SPEAK TO YOUR JONES HEARING PROFESSIONAL

So many people have untreated hearing loss because they are ashamed to discuss it.   Did you know that the average individual does not address his hearing problem for seven to ten years?  This is an unfortunate statistic because it indicates that many people are experiencing unnecessary suffering. The first step to a better quality of life is to admit to yourself that you are experiencing a hearing problem.  Hearing professionals certainly can’t treat conditions of which they are not aware. Hearing loss is not something for which you should feel ashamed. Please, talk to a Jones Hearing Professional.

Communication with your hearing professional is essential, especially when obtaining a hearing aid.  If you want to get the most effective hearing aid for your hearing loss, lifestyle and budget, realize that selecting the "best" hearing aid is a collaborative decision between you and your hearing professional.  Be honest about your hearing loss to ensure your best outcome. Withholding or misrepresenting your true experience will prevent you from securing your best hearing solution. 

>>  Types of Hearing Professionals
>>  FAQ A Hearing Professional May Ask You

What Type of Hearing Professionals Are There?

Otolaryngologists:

Otolaryngologists specialize in ear, nose, and throat disorders and can investigate the cause of a hearing loss.

Audiologists:

Audiologists hold a master's or doctoral degree in clinical audiology from accredited universities, making them specialists in the prevention, identification, assessment and non-medical treatment of hearing disorders.

Audiologists provide you with:

• Hearing conservation programs to prevent hearing loss in children, teens and adults.
• Comprehensive hearing evaluations for persons of all ages.
• Selection, fitting and dispensing of hearing aids and/or other assistive listening devices.
• Counseling on living with hearing loss for both patient and family.
• Research and development of new evaluation and rehabilitation techniques.

Audiologists are qualified to assess and treat both children and adults. An audiologist must have at least a Master’s Degree (M.S. or M.A.) or a Doctorate Degree (Au.D.) in communicative sciences and disorders from an accredited college or university before he or she can become licensed by the state.  They also must follow continuing education guidelines to ensure they are informed of the most up-to-date information and equipment in their field.

Licensed Fitter/Dispensers:

Licensed Fitter/Dispensers measure hearing using an audiometer and select, adapt, and sell hearing instruments. 

In Texas, a licensed fitter/dispenser must pass an exam given by the State Committee of Examiners in the Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments. Fitters and dispensers may be “Board Certified” if they meet the requirements of the National Board of Hearing Instrument Sciences.  Many fitters and dispensers use the designator “HIS” which stands for Hearing Instrument Specialist. They also must follow continuing education guidelines to ensure they are informed of the most up-to-date information and equipment in their field.

Jones Hearing hires only licensed hearing professionals.

Questions Frequently Asked by Hearing Professionals

You may wish to come prepared to answer some of the following questions of your hearing professional:

• Did your hearing loss come on quickly or over time?
• What event convinced you to consult someone about your hearing loss?
• Can you hear conversation, but not distinguish the words?
• Do all sounds appear muffled?
• Are there only certain times when you find it hard to hear?
• When there is a lot of background noise?
• In gatherings of 4 or more?
• At the movies or watching television?
• Are you experiencing any symptoms other than hearing loss?