Susan began her full time career with Welsch Hearing Aid Company in December, 1984 as the Office Manager. On March 5, 1985, she became a State Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist. In 1994, she passed her National Board for Certification Examination.
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This is a question that I have been asked over and over since President Biden signed the over-the-counter hearing aid act into law. The best thing that can come out of this act is that more people will finally think of doing something about their hearing.
The danger with this legislation is that those who purchase OTC hearing aids often do so without having their hearing evaluated first. They think it is going to save them a lot of money when in reality it could cost them more in the long run.
One day someone came into our office to pick up batteries for her mom’s hearing aid, and I saw a big hearing amplifier in her ear much like the one pictured. When asked why she was wearing the amplifier, she said she could not afford hearing aids. I then asked her if she had ever had her hearing tested and she hadn’t. No one had ever even looked in her ears. A quick check with my video-otoscope found ears impacted with wax. She did not need hearing aids. She could have saved money by having her ears checked first.
Another lady came in to get hearing aids through her insurance. Previously she had bought three pairs of “hearing aids” online. They kept falling out and she would lose or break them. When hearing aids with ear tips like the one pictured do, they are unlikely to fit your ears properly. The physical fit of the hearing aid is essential for proper hearing. There are many online “aids” under different names for these devices—they are not programmed for your hearing loss and can possibly damage your hearing through over amplification.
Wisconsin State law requires that a hearing test be performed within 6 months of any hearing aid purchase. There is good reason for this. Prior to the hearing test, the ears are examined for cerumen (wax) impaction, possible infections, and deformities. Certain tests are required to rule out any underlying medical conditions including Bone and Air Conduction Testing, Speech Understanding Tests (in quiet and in noise), Speech Comfortable (MCL) and Uncomfortable Level Testing. These tests are all essential for a successful hearing aid fitting. As a Hearing Instrument Specialist, if any of the “Federal Red Flags” are found during testing, a referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist will be necessary. Some medical conditions that can cause hearing loss include: virus’, middle ear fluid or infection, otosclerosis, Meniere’s Syndrome, Acoustic Neuromas, brain tumors and more. Sudden hearing losses require immediate attention. With Over-the-Counter-Hearing Aids these things go undetected.
If you are having hearing difficulties call Welsch Hearing Aid Company at 920-452-0213 to schedule your hearing test, consultation, and demonstration today!