Two recent experiences prompted me to write on the importance of the proper fitting and maintenance of hearing aids. Treating hearing loss is extremely important due to its impact on health and well-being. Untreated hearing loss increases the likelihood of depression, loneliness, isolation, and is a significant contributing factor in developing dementia. Unfortunately, many people think that treating hearing loss simply means buying some form of cheap amplification device.

In reality, properly treating hearing loss is a process involving numerous steps. These steps include having a comprehensive audiometric evaluation (hearing test) and being properly fitted with hearing devices programmed specifically to the patient’s needs. Another step, one that is most often neglected, is the ongoing maintenance of the ears and the hearing aids. Malfunctioning devices and wax-filled ears can be very problematic, while properly fitted and functioning devices improve a person’s life as shown in the following two experiences.

Last week, a gentleman visiting from out of town was scheduled to have his hearing aids checked as he was not hearing well. His diminished hearing was causing significant bickering between him and his wife. The day before the appointment I received word from his son he was in the hospital due to a medical emergency. Things were not going well. The problem was exacerbated by the fact his hearing aids were not working properly. His lack of hearing was leading to significant confusion. I insisted the son bring the hearing aids in as soon as possible since, in my experience, the patient would likely do much better if he could communicate with his family and the medical staff.

The son brought the aids into the office. Neither aid was functioning properly, but I was able to clean and repair both of them without sending either to the manufacturer. The son then took the aids back to the patient in the hospital. He reported his father was doing much better as his confusion decreased once he could properly hear what was happening.

Another situation last month involved a woman who previously used multiple pairs of hearing aids, but none, including the devices she had been wearing for the past year, were helping her. She was very frustrated and down-trodden as nobody had been able to help her with her problem and she could not communicate with her family. It turned out her ear canals were shaped such that the typical one-size fits-most devices did not fit, and the “custom” devices she had would not stay in her ears.

Following an examination of her ears and comprehensive hearing evaluation, I determined that even though she has unique and difficult to fit ear canals, I could customize a solution for her. She reluctantly agreed to get the hearing aids I recommended, and a week later was successfully fit with the devices. The first report I received from her family after the fitting was that she was very pleased and not only could she hear better, she commented she could actually carry on a conversation for the first time in a very long time. When she returned to the office for her first follow up, her attitude, countenance and demeanor had completely changed.