# 71 Hearing Loss

# 71 Hearing Loss
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 by Deb Vellines

Before I talk about Hearing Loss, I want to encourage you to visit a support group meeting. Many of these meetings are via Zoom. You do not have to be a member of the support group to attend their meeting. I have never attended a support group meeting that was a waste of time. This means fellowship, support, and education. At this website www.anausa.org when you click on upcoming events under support groups, you will currently find 24 meetings. 22 of them are online.

In blog #49 (link) I addressed the issue of Hearing Loss Advice. Many people suffer hearing loss, not just AN patients. The topic is so important I want to talk about it again.

If you are a member of the Acoustic Neuroma Association, you can access transcripts of previous webinars at the library. There are two pages of webinars on the topic of Hearing/Audiology/Tinnitus. Here’s the website for the association. www.anausa.org

This is one of my favorite quotes from the legendary Helen Keller, born both deaf and blind. “When you lose your vision, you lose contact with things. When you lose your hearing, you lose contact with people.”

I often think of hearing loss as being an invisible disability. When someone looks at you, he or she does not know you have hearing loss.

60 to 70% of the population 65 and older deal with hearing loss. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Of course, the big difference might be that your hearing loss is in one ear only. That means single-sided deafness.

Here’s a website that offers 18 ways to help a loved one with hearing loss.

18 Ways to Help a Loved One with Hearing Loss

I’m not going to repeat all of the tips, but do want to point out a couple of them.

When someone asks, “What? What did you say?” It might be natural to shout what was said. Shouting actually distorts words. Much better is to use different words to say the same thing and do it in a natural voice. Shouting can not only distort the words but makes the one with hearing loss feel as though you are angry for having to repeat yourself.
Reduce background noice before speaking. It’s hard for the one with hearing loss to hear words above the noice of a football game or music.
Don’t talk or begin to talk from another room or the hallway. If it’s worth saying, be face to face to say it.

Confused about the terminology of hearing aids and personal sound amplification products (PSAPs)? There are major differences between the two. Hearing aids are more expensive because they are customized to a person’s hearing loss.

Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) are sold online under many different names, including “hearing aid amplifier,” “hearing amplifier aid,” “sound amplifier,” “digital sound amplifier” and “voice amplifier.” (The word “amplifier” is generally the clue that they are not hearing aids.) Designs vary, but some models look nearly exactly like hearing aids.

Both hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers amplify sound; however, there are major differences between the two products.

Hearing aids are Class 1 medical devices regulated by the FDA. They are customized to a person’s hearing loss and are available from hearing healthcare professionals.
PSAPs can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription or hearing evaluation. They’re not customized to a person’s unique hearing loss pattern. Here is a quote from the California Attorney General:

“Healthcare costs can add up, which is why many of us seek out more affordable options that make sense for our families. While hearing aids sold online or over-the-counter may appear to be more cost-effective than traditional hearing aids, they may not properly address your particular hearing loss needs or maybe outright scams. As you explore your options, know your rights, beware of false claims, and exercise caution if you choose to purchase from an unlicensed seller.”

Be sure you have a 30 day trial period for a hearing aid. Ask if a trial period is available no matter what kind of device you purchase.

Readers – have you been to YouTube lately? Typing Acoustic Neuroma and YouTube in your favorite search engine will bring up lots of information

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Dear Guiding Father, I need help with my hearing. What kind of device should I look at? Help me figure out what would be the best way to hear more of the words I’m missing. The most important words to hear are those you speak to me. I don’t need a hearing aid to hear those words. Thank you for that. Amen.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6