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Frequently Asked Questions
Hearing loss among adults and children has become one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions in the United States.
Fortunately, most hearing losses can be helped by individually selected and fitted prescription hearing aids. The certified and licensed audiologists at the Carolina Institute are committed to providing you and your family with the best hearing health care and highest quality hearing aids in the Midlands region.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding hearing aids.
How do I determine if I have a hearing problem?
Hearing loss can be an invisible problem. Many hearing losses occur gradually, making the signs difficult to notice. You many need a hearing evaluation if:
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Your family complains the TV or radio is too loud.
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People seem to mumble when they speak.
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You can hear people speaking, but cannot quite understand what they are saying.
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You frequently ask people to repeat what they are saying.
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You have a difficult time understanding conversations in a group setting.
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You experience ringing or roaring in your ears.
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It is hard to hear conversations while on the telephone.
Am I a good candidate for a hearing aid?
It is important that you see a licensed, certified audiologist who can accurately test your hearing. An audiologist can determine the degree of your hearing loss and advise you whether your hearing warrants medical attention from one of our board-certified otolaryngologists or if a hearing aid would be a good option.
There are a variety of conditions that can cause or contribute to hearing loss. Some are temporary; some are permanent. If your condition requires medical care, our physicians will be able to determine the most appropriate medical-based treatment or procedure.
If it is determined that you would be a good candidate for a hearing aid, you will be scheduled for a hearing aid evaluation.
What is a hearing aid evaluation?
A hearing aid evaluation includes an audiogram (hearing test) performed by one of our audiologists. The audiologist will review your hearing test results with you in a way that is easy to understand. Based on the findings, the audiologist will discuss with you the various hearing aid technologies that would specifically benefit your special type and level of hearing loss.
In some instances, you may be able to try out a hearing aid prior to purchasing one. Any and all questions that you have will be answered during this session.
How can a hearing aid help me?
The use of a hearing aid can improve relationships with family and friends. Those you love may no longer have to repeat what they are saying in order for you to understand them, easing frustration for you and for them. Hearing aids can also improve promote self confidence and make you less inclined to avoid social situation. Many hearing aid wearers report that they enjoy greater independence and security by being able to communicate with others without strain or frustration.
How long does it take to get used to a hearing aid and will it make that much of a difference?
The time it takes to get used to a hearing device varies from person to person. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
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You will be “relearning” to hear, and relearning with amplification takes time and willingness to practice.
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Be patient as you learn to handle your hearing aid. The controls and batteries are small, and inserting, removing and adjusting them takes time and practice.
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A hearing aid or other hearing-assisted device amplifies the specific frequencies you need to better understand what you hear. Many sounds, including your own voice, may sound different until you get used to amplified sound.
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A hearing aid will not restore your hearing capabilities to normal or preexisting levels but will enable you to hear at an improved level.
How do I know if my baby or child has a hearing loss or could benefit from a hearing aid?
Our certified audiologists are trained to assess the degree of hearing loss in children as young as ___. Working in conjunction with our board-certified otolaryngologists, they can determine if a hearing aid is a good option. Hearing aids can be essential is helping a child hear and develop good speech and language skills, keep up academically and avoid missing out on social interaction with friends and family.
What kind of hearing aid is best for my child?
It is important to work with your audiologist to evaluate your child’s needs. Since very young children cannot adjust their own hearing aids, the hearing aid selected must be easily manipulated and monitored by parents and caregivers.
As your child grows, hearing aids can be adjusted accordingly. Ear molds will need to be remade on a regularly scheduled basis—more often when children are very young and less often as they get older and their ears grow more slowly.
Several types of hearing aids are available; the appropriate type depends on your child's individual needs and skills.
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