How Soon Should You Start Wearing a Hearing Aid, Part 1

Normal hearing on an audiogram is from 0 db to 30 db in the speech range between 250 to 8,000 Hertz. Most people in this range function normally and seem to hear and understand most conversations even when noise or background sounds are present.

When a hearing loss goes beyond the 30 db level is when it usually becomes noticeable to the individual with the hearing a loss. Interestingly, almost all hearing losses begin in the high frequency range. What is noticed is not so much a drop in volume because their low tones are in the normal range. However what is noticed is a drop in understanding or clarity of words. If you had a high frequency loss you would really notice a problem when someone was speaking and they had a soft or high pitched voice. That’s when most start asking others to repeat what was said. Usually the biggest challenge comes when they are in a group or in any noisy situations like in a restaurant or when their TV is on and someone tries to talk with them.

Studies have shown that most people don’t usually start wearing hearing aids until they have endured their hearing loss between 5 to 7 years. There are many factors involved in the decision to start wearing hearing aids. One of the most important factors is the need to communicate accurately.

If you had a job that was very detail oriented with communication and your livelihood depended on the communication being accurate, you wouldn’t want to wait. After all, waiting might just cost you your job. Studies conducted by Sergei Kochin, PHD have shown that on average a person with an uncorrected hearing loss earns about $23,000.00 a year less than someone who doesn’t have a hearing loss.

One of the most important reasons to consider wearing hearing aids early is what a hearing loss does to your relationships. Again it’s all about communication, especially with those you are close with. (continued)

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