A good article but one that doesn't tell the whole story. One of the major issues surrounding this notion of overpriced hearing aids is what exactly the patient or customer is buying. I tell my patients frequently that if they focus only on the purchase of the hearing aids, they have a right to feel somewhat "taken". Rather, it is incumbent on us, as specialists, that we invite the patient to be a part of a rehabilitation process. This process is long and can present many challenges to improved hearing. This is after all, not the same as purchasing a set of glasses. The eye exam is done and the optometrist determines that glasses are required. The eye wear is ordered, fit, and after a few days, the patient's vision is vastly improved. Not so with hearing. The acclimatization process is longer; therefore the good relationship between patient and specialist is vital to the long term success of the program. Specialists must recognize quickly that the patient is having difficulty with the improvements made. There may be a number of reasons for this:
-family pressures: spouses or children not involved in the process.
-incorrect amplification (levels and/or instruments)
-sensitivity to amplification.
Whatever
the case, a specialist must adapt quickly to ensure patient comfort and
confidence. After a patient has been fit with the hearing aids a specialist
must be diligent in determining how well the patient is adjusting to various
listening environments and what changes need to be made if challenges occur.
The
second issue at play is the insidious nature of hearing loss. The loss of
hearing, once again, cannot be equated to vision loss. One notices much earlier
the loss of vision and tends to be more proactive than with hearing. It is
normal for someone with hearing loss to delay intervention for 10 to 20 years
before acting. In this time the effects of hearing loss slowly take place. It
is for this reason, then, that rehabilitation can take several months and
requires patience and a positive outlook from both the patient and the
specialist. Those who say "get hearing aids and you'll immediately love
your improved hearing" need not apply. Conversely, those who are prepared
to engage the more long term rehabilitative model usually find themselves satisfied,
not only with their hearing aids, but with what they've paid.
Andy Rolleman
Hearing Instrument Specialist
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