There’s a lot more to it than just going and buying a device off a shelf
Hearing loss is often a gradual process that can seemingly creep up on people. Some of the signs that indicate a decline in hearing include asking for repetition, speech sounding muffled or frequently saying, “What?” or “Huh?” or “Excuse me?”
As hearing fades, individuals can find themselves withdrawing from social settings and isolating themselves from interaction with people, which can contribute to depression and anxiety. The impact can have a dramatic effect on those in an individual’s life as well.
Dr. Kimberly Combs of Advanced Hearing Care explained that hearing loss doesn’t only affect the person struggling to hear – but rather an entire family and network of friends, their place of worship and even everyday interactions and errands such as trips to the bank and grocery store.
When the time comes to address the very real problem of hearing loss, fellow audiologist Dr. Juliette Gassert said that a comprehensive strategy to target the problem is essential.
“There’s a lot more to it than just going and buying a device off a shelf,” she said.
Dr. Combs, Dr. Gassert and the entire Advanced Hearing Care team work to develop a comprehensive solution to hearing loss that goes far beyond just a device, focusing on evaluation, education, counseling and device management every step of the way.
“Our focus is on long-term care of both you and your technology,” Dr. Gassert said.
As patients tackle the problem of hearing loss, Dr. Combs said she sees individuals able to reconnect in areas where the hearing loss may have limited their interactions with others.
“They don’t want to be embarrassed, and they don’t want to be dismissed as a person. Communication is what keeps us connected together – whether it’s with our family, our friends or our community,” she said.
And sometimes, the treatment can assist not just the hearing itself but the very soul of a relationship.
“We have had people who have said, ‘You have saved our marriage,’” she explained.
There is a learning curve associated with being fitted with hearing aids, but Advanced Hearing Care works with patients along the way to ensure that the adjustment is made easily. Soon, individuals will be accustomed to their new way of improved hearing.
“To get the most benefit from their hearing aids, we advise people to wear their devices all day even if they are at home alone,” Dr. Gassert said.
Advanced Hearing Care has been working to assist those in need of hearing treatment for more than 25 years, and Dr. Combs said they are proud to be part of the community.
“The biggest compliment is when a patient sends us their family or friend to take care of as well,” she said.
To learn more, visit www.advhearing.com or call 843- 628-4844.
By Michael Gibbons
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