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Learn more about how Dover Audiology can help you with hearing loss. Fill out our contact form to schedule a visit, ask a question, or just send us a message.

Email

clukey321@aol.com

Phone
(207) 564-3337
Address

859 West Main Street
Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I know if I have hearing loss?

Hearing loss often occurs so gradually that the individual may not be aware of a problem. In fact, it is not uncommon for a hearing loss to be first detected by a family member, who is having to speak louder or repeat themselves. Early signs of hearing loss include:

  1. Turning the TV or radio volume louder than other family members prefer.
  2. Difficulty understanding speech in a background of noise, for instance in restaurants.
  3. More difficulty hearing children and women than men.
  4. Difficulty hearing in meetings.
  5. Difficulty hearing at public speaking events.
  6. Ringing in the ear(s) when no external sound is present.
  7. Having things repeated frequently.
  8. Difficulty hearing people “with low voices.”
How do I know if I have hearing loss?

Hearing loss often occurs so gradually that the individual may not be aware of a problem. In fact, it is not uncommon for a hearing loss to be first detected by a family member, who is having to speak louder or repeat themselves. Early signs of hearing loss include:

1. Turning the TV or radio volume louder than other family members prefer.
2. Difficulty understanding speech in a background of noise, for instance in restaurants.
3. More difficulty hearing children and women than men.
4. Difficulty hearing in meetings.
5. Difficulty hearing at public speaking events.
6. Ringing in the ear(s) when no external sound is present.
7. Having things repeated frequently.
8. Difficulty hearing people “with low voices.”

If I suspect I have hearing loss what should I do?

If you suspect that you have a hearing loss, consult with an audiologist. An audiologist is trained to identify whether a hearing loss requires medical or non-medical treatment and will refer you to the appropriate medical specialist when necessary. The audiologist will identify, diagnose, treat and manage your hearing loss.

What can I expect from an audiological evaluation?

History
The audiologist will perform a thorough assessment of the hearing mechanism, beginning with a history interview. History questions will focus on the following areas:

1. Conditions at birth or during adolescence that may have an impact on hearing.
2. Exposure to workplace, military, or recreational noise.
3. Medications prescribed for medical conditions.
4. Past surgeries.
5. Family traits and hereditary anomalies that may be associated with hearing loss.
Visual Inspection of Outer Ear and Ear Drum
Following the history, the audiologist will examine the outer ear with an otoscope or video otoscope. The audiologist can observe any damage caused by the use of cotton applicators (“Q-tips”), trauma, or chronic infection. The audiologist can also observe the condition of the ear drum and determine whether the ear canal may have a buildup of earwax causing a hearing loss.

Audiologicial Evaluation
After considering a patient’s history and performing a visual inspection of the outer ear, the audiologist will perform an audiological evaluation composed of a series of tests. These test may include but are not limited to:

1. Tympanometry to assess the status of the middle ear.
2. Pure tone thresholds by air conduction and often by bone conduction to determine the degree and type of hearing loss.
3. Tests of speech threshold and speech recognition to assess comprehension of complex signals.
4. Special tests of auditory function, such as otoacoustic emissions, brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER), or balance testing.

What kinds of hearing aids are available?
Hearing aids are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, from instruments that fit behind the ear to instruments that totally fit within the ear canal and are minimally visible. Electronic circuitry has advanced significantly in the recent past, allowing patients greater sound comfort and improved speech recognition in noisy situations, to name a few. Digital and programmable hearing aids, which are adjusted via a computer connection, provide the most flexibility, allowing the audiologist to custom fit the response of the device to a specific hearing loss. Digital hearing aids can be modified if hearing changes or as your listening needs change. Your audiologist will help you choose the best instrument according to your needs and your budget.
What can I expect as I adjust to my new hearing aids?
Besides helping you to hear and understand voices better, properly adjusted hearing aids will allow you to hear sounds that previously may not have been audible. You may notice that your own voice is louder, too. Your entire auditory system will adjust to the to new sounds that have not been heard for a long time. The sound of wrinkling newspaper or water running may be annoying at first. However, after about 2-3 weeks, you will notice an adjustment to these environmental sounds. Gradually increasing the amount of time you wear the hearing aids and following the schedule provided by your audiologist will result in an easier transition to amplified sound. During the initial adjustment period, you may be asked to visit the audiologist several times so that he/she may monitor your progress and adjust the controls of your hearing aid(s), if needed. These follow-up visits are crucial to your success with amplification.
How can I troubleshoot my hearing aid?

Ear Wax
The number one cause of hearing aid failure is ear wax debris in the speaker opening of the hearing aid, the small hole in the hearing aid that goes into your ear. If your hearing aid stops working, first check this part of the hearing aid to be sure that it is free of any ear wax or other debris. Use the brush or the pick that came with your hearing aid to carefully remove the blockage. Hearing aids should be inspected and cleaned daily to prevent problems. If you have a chronic problem with wax build-up, your audiologist may offer other solutions.

Weak or Dead Battery
The second most common cause of hearing aid failure is a depleted or weak battery. Test your battery or replace it with a fresh battery

If you have cleaned the hearing aid and replaced the battery and your hearing and continues to malfunction, contact your audiologist. If you do not have an audiologist or would like to locate an audiologist in your area, use the “Audiologist Directory” tool.

What devices other than hearing aids are available to help me?

A wide range of products, often referred to as assistive listening devices (ALDs), are available to help people hear better in specific situations. For example, assistive listening devices are available to improve hearing while watching television or for group-listening situations such as movies, lectures or religious services. Specific devices are also available for individuals who have difficulty hearing the doorbell, car signal, or emergency alarms. Telephone amplifiers are available for individuals who are experiencing difficulty understanding speech while using the telephone.

Speak with your audiologist concerning other ALDs that may be beneficial for your specific situation.

*Excerpted from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology

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