Learning how to manage hearing loss is challenging. We who have it, know we frustrate others. We are embarrassed to have to ask people to repeat things. We are embarrassed when we respond incorrectly to what we thought we heard. It's easier to drop out of things and become reclusive or angry. That can be much harder for people who are naturally outgoing; a major life loss and change.

Big box hearing aids are usually decent quality products. They are not OTC hearing aids. Costco, for example, sells several excellent name brand products. Those stores employ audiologists and hearing instrument specialists. They are not all alike. The skill of the person who fits the hearing aids is as important as the product. It is about more than testing, reading an audiogram, and programming a hearing aid. A good provider will take time to counsel a patient, especially one who is hesitant or frustrated with the products s/he has tried. That takes time that some providers are unwilling or unable to spend with the customer.

Your husband is likely beyond the mild hearing loss stage. He should see a good audiologist who will take time to teach him how to use his hearing aids.It's so much more than just putting them in a person's ears and letting them walk out the door. It helps to talk to other people who use hearing aids successfully. Find out where they get them, what they have and ask for tips. Just talking about it with someone who ‘gets it’ can be therapeutic. That's why HLAA can be so helpful. It brings people together to talk about 'it'. There is an HLAA chapter in the Twin Cities. They've had some excellent Zoom discussions lately. It might help to connect with them. Sometimes it's a significant other who does the connecting.

Twin Cities HLAA Contact/s:
Christine Morgan president@hlaatc.org
763-447-9672
Mike Higgins vicepresident@hlaatc.org

There are no easy answers, but I hope this helps a bit. You will find a lot of good information on the HLAA website. http://www.hearingloss.org

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