearing better while wearing the aids.

Q. How loud does a sound have to be to damage my hearing?
A. Warning signs of hazardous noise levels are having to raise your voice to be heard, not being able to hear someone two feet away, speech sounding dull or muffled, or a ringing or buzzing sensation in your ears. Make sure to wear earplugs when involved in loud activities, and if you suspect hearing loss, have your hearing tested by an audiologist.

Q. I am planning on traveling soon; can I wear my hearing aid through security?
A. Yes. Metallic components like the speaker, wiring, and microphone in hearing aids are very small and will not set off the detectors. Also, you do not want you to lose the ability to understand the screeners clearly.

Q. Why should I wear two hearing aids instead of one?
A. Your brain is designed to process signals from both ears which produces an overall balance of sound. Wearing a hearing aid in both ears will, in most cases, improve understanding, reduce stress, and make it easier to listen in noisy environments. Overall sound levels are lower, resulting in a more natural sound quality.

Q. How do I find the best cell phone to use with my hearing aids?
A. Cell phones are rated as to how much interference they are likely to cause hearing aids. The rating scale for both “M” (microphone) and “T” (telecoil) ranges from 1 (poor) to 4 (excellent). The higher the rating, the less likely you will be to experience interference.

Q. Does diabetes increase my risk of hearing loss?
A. Studies show that hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those who do not have the disease. Researchers discovered a higher rate of hearing loss in those with diabetes, and this finding was evident across all frequencies, with a stronger association in the higher frequency range.