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Audiologist
Shoshana
Richelson
Need Help Hearing?
Audiologist refutes common myths.
Shoshana Richelson | Special to the Jewish News
W
2066580
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124 September 29 • 2016
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hat did you say?
Starting as early as in
the mid-20s, some people
gradually develop hearing loss. However,
it usually does not become a concern
until about age 50 or 60 when the hear-
ing loss may start affecting quality of life.
Many people are unaware of the
latest treatment options and decide
to make do “quietly.” Yet studies have
shown that hearing loss has many nega-
tive health effects, including dementia,
depression or simply being less engaged
with others.
So why don’t more people see an audi-
ologist and get the proper treatment?
Unfortunately, many misconcep-
tions persist. Hearing aids, the most
common treatment for hearing loss, are
often thought of as “large ancient ampli-
fiers.” Most of my patients are shocked
when they see what I have to offer.
Hearing aids today are so discrete that
they can even be hard to see. In fact, a
brand new hearing aid just came out that
is smaller than a fingernail. The technol-
ogy in hearing aids has changed tremen-
dously by scanning the environments
several times per minutes and automati-
cally switching to the best program for
each listening environment.
Another fear regarding hearing aids
is that they “squeak and squeal,” just
like the one that your grandmother had.
Fortunately, new technology has com-
pletely transformed the experience of a
hearing aid user to one that is almost 100
percent squeaky free. This can be done
nowadays without compromising on the
sound quality or gain needed.
Perhaps the biggest reason that some
people do not pursue hearing aids is that
their “friend wears one and it doesn’t
help.” I hear this reason mentioned very
often, and I have to say that many times
it is true. But all too often this has to
do with how your friend purchased the
hearing aid. If one buys a hearing aid
online or from an unlicensed individual
selling aids, he may often be disappoint-
ed with the outcome.
At our clinic, we provide a two-week
trial period where individuals come in
and are fit with hearing aids, shown
precisely how to use them and then are
able to give it a try in their own home
for two weeks before making a decision.
This way, each individual knows exactly
what he or she is getting before making
the purchase.
And by choosing to see a board-
certified doctor of audiology, you will
be fit with the right devices, using the
right programs and counseled appropri-
ately. This can make a huge difference in
hearing aid satisfaction. It is important
to build a trusting relationship with your
audiologist.
*
Shoshana Richelson, Au.D. CCC-A, is a board-
certified audiologist. She practices in Southfield
in the office of Dr. James Brooks. Call (248) 356-
7772 or visit www.enrichedhearing.wixsite.com/
richelson.
Some new hearing devices are tiny;
here, a Unitron hearing aid is compared
to jelly beans.