Deciding to go for a hearing test is among those small but significant decisions that lead to a life well lived. At Vibrant Hearing, they do more than help people hear better. Dr. Nora Martin, audiologist, and Alyssa Keith, board-certified hearing instrument specialist, focus on enhancing quality of life through hearing healthcare.
When people think of hearing tests, memories of heavy headphones, random beeps, and raised hands may come to mind. What’s it like getting tested by a professional audiologist today?
“We want to get to know you,” said Nora. “How has your hearing been affecting the things you enjoy? Then, we’ll take a full case history of any ear-related symptoms, other health conditions, or special diagnoses. During the exam, we’ll look at the ear canal to check for any obstruction or infection.” “We can use other tests to help us customize treatment,” Alyssa added. “We mimic real-world situations by using updated testing procedures and manipulating background noises.”
Hearing is such a fundamental way of being in the world. What is it like when people hear new sounds for what might be the first time?
“Children are fun to see,” said Nora. “They’ll get this sheepish grin when they realize they can hear better. Or, I’ll be in the office with someone and they’ll stop me and ask, ‘What's that sound?’ I don’t consciously notice it, but it’s the swishing of my clothing or an air vent. It’s noises we don’t even notice. There are some everyday sounds that can be very sharp, too, like car blinkers or running water. That’s why we’re very careful to make a plan for the first couple of weeks after treatment begins. We want to make the transition as comfortable as possible,” Nora said. “My favorite are the follow-ups,” added Alyssa. “They’ll tell all sorts of stories. I remember this one woman. When we walked her through the entire process she didn’t engage much. When she returned, though, she was joking and laughing. She was a completely different person.”
Getting hearing aids can feel daunting. What are some common hopes and concerns you see in patients who walk through your doors?
“Most patients just want to get back to doing what they enjoy,” said Nora. “Hearing loss can be so isolating, especially as it gets harder to be in social situations.” “Plus, there’s this irony,” added Alyssa. “If we begin to lose vision, we’re the first to notice. But when it comes to hearing, it's usually our family who notices first. That can make coming in feel a little awkward. I like to make it hopeful by telling them, ‘Let’s help reclaim some parts of your life that you thought you couldn’t get back.’”
Bluetooth has allowed phones to integrate with hearing aids to control volume and connect to TVs. What other advancements have hearing aids made?
“Technology improves every year,” said Alyssa. “We can customize the sound of hearing aids to each individual's needs more specifically now. With Bluetooth expanding, we are also able to reconnect patients with other aspects of their environment. For example, we can program mini-microphones that improve a patient's ability to hear. So, someone who attends an event with you can wear one, and you don't have to worry about hearing them through the background noise.”
You take a whole-health approach to hearing. Is there anything patients are surprised to learn when it comes to hearing loss?
“We like to say hearing care is healthcare. I think a lot of patients are surprised to find out how hearing is connected to a lot of other health conditions,” said Nora. “And there’s also a lot of research coming out now about the connection between hearing loss and cognition,” Alyssa added. “The decline in both is intertwined. If the brain experiences less stimulation, then those cognitive areas are going to atrophy. The good news is that hearing loss is the most modifiable risk factor for developing Dementia. There is some evidence that early treatment can help mitigate that risk.” “This research has led us to use cognitive screening as a part of our testing,” said Nora. “It’s a quick, five-minute computer test that screens five cognitive domains. If we can increase access in any way that makes it easier for people to get started with mitigating hearing loss, then we want to do that.”
Tips for Navigating the Holidays with Hearing Loss
The holidays can be an especially frustrating time for anyone experiencing hearing loss. Dr. Nora and specialist Alyssa provide tips for improving communication:
- Hearing aids should be cleaned and checked regularly. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate slowly, reducing the effectiveness.
- In areas of background noise, manipulating the environment to hear better is a must. This may include moving away from the noise source or using good lighting to see the speaker’s face.
- When talking, ensure you are facing someone directly so they can use visual cues. Most settings pick up sounds from the front.
- Talk slower, not louder.