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FAQ: Hearing Health and Hearing Aids

What is an audiologist?

An audiologist is a highly skilled individual who specializes in hearing and balance disorders. They hold either a Master’s Degree or a Doctoral Degree (6-8 years of higher education in an accredited college). Audiologists are also required to have a specified number of continuing education hours each year to maintain their license.







What is the difference between personal amplifiers and hearing aids?

Both devices make sounds louder. Personal amplifiers are not intended to correct a hearing loss, therefore are not medical devices, and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Hearing aids are designed to assist a person with hearing loss, are designed to be adjusted to your specific hearing needs, and are regulated by the FDA. Due to the FDA regulations, manufacturers must have research to prove all claims they make regarding their hearing aids to be accurate. An individual must be licensed in order to dispense hearing aids.

Can I buy my hearing aids online?

Because it seems easy to "install" a hearing aid, many people believe it's a simple device that just "amplifies" sound. A hearing aid is an extremly complex medical device that needs to be adjusted to an individual's medical need using specialized tools.

Success with a hearing aid requires guidance during the selection and initial fitting phase, as well as adjustments based on your experiences and diagnostic tests performed by an audiologist. Working closely with an audiologist will be difficult if you choose to purchase hearing aids online.

Online hearing screenings cannot accurately diagnose hearing health issues, or the cause of hearing loss. If you are experiencing a hearing loss, first see an Ear, Nose and Throat physician, and be tested by a licensed Audiologist.

To better understand the limitations and risks of using online hearing services, please see this article from ASHA, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Assosiation: What You Should Know Before Buying Hearing Aids Online.

Why do some people wear one hearing aid?

If someone only has hearing loss on one ear, or has hearing that is not usable in one ear (called a profound hearing loss), they may only need one hearing aid. Most people do indeed require two hearing aids to obtain the most benefit. Even when it is not in their best interest, some people choose to wear only one hearing aid.

Do I really need two hearing aids?

Without an individual consultation, this question can’t be answered for everyone. What can be said is that a majority of people with hearing loss have an equal amount of hearing loss in both ears. Even when there are differences between the ears, speech is understood better at a softer volume when both ears are sending speech information to the brain. Speech in a noisy room is easier to understand when two ears are listening. Also, our brain uses differences in loudness and timing of sounds between the ears to determine where a sound is coming from. This can create a safety issue if a person who needs two hearing aids is only wearing one.

Want more information?

Memorial Village ENT suggests the following information from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Assosiation:

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Most procedures completed in-office

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Hearing Options are not one-size-fits-all!

Call or book your appointment online! 281-822-3777