Ask your audiologist...
Dr. Tia Flynn | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 6 months AGO
What should I do with hearing aids that are in the drawer?
There are two things that can be done:
No. 1: If you have some hearing aids laying around that are not being used as spares, you can donate them to our office and we may be able to help someone less fortunate hear better. In-the-ear hearing aids can be donated to the Lion's Club for refurbishing. Working behind-the-ear hearing aids we can use to help someone right here in our town hear better.
We desperately need good-working behind-the-ear hearing aids. We currently have a list of local low-income people who could use hearing help. I am willing to donate our time to take these used behind-the-ear hearing aids and make a custom mold to fit someone here in our community.
No. 2: If someone is wearing their hearing aids in the drawer instead of in their ear, there is probably a reason. The aid may not be working. The aid may not sound right. The aid may not fit right.
Whatever the reason, it is important to go back to where you purchased the aid and have it repaired or adjusted for sound or fit issues. Sometimes people give up instead of solving the problem. Most hearing aid problems can be solved fairly easily. Hearing well is worth it! Do not give up! There is a time of adjustment to get used to new aids, and getting the bugs worked out takes a little patience sometimes.
Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for over 14 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit our newly updated website www.affordablehearinginc.com for an online hearing test and watch helpful videos.
ARTICLES BY DR. TIA FLYNN
How long does it take to get hearing aids?
It depends on what style of hearing aid you are purchasing. If you are purchasing one of the new mini BTE’s (Behind the Ear) your hearing health care office may have some in stock that you may take home that day. There are generally two types of mini BTE’s. One is an open fit model, which has a selection of tubes, and tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. The other type is a receiver in the canal, which also has a selection of receivers, and dome tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. Some offices stock these types of aids but you usually have to special order the color that matches your hair.
About age-related hearing loss
Presbycusis is the medical term for age-related hearing loss. Causes of presbycusis include changes within the inner ear (damage to the tiny hair cells that pick up sound), changes in the middle ear (stiffening of the tympanic membrane and ossicles), complex changes along the nerve pathway leading to the brain, and cognitive changes in the brain.
Ask your audiologist: Free hearing help and repairs for the holidays!
Every holiday season I give back to the community by giving away a free pair of digital hearing aids to a deserving individual. I will also provide free in house repairs by appointment and bringing in a copy of this article. Everyone deserves to hear during the holidays! The holidays are usually the most important family gatherings of the year. Many people with hearing loss get left out of family conversations around the dinner table if they do not have hearing aids or if their hearing aid(s) are broken.