1. How can I recognize hearing problems?

Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine whether hearing loss is present:

2. If I had hearing loss, wouldn't my doctor have told me?

Not necessarily. Since most people with hearing impairments hear just fine in quiet environments (like your doctor's office), it can be very difficult for your physician to recognize this problem. Only a trained hearing professional can determine the severity of your hearing problem, whether or not you could benefit from a hearing aid, and which type would be best for you.


3. What are the most common hearing loss causes?

There are several causes. The main ones include :

4. Does hearing loss only affect old people?

Hearing loss can occur at any time, at any age. In fact, most people with hearing loss (65%) are younger than age 65!

5. Who treats hearing loss?

Audiologists are professionals with a master's degree, Au.D. or Ph.D. in audiology, the study of hearing. They specialize in  testing, evaluating and treating hearing loss. An audiologist may also fit hearing instruments.

Hearing Aid Dispensers are trained in fitting and dispensing hearing aids. Hearing aid specialists are often state-licensed  and board-certified to test for hearing loss and to fit consumers for hearing aids.

Otolaryngologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, head and neck disorders.

Otologists treat disorders of the ear and its related systems.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists can determine if there's a medical condition causing the hearing loss, or whether  medical treatment, such as surgery, could be helpful.


6. Won't wearing a hearing aid make me look old or weak?

While you are no doubt concerned about appearance, compensating for a hearing loss by asking people to repeat themselves, inappropriately responding — or not responding at all — to people talking, or even withdrawing from social situations is more obvious than wearing a hearing aid.

Today's hearing aids are small, discreet and more stylish than ever before. Some are even invisible. And, chances are that once you have a hearing aid, your quality of life will improve so much that cosmetics won't be as much of an issue for you.

7. How will a hearing aid improve my quality of life?

Treatment of hearing loss has been shown to improve:

8. How do hearing aids work?

At their most basic, hearing aids are microphones that convert sound into electrical signals. An amplifier increases the strength of the signal, then a receiver converts it back to sound and channels it into the ear canal through a small tube or earmold. A battery is necessary to power the hearing aid and to enable amplification.

9. Will a hearing aid restore my hearing?

While no hearing aid can restore your hearing to normal (except in cases of very mild hearing loss), most hearing aids are designed to let you hear soft sounds that you couldn't hear before, and prevent loud sounds from becoming uncomfortably loud for you. They are also designed to improve your ability to understand speech, even in noisy environments.

10. What are the different types and styles of hearing aids?

Today's digital hearing aids come in a wide variety of sizes and style — from those that sit behind the ear to completely invisible hearing aids — and feature different technology levels to match your specific needs and budget.

11. Is there an adjustment period to wearing hearing aids?

Yes. Most people need an adjustment period of up to four months before becoming acclimated to — and receiving the full benefit of — wearing their hearing aids. However, you should expect to notice demonstrable benefits right away.