Ask The Audiologist

Q. Why is it that I can hear you, but not understand you?

A. Many individuals with mild to moderate hearing losses have more difficulty hearing the high-pitched consonant sounds (such as d, t, sh, s, f, th) in comparison to the low-pitched vowel sounds (such as o, a, ah, i, e). The high-pitched sounds carry the meaning of words and overall understanding of speech.

Further, in normal conversations, the important high-pitched consonant sounds are relatively soft in comparison to the less important low-pitched sounds.

Q. How do hearing aids help?

A. Hearing aids today use microchip technology to help compensate for your hearing loss. They selectively amplify the pitch range that is required to improve your speech understanding. The newer hearing aid technology provides greater listening comfort and speech clarity in comparison to older conventional hearing aids by making soft sounds audible, conversational level sounds comfortable, and loud sounds comfortably loud.

Hearing aids with directional microphones (two microphone pick-ups instead of only one) provide added benefit when trying to listen in situations with excessive background noise.

Q. Will hearing aids restore my hearing to normal?

A. Unlike eyeglasses that generally provide complete correction for visual impairment, no hearing aid will restore your hearing to normal or provide a perfect substitute for normal hearing. The newer hearing aid technology, however, makes the most of your hearing capacity and can be "fine-tuned" to help meet your individual listening needs.

Q. What are the steps in obtaining new hearing aids?

A. Obtaining hearing aids involves a number of steps including:

• Audiologic evaluation: An audiologist determines the type and extent of your hearing loss and provides help determine candidacy for hearing aids.
• Medical clearance: A written statement by a physician is required prior to the hearing aid selection
• Hearing aid selection: Detailed information about hearing aid options is provided as well as expected benefits and limitations. Impressions of your ears are taken so that your hearing aids can be customized.
• Hearing aid fitting: The new instruments are fit to your ears. Proper care, use, and maintenance of the hearing aids are explained
• Follow-up consultations: Hearing aids may need to be "fine-tuned" and any questions are answered during the 30 day "right-to-return" period.

For details pertaining to your specific hearing aid needs, please arrange an appointment with one of our audiologists experienced in the fitting of hearing instruments by calling 216/444-6691 or 1-800/223-2273, ext. 46691.