In This Episode:
Dr. K talks about hearing aids and other ways to address hearing loss with Meg Wallhagen, PhD, Professor of Gerontological Nursing at UCSF’s School of Nursing. She is a nationally recognized expert on hearing loss and has been on the board of the Hearing Loss Association of America since 2010. This episode is Part 2 of a two-part series on hearing loss. They discuss:
- Why people may be entitled to workplace accommodations to address hearing loss
- What should take place during an initial audiology evaluation
- How audiologists adjust and fit hearing aids, and what to expect from a good audiology provider
- What to expect from using hearing aids
- Common hearing aid options to consider, & how to choose a hearing aid
- Why it’s good to get a hearing aid with a telecoil
- Why the brain needs time to adjust to hearing aids & why it’s essential to use them regularly
- Who shouldn’t get hearing aids
- Why a “Pocket Talker” can be a good option for people with dementia
- Other alternatives to hearing aids, such as special phones
- Why it’s important to address hearing loss sooner rather than later
- Other simple ways to improve communication with older adults with hearing loss
- Recent developments in over-the-counter hearing aids and personal sound amplification products (PSAPs)
Related episode:
094 – Interview: Hearing Loss in Aging: Why It Matters & Getting Evaluated
Related Resources:
- Professor Wallhagen’s Brochure (for people affected by hearing loss):
- UCSF Audiology: The Speech Banana
- Medicare.gov: Hearing & balance exams & hearing aids
- Mayo Clinic: Hearing aids, How to choose the right one
- The Hurdles to Getting Hearing Aids
- Hearing Loss Association of America:
- Hearing Loss Basics
- A Guide to Understanding Hearing Loops (includes info on telecoils)
- Find a Local Chapter
- AARP
- Pocketalkers*
- Hearing & Speech Center (San Francisco)
- National Academies: Hearing Health Care for Adults: Priorities for Improving Access and Affordability
- Better Health While Aging:
- Professor Wallhagen’s Research:
- Hearing Loss Education for Older Adults in Primary Care Clinics: Benefits of a Concise Educational Brochure
- The Stigma of Hearing Loss
- Hearing impairment: significant but underassessed in primary care settings
- Impact of Self-Assessed Hearing Loss on a Spouse: A Longitudinal Analysis of Couples
Transcript: Click here.
Note from Dr. K: We don’t have the funds to transcribe most podcast episodes, but we decided to transcribe Professor Wallhagen’s episodes, to make them more accessible to anyone experiencing hearing loss.
*Note: our Pocketalker link is an Amazon affiliate link. We are now participating in the Amazon Associates affiliate program, so if you buy through the link on our site, Better Health While Aging will earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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Sue says
Leslie,
Having hearing loss and hearing aids for quite some time now, I was dismayed with your podcast about hearing problems. It was a problem for me either it was the quality of the sound reproduction or the fact that it came through my computer.
Further though, because you have a higher pitched voice those of us with that kind of loss find it takes work to hear. Add to that is that you talked so rapidly that I gave up listening as it was too hard to listen.
Sorry to be negative but I think you might want to know.
sue
Nicole Didyk, MD says
Thanks for the feedback and I’m sorry that you had difficulty with the audio from the podcast. You’re correct that a higher pitched voice can be harder to hear with age-related hearing loss. Depending on how you listen to the podcast, some devices allow for slowing the audio to make it easier to hear. Thanks again for your perspective, and please tune in again.
Russell La Claire says
Thank you for this most important post. Most of us will/are involved one way or another in this topic.
The information presented will be very useful in my own quest for improved hearing. And I am grateful to you both for your time and effort.
Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH says
Thank you, I’m so glad you found the episode helpful. Dr. Wallhagen is wonderful and I’m so happy to spread the word about this issue and her advice on the topic.
Claire August says
Your podcast on hearing loss came just in time. It coincided with my decision to ask my physician about a hearing test because I’ve noticed some small changes in my hearing.
So, Podcast #2 was very welcome and helpful in providing a perspective on the issues and products available.
I don’t need to be convinced to seek help. I’m grateful for the info at this opportune time.
Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH says
I’m so glad you found the podcast helpful and even happier that you are taking action. Good luck looking into your hearing!