Seniors, you are not alone, over one million North Carolina residents have
hearing loss and may obtain benefit from the use of hearing aids.
The NC Department of Health and Human Services: Division of Services for
the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing gives consumers these helpful guidelines to follow when considering hearing aids.
First, have your hearing checked by an audiologist, hearing aid specialist,
or physician if you have any of the following symptoms:
- You hear, but have trouble understanding all the words in a conversation.
- People seem to mumble, speak indistinctly, or speak too softly.
- You often ask people to repeat themselves.
- You have difficulty understanding conversation in groups or crowds.
- You find telephone conversation increasingly difficult.
- Your family complains that you play the TV too loudly.
- You experience ringing or other noises in your ears.
To find a hearing care professional in your area, start by checking with
your health insurance company for any benefit coverage or recommendations.
When choosing a physician also keep in mind you will need follow up services
for years to come, so choose a professional with whom you are comfortable
and is easily accessible. In the event you purchase hearing aids in another
state, or from a professional who is not licensed in North Carolina, you
may have limited consumer protection under North Carolina law.*
Selecting Hearing Aids:
There is no single hearing aid suitable for all types of hearing loss;
therefore, your hearing care professional will recommend the most appropriate
options for you and explain the costs. Costs of hearing aids vary depending
upon the nature and extent of your hearing loss and the type of technology
chosen to meet your lifestyle and listening needs. See the Consumer’s
Checklist for important questions you should ask when purchasing hearing aids.
Expectations and Outcomes:
While hearing aids make sounds easier to hear, they will not restore normal
hearing. Hearing aids re-introduce you to many of the sounds you have
been missing. It takes time to relearn these sounds. Some people adjust
quickly; others take longer. Your outcome with hearing aids will vary
by the type and degree of your hearing loss, accuracy of evaluation and
proper fit.
Hearing loss can make participating in and understanding everyday conversations
difficult because individuals often “hear, but don’t understand.”
Untreated hearing loss over a long period of time may result in increased
difficulty adjusting to hearing aids and understanding speech. Less than
half of individuals with hearing loss have sought help, don’t let
yourself be one of them.
For more information on hearing aids and hearing loss, Cynthia A. Harmon,
Hard of Hearing Services Specialist for the Division of Services for the
Deaf and the Hard of Hearing invites to you attend her seminar at Health
First Center on March 9th at 12pm and recommends the following resources
The NC Department of Health and Human Services: Division of Services for
the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing and the
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
*To ensure that a professional is licensed in North Carolina contact one
of the following NC licensure boards:
North Carolina Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters Board (919) 834- 3661 or the
North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists
and Audiologists (336) 272-1828. The professional you choose may be licensed by one or
both boards.