Does hearing loss research & development understand what we need?

Posted by Julie, Volunteer Mentor @julieo4, May 28, 2021

On May 25th HLAA, in collaboration with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), held an open webinar. The purpose of this 4 hour event was to provide an opportunity for people with hearing loss to share their experiences and concerns. Polls identified the greatest concerns hard of hearing people have, and identified their hopes for a future where hearing loss is better understood and treated with a higher priority.

Managing background noise was identified as the most frustrating issue people have whether they are using sophisticated hearing technology or not. This is no surprise to anyone with hearing loss. It is interesting to note, however, that developed technologies used for other purposes have managed to eliminate this problem. Broadcasters at major sports events do use equipment that minimizes background noise so their voices can be heard. Why is this kind of technology not used with hearing devices? Panelists expressed concern that miniaturization in development of hearing instruments was the focus, rather than focusing on making products better by eliminating this noise issue.

That is just one of the conversations held within the webinar. The transcript of this very interesting webinar will be posted at the HLAA website soon. Meanwhile, anyone who has concerns about treatment for hearing loss has an opportunity to comment via the website by answering a few of the posted questions you will find there. https://www.hearingloss.org/hlaa-pfdd/

They want to know what matters to us. The comment options is only available until June 25th. I hope you'll provide information to the FDA about your personal experiences.

A very hopeful part of this event included a discussion on potential cures for sensorineural hearing loss, something we have only dreamed about. It was pointed out that many dreams have come true in this field during the past 30 years. Speech to text apps, cochlear implants, realtime captioning, etc. We've come a long way, but there is a long way to go. Perhaps some of it relates the the fact that way too many hard of hearing people refuse to take action. They hide their hearing loss because society has stigmatized the condition. 80% of people who could benefit from hearing technology, do not have it. Only 5% of the people who could benefit from cochlear implants have them. We must let the FDA know more about how poor hearing affects our lives. As long as it is misunderstood, change and improvement will happen slowly.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hearing Loss Support Group.

@kem

My audiologist says that a REM is not needed. I think that Costco doesn’t provide that as well. Is it necessary? I have assumed that Costco did not perform certain tests that an audiologist and thus part of the price for a $6000 hearing aid includes professional level fitting.

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@kem, REM is an audiology best practice. If your audiologist does not think it's necessary, maybe you should consider going to a different audiologist. REM is a separate piece of hardware that the audi needs to purchase. It also takes time but ensures the output of the hearing aid is what it's supposed to be.
Tony in Michigan

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I highly recommend viewing DrCliffAuD VLOG on YouTube. His videos address Bet Practices as well as the features of the newest hearing aid releases for 2021 by brand and type. He educates those of us with hearing loss about the importance of having a trained audiologist familiar with your needs and the brand of aids you are considering to assure the best outcome. His videos are extremely helpful in comparing brands and features of each tier of performance.
Here is the link for his best practices video which includes a link to his website with a printable check list to take along when seeing a hearing professional. He encourages calling clinics and practices to inquire about whether they use abide by these practices. https://youtu.be/obE9_uWkGZ4 He has many fascinating and informative videos that provide information in a comparative way that its difficult to find anywhere else. Sandra

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In addition, here is a link to a report on Costco's hearing aid options: models, features, prices, reviews. https://www.hearingtracker.com/hearing-aids/costco This includes a link to a Dr Clif video specifically discussing Costco hearing aid offerings, although it reviews the last iteration, not the newest and present models there.
Costco definitely offers incredible value! However, it's possible it may not offer the best option for those with profound loss or more serious and/or complicated hearing loss situations that can require more personalized and specific refining of the software for best results.

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@sunnyone

I highly recommend viewing DrCliffAuD VLOG on YouTube. His videos address Bet Practices as well as the features of the newest hearing aid releases for 2021 by brand and type. He educates those of us with hearing loss about the importance of having a trained audiologist familiar with your needs and the brand of aids you are considering to assure the best outcome. His videos are extremely helpful in comparing brands and features of each tier of performance.
Here is the link for his best practices video which includes a link to his website with a printable check list to take along when seeing a hearing professional. He encourages calling clinics and practices to inquire about whether they use abide by these practices. https://youtu.be/obE9_uWkGZ4 He has many fascinating and informative videos that provide information in a comparative way that its difficult to find anywhere else. Sandra

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Thank you for sharing the link to Dr. Cliff's Youtube videos. He has some excellent information to share, with a lot of good advice. I am following a couple of friends who purchased their hearing instruments at Costco. Both of them are 'newbies' who have purchased their first set of hearing aids there. Both are very happy with them and are still in their 180 day trial period. . Again, that trial period is so important. Use it wisely regardless of where you purchase the product. And if something isn't working the way you think it should, go back to the provider so they can make adjustments. It's a complex process and you want to get it right.

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