Things you wished you asked your audiologist ….
Why should I have a hearing test?
“We don’t know what we can’t hear because we can’t hear it”.
Hearing and brain function are closely linked. With changes in hearing, we often see changes in the brain’s ability to deal with sound. If your hearing is starting to change, the sooner you do something about it, the better for your brain’s functioning.
Being able to hear efficiently helps to grow your confidence, improve communication, and maintain relationships while keeping your brain stimulated.
What can I expect from a hearing assessment? A hearing assessment is very different from a simple hearing screening test. A hearing assessment with an audiologist is a diagnostic procedure that is conducted using highly specialized audiological equipment and part of the assessment is conducted in a soundproof booth. The audiologist will assess the mechanical aspects of your ears, your ability to hear sounds, to hear and understand speech, and to process different aspects of sound, such as listening in noise. A hearing screening is a quick test to see how well you hear different tones. You either pass or fail the screening but this does not provide enough information for further assistance.
Is a hearing aid always recommended? Absolutely not. The diagnostic hearing assessment, together with the information provided by the patient, allows the audiologist to make the appropriate recommendations such as whether a consultation with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist may be required, whether auditory training is necessary or whether some form of technology may be a solution.
Are all hearing aids the same? A hearing aid is an assistive device registered with SAHPRA and differs significantly from hearing amplifiers that can be sold without any controls or restrictions. Hearing aids range in level of sophistication, speed of processing and automaticity, as well as style and colour.
How much do hearing aids cost? Hearing aids vary from less than R10 000 to more than R100 000 per pair with the cost differential largely determined by the sophistication of the microchip inside the hearing aid. The listening needs of the patient, together with the hearing assessment results, will determine which hearing aid is required. This decision is always made in consultation with the patient.
If I get a hearing aid, will my hearing be normal? Not necessarily. A hearing aid will restore your ability to be aware of sound, but auditory training will help your brain be more receptive to the sounds that you have been missing for a while.
Suite 604, uMhlanga Hospital Medical Centre, 321 uMhlanga Rocks Drive
(next door to Netcare uMhlanga Hospital)
Tel: Phone 031 566 4477
www.reconnectlifestyle.co.za admin@reconnectlifestyle.co.za
