Over-The-Counter Hearing Devices in Denver, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, CO
What You Need to Know About OTC Hearing Aids
If you’ve read the news lately, you know that new research is constantly emerging linking hearing loss to other major health concerns like cognitive decline, depression, and an increased risk of accidents. Yet many people still delay treatment, often because they feel they can’t afford it. At Hearing Healthcare Center, serving Denver, and Fort Collins, CO, we’ve always sought ways to make hearing devices more affordable.
Thankfully, recent advancements in hearing technology, along with new legislation and changes in insurance, are helping to make hearing loss treatments more accessible than ever. One of the most significant developments has been the introduction of over-the-counter hearing devices available in stores and pharmacies.
However, just because you can purchase a hearing device over the counter doesn’t mean it’s a do-it-yourself solution. There’s a lot of expertise that goes into choosing the option most likely to be effective for your specific hearing loss. The clarity of sound can be affected dramatically by how the device fits, the settings you use, and whether it addresses the underlying issue.
Whether you’re in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Fort Collins, the first step in treating hearing loss should always be a hearing test with a licensed audiologist. We are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that whatever hearing device you choose. Call one of our audiology clinics at (303) 816-3869 to schedule an appointment.
Why Do I Need a Hearing Test?
Many people make the mistake of thinking that hearing aids and hearables are just mini-speakers that amplify sound. In reality, they do a lot more than that, and some device styles are not effective treatments for higher-levels or specific types of hearing loss. A hearing test from a licensed professional is critical for determining your ability to hear certain frequencies, to understand speech in quiet and noisy environments, and to find the most appropriate solution for your individual needs.
Hearing Devices Are Not Just About Volume
Hearing devices need to be “tuned” to your specific hearing loss. Here are just a few reasons this is important:
- If you universally raise the volume, the volume will be too high in the ranges where your hearing is normal which can damage your hearing further.
- Some frequencies will be uncomfortably loud if they are not adjusted properly…which may lead you to stop using your device.
- Sound clarity will be affected if the settings aren’t correct. What’s the point of increasing the volume if you still can’t make out what someone is saying to you?
- A hearing aid that is not fit with a recent audiogram may damage your hearing more than help it.
Clarity of Sound Depends on Getting the Right Device for Your Hearing Loss
There are other features that are important when choosing a hearing device. For example, hearing aids often have artificial intelligence that improves sound quality, helps alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus, or reduces background noise. Depending on the exact nature of your hearing loss, these features may be important to address your hearing issues effectively.
In addition, a hearing specialist can help you monitor your hearing loss over time and adjust the settings in response to subtle changes.
It Pays to Get It Right – Hearing Loss Affects Your Overall Health
Not only has untreated hearing loss been associated with dementia and depression, it can also affect your health in subtle ways. In fact, studies have shown that untreated hearing loss can increase your healthcare costs by as much as 40% in just 10 years. Luckily, the reverse is also true: getting proper treatment for hearing loss has been shown to help restore cognitive abilities and reduce depression in adults with hearing loss. The key is to make sure the treatment is effective for the severity and type of your hearing loss. This all starts with a hearing test and evaluation.