Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How can I help my family member deal with hearing loss?

Do you find yourself repeating everything a loved one asks?  If so, you may be acting as that person's "ears" and, while you may think that is helpful, it may be the wrong thing to do.  Denial, or  the unwillingness to acknowledge there is a hearing problem, is an important obstacle to overcome for people with hearing loss.  Consequently, people who deny their hearing loss turn the volume up on the TV or radio (which may be comfortable for them, but too loud for others), and ask people to repeat themselves at a louder volume which has the effect of that person acting as their "ears".  This will encourage unproductive codependent relationships, which lead to anger and frustration for everyone involved.  The best thing to do if you are dealing with a loved one with untreated hearing loss is to not repeat everything they miss.  This way, the person with the loss will have to confront the issue and deal with getting a hearing evaluation, and looking at treatment options.  Having other family members involved in this process, which is done in a loving, graceful manner, can lead to motivate change sooner rather than later.   

2.  Does my doctor need to refer me for a hearing test?

At Innovative Audiology Inc., we do take referrals from medical doctors for hearing evaluations.  However, a medical referral is not necessary if you are concerned about your hearing.  You may call our office at any time to book an appointment at your convenience with no long wait times.  A full report can be issued to your family doctor for your file and if your results indicate that you need to see an ear specialist, or Otolaryngologist, a referral will be made.  95% of hearing losses, however, are treatable with hearing aids.

3. What is an Audiologist?

An Audiologist is a university-trained health professional who specializes in hearing health and hearing disorders, including balance disorders, and tinnitus. Audiologists evaluate hearing levels, prescribe and fit hearing instruments and provide hearing rehabilitation to clients of all ages.  Audiologists provide education and information on prevention of hearing loss and counselling on use, care and communication with hearing devices.

4. How is hearing loss evaluated?

Hearing loss is evaluated through a battery of tests to determine: the level of hearing loss, the ability to understand speech at a level that is comfortable for testing, and how well the middle ear system is transmitting sound to the inner ear.

There are 2 types of hearing evaluations:

Hearing Screening:  a basic hearing assessment to determine if hearing is within the normal range or outside of normal (pass or fail).  The audiologist visually inspects the ear to ensure the eardrum is visible and there is no significant amount of wax in the ear canal. Insert earphones are put into the ears and different pitch tones are heard in each ear.  A button is pushed as tones are heard and the tones drop in intensity until there is no sound. The audiologist is trying to determine the softest sounds that are heard by the client through “air conduction” which measures the pathway from the outer through to the middle and inner ear. The responses are plotted on a graph, called an “audiogram”.  A piece is then put behind the ear and the tones are heard again.  This is “bone conduction” and it determines if the sound is reaching the inner ear by bypassing the outer and middle ear.  If hearing is within normal limits, an annual evaluation is recommended.  If hearing falls out of the normal limits, it is recommended to have a full evaluation and discuss options for treatment. Options may include but not be limited to: medical referral, and/or hearing instruments.

Full Hearing Evaluation: in addition to a basic assessment, other measures are performed to evaluate how the middle ear is functioning. This gives valuable information to the audiologist to direct the proper course of action in terms of seeking a medical referral. Speech measures are   obtained to determine how well a person understands speech at comfortable levels. This gives an indication of outcome with amplification (but is not the determining factor).  

In addition to the evaluation, the audiologist will obtain a complete case history which includes general health information, specific hearing health information,  and previous experience with hearing instruments.  A questionnaire may also be used to determine how well a person hears in different listening situations. 

5. What is the best hearing aid for me?
   
If your hearing test results indicate that your hearing loss may be helped with hearing devices, we will discuss your options for treatment. There are several factors to consider in choosing the most appropriate device:

• What your lifestyle is like:  it is important to communicate with your audiologist about your your needs in your everyday life.  Do you spend most time home alone in quiet activities;  are you going to busy restaurants, church or other meetings; are you still in the workforce?  The most appropriate hearing device should be technologically advanced enough to allow the audiologist to meet your needs.
• What style of device you would like to wear:  there are several options ranging from the mini-Behind-the-Ear styles to custom made, In-the-Ear styles.
• Would you prefer an automatic device or would a remote control be more appropriate?

The final factor and one of the most important for many people, is what the hearing devices cost.  At Innovative Audiology Inc., we carry multiple lines of hearing devices. This give us flexibility in finding a device that is within your budget. However, even though the cost seems expensive, it is an investment. Your hearing aids should last at least 4 to 5 years. As time passes, you will notice that the hearing aids may not sound as good as they did in the first year of use. This is because your hearing loss changes over time, and the hearing aid components wear out over time with regular use. Hearing aids that were suitable for your hearing loss when you first got them may not be suitable after 5 years. An annual hearing evaluation is recommended to monitor your hearing levels and adjust the aids' settings as required.