If you are one of the 48 million people in the US who have trouble hearing, you should do something about it as soon as possible. Hearing problems that aren't fixed have been linked to long-term depression, loneliness, anxiety, memory loss, and a higher risk of falling and getting hurt. 

You might think such a dangerous medical issue would be more urgently treated, but yet it is one of the most overlooked but easily treated disorder. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders, only 30% of adults 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids have ever used them. Even fewer adults between the ages of 20 and 69, about 16%, who could benefit from hearing aids, have ever worn them.

Many people who have hearing issues loss are asked why they don't seek help, they assume the only form of help is an expensive hearing aid. 

This is an over-generalization, to be discussed below. But first let's consider the benefits of hearing loss treatment.

How hearing aids can help

Modern hearing aids are sleek miniature computers that react and respond to sound digitally, responding to deliver the best way for you to hear, even in difficult listening environments.  

Getting your hearing back reduces stress, stress mostly caused by not being able to hear. Hearing aids can help people stay productive on the job in professional settings, where untreated hearing loss is the cause of a significant wage gap. Treating hearing loss can also keep you safe, by ensuring you don't miss essential sounds, such as traffic or emergency signals

With maximum hearing, you have greater confidence in public places and social situations, confidence soars because of hearing better. No longer ask your spouse to “translate” for you.  You can enjoy that favorite restaurant or party once again. (Though truth be told, I always like to go early to catch the “Blue Plate Special”)

The potential pitfalls of buying hearing aids online

When one looks into hearing aids for the first time, the seeker may wrongly conclude that an online company, coming in at a lower price point, but providing no local professional support, may be the way to go. However, without the care of a local Audiologist the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ holds true.  Buying hearing aids online without a comprehensive hearing test, diagnosis and effective treatment plan, may result in the wrong device, the wrong audio “prescription” or the wrong treatment plan altogether. Conceivably, such a purchase may make your hearing problem worse instead of better. On site aftercare is typically absent with purchases.

Only Licensed Clinical Audiologists look at your symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan, whether that incudes medical intervention, assistive listening devices, hearing aids or a combination thereof.

A successful outcome depends just as much on the expertise of the Audiologist as it does the technological sophistication of the device prescribed. The purchase through a local Audiologist may cost a little more than an on line delivery, but the sophisticated aftercare, including Real Ear Measurement, is worth the investment.

Trust in hearing aids fit by a professional

A Licensed Clinical Audiologist is trained to diagnose and treat problems with the ears. This includes finding and treating hearing loss, dizziness, and ringing in the ears and preventing further hearing damage.

The Audiologist can test your old or new hearing aids to ensure they sound and fit well. If you have a problem with your technology, we make changes to it, fix it,  have it repaired or updated.

Getting used to new hearing aids is a process, the Audiologist guide you through every step to ensure the best care. Hearing loss is a condition that changes over time, and we can monitor it and modify the treatment plan for every stage of life. 

Even if you don't think you have a hearing issue right now, baseline hearing tests are important to ensure hearing is in best possible shape. We can catch a problem before it starts so you can avoid the social isolation and frustration that untreated hearing loss provides. 

Book an appointment with Barth today!

Do you want to do something about your hearing loss? Place a call to the number listed on this website. We also offer personalized diagnostic and follow-up appointments, ongoing service, and any other hearing health care you might need to improve your hearing. Invest in your hearing health today. 

Written by
Reviewed by
Craig T. Barth, M.A., CCC-A, FAAA
Founder & Audiologist
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Craig was drawn to Audiology through a curious route. His undergraduate college major was Pre-Med, with a secondary concentration in Music. He realized his own personal music appreciation cannot be fully experienced by someone with hearing impairment.