NEW YORK (AP) – My initial clue was faint and high-pitched. There was a doorbell and ringtone that my children could hear, but eluded me.
Then came garbled conversations, and the frustrating necessity of asking people to repeat themselves. Even worse was the moment I had to concede and just listen while they interacted, unable to grasp everything being said.
Nonetheless, I’ve hesitated for years before finally deciding to embark on the journey to get a hearing aid. How do you begin? Will it look bulky and make me feel outdated? And let’s not even talk about the price!
Undergoing hearing tests and confirming the need for hearing aids was merely the first step.
Find an Expert
The doctor provided a list of locations where I could get fitted. I made several calls, narrowing it down to those that accepted my insurance and Zero Healthcare credit card.
The first few places I visited were disheartening: I walked in to find out that the “best” option was $7,000, without any mention of alternatives.
I began asking friends and neighbors if they could recommend someone who had experience with hearing aids and could refer me to a good audiologist.
It was quite a hunt, but I found one—and it made all the difference.
This article is part of AP’s comprehensive coverage on wellness, fitness, diet, and mental health. Read more.
The Joy of Reconnecting with the World
I’ve been wearing hearing aids for several months now, and it feels as easy as putting on glasses—almost invisible—and it has reconnected me with the world.
After speaking with a few audiologists across the country, I discovered my experience is quite common.
“We’ve seen a lot of similar cases,” said Megan P. Bachman, director of audiology at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in North Carolina.
“Hearing is crucial because it connects us with others,” she explains. “Numerous studies indicate that hearing loss can affect your capacity to engage with others and partake in life, impacting overall health. You might stop attending family gatherings or struggling to understand your doctor’s advice. People often start to withdraw. Many come in when the situation has worsened, affecting their relationships.”
Steps to Take
To streamline the process and minimize frustration, here are some recommended steps:
1. Take the test seriously and understand that many, if not most, hearing aids now are discreet, rechargeable, and easy to maintain. Believe it or not, they can even be fun! There are now colors available and options to personalize them. Some companies offer trendy “safety rings” to help secure them.
2. Look for qualified audiologists. Find someone who accepts your insurance or offers a flexible payment plan. Although the world of healthcare can be overwhelming, reputable audiologists should act as healthcare providers rather than salespeople. A good audiologist will take the time to find a hearing aid that fits your specific needs and budget.
Your doctor is often a great starting point, or you can check the American Academy of Audiologists’ website for provider listings. Recommendations from friends can also be valuable.
“While all hearing aids amplify sound, everyone’s needs differ,” Bachman states. “Wearing hearing aids is an art. Adjusting sound levels is individualistic. I strive to understand your lifestyle requirements—do you struggle in noisy environments? Or do you mostly find yourself in quiet spaces? How much amplification do you require?”
Greta Stamper, an audiologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, echoes this sentiment. “Hearing loss is not a one-time occurrence. It’s a chronic health issue, necessitating a partnership with your hearing specialist,” she says. “It should be someone who understands your goals and experiences. There should be no pressure or haste.”
3. Keep cost in mind. Hearing aids can be pricey, but various affordable options exist, and good audiologists should offer choices at multiple price points. Many insurance plans cover a portion of the costs, and installment payment plans are often available. Avoidance can be costly, as waiting can complicate the fitting process. Although big-box retailers may offer inexpensive hearing aids, Bachmann advises consulting an audiologist first, as many of these devices come locked and can’t be adjusted by specialists.
Stamper notes that hearing aids are an investment and typically last five to six years.
4. Know your rights. “We aim to choose the option most likely to succeed, and if it doesn’t, we will reassess,” Stamper explains. Most states require a trial period for hearing aids. In some cases, hearing aid companies cover the costs of multiple visits to audiologists as you acclimate to new devices.
5. Accept that the process may take some time and require professional tweaks. Audiologists highlight the importance of giving your brain time to adapt to hearing aids, which may need gradual adjustments for optimal use.
“The common misconception is that you can wear them just a few hours a day. If used regularly, your brain will adapt more effectively. It needs time to recognize sounds it hasn’t detected in a while.
6. Be realistic. “Hearing aids can greatly help but may not restore hearing to normal levels,” Stamper cautions. Depending on individual conditions, there may be some limitations with hearing aids.
“In the areas you struggle most, you could see significant improvement,” Stamper assures.
Using hearing aids is a journey, audiologists emphasize. It takes patience, but the rewards can be well worth it.
___
For more AP lifestyle stories, please visit https://apnews.com/lifestyle.
Source: apnews.com