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Hearing Loss FAQ
How do I know if I have hearing loss?
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, it is not unusual for you to be unaware that you
have a problem, even though your family and friends may suggest that you have your hearing
tested. That's because hearing loss usually develops slowly and often worsens. Hearing loss in older
adults can have many causes, such as exposure to loud noises and family history, or simply the
natural aging process. The changes are often gradual with most hearing losses developing over
a period of 25 to 30 years. If you are approaching age 40, or beyond, there can be enough
deterioration to interfere with normal conversation. These changes are invisible and almost
always painless. There may be no physical warning signs, except you may find yourself
asking for clarification or repetition.
How does hearing loss affect me?
Hearing loss can interfere with the quality of life you expected to enjoy as you became
older. It can restrict your ability to communicate with others, prevent you from hearing
important information, cause misunderstandings, increase stress, cause unnecessary
fatigue and filter out the subtle sounds of nature.
What is the first step?
The Audiologists at Cornerstone Audiology, with the support of the High Point ENT physicians,
will perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation to determine if a hearing loss exists. If warranted,
they will recommend a hearing aid style that takes into consideration your lifestyle and
personal goals.
How can a hearing aid help?
Hearing aid users report higher levels of involvement in social activities, fewer worries
and more positive social and family experiences than those who do not correct their hearing
loss. Today, over 95% of patients with hearing loss can successfully wear hearing aids.
Hearing aids can benefit most patients who have "nerve deafness" and other types of hearing loss.
Will hearing aids make me look old?
Today's technology provides significant advancement over older conventional hearing aids. With
the advent of modern computer software, we now have a vast selection of programmable hearing aids
using digital processing and directional microphones for better hearing in most listening situations.
Depending upon the style that is best for your needs, you may have several choices with varying
degrees of visibility.
Will I need two hearing aids?
The medical professionals at Cornerstone Audiology will determine whether you will benefit most
from the use of one or two hearing aids. For most people with hearing loss, binaural amplification
(two hearing aids) offers substantial improvement under both quiet and noisy situations, along
with a better sense of environmental awareness.
What should I expect?
The level of positive change is directly in proportion to the patient's motivation for wearing
this wonderful hearing tool. For the vast majority, they can provide a major improvement in
your life, and the lives of your family and friends.
Our medical perspective
Just as there are many different styles of hearing aids, you have several options when it comes
to choosing where to get fitted. All hearing aid dispensers do not share the same level of
expertise and medical training. Some are more interested in promoting a specific type of
hearing aid. We are experienced and highly trained to provide this important service. If, for
any reason, we may need additional medical support due to your condition, we will consult with Fred
L. Picklesimer, MD, Richard A. Keever, MD, David F. Moore, Jr., MD or C. David Phipps, MD -- the
specialists with High Point ENT.
We will accurately evaluate the level of your hearing loss using the most advanced testing equipment
and procedures. Based upon our analysis of the results, we will recommend the most appropriate
hearing aid style for you, it is the one that will best meet your individual hearing needs, and the considerations
of your unique lifestyle.
Comfortably fitting a hearing aid is critical and takes time. It may take several attempts to find
the hearing aid that feels best to the wearer. This is very important, because the successful
use of a hearing aid is based upon the wearer's comfort. Hearing aids don't work when they are
in a drawer. We are committed to fitting every patient to his or her satisfaction.
Many times patients assume that, due to our medical perspective, our hearing aid prices may
be higher than other dispensers. This is not the case, and our patients are pleasantly
surprised to learn that ours are competitively priced with any other provider in the region.
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