health & wellness » Audiologist Shoshana Richelson Need Help Hearing? Audiologist refutes common myths. Shoshana Richelson | Special to the Jewish News W 2066580 Steven E. Stein, M.D. Metro Detroit's Best Kept Secret With 25 years of experience Dr. Stein has performed over 1000 face and neck lift procedures, along with blepharoplasties (eyelid surgery) and fat grafting. Because of his vast knowledge, Dr. Stein is the only plastic surgeon you should be choosing for your facial cosmetic surgery. Somerset Center for Plastic Surgery Steven E. Stein, M.D. 1579 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite B-7, Troy, Michigan 48084 248-643-7710 www.stevensteinmd.com 124 September 29 • 2016 000000 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.