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Being able to understand speech is the main reason people purchase hearing aids. It is also the most-heard complaint of users of hearing aids. It is the main reason people return their hearing aids. It is the single most common complaint in quality-of-life studies involving seniors with hearing loss.
Many dispensers continue to assume responsibility for solving more difficult speech understanding problems by employing a different brand or another adjustment until many of these people just simply give up. They are continually looking for a solution to their hearing problems. Mostly they return the hearing aid or just do not wear them. These people have difficulties understanding conversations even while using well-fit and well-programmed hearing aids.
Hearing aids should not, in my opinion, be held responsible for solving auditory and perceptual problems. Hearing aids do a good job amplifying sounds. They can do amazing things with sound to make it more comfortable, and most people with more complicated auditory and perceptual problems understand better with hearing aids in good listening conditions.
Identify these people early and counsel them and their families as to what auditory and perceptual problems entail. Include the diagnosis on your charts and recommendations. Recognizing and highlighting their auditory and perceptual skill deficiencies will notify everyone involved that—aided or unaided—this person will have difficulties understanding speech, especially in difficult listening situations.
Harry Rossman
Woodbury, Minnesota
hear@frontiernet.net
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