For many individuals, hearing loss is something that is ignored or simply accepted, but in many instances negatively impacts quality of life. It is important for anyone experiencing hearing loss to speak with their physician for a referral to a licensed audiologist for a consultation. Whether it's a simple cleaning, or a hearing aid, most individuals can find a solution to their hearing problems.
An audiologist is a medical professional who is trained and licensed to diagnose, treat, habilitate and rehabilitate someone with a hearing loss. Divine Savior Healthcare is pleased to offer patients in our community the services of two licensed audiologists Bonnie Stanislawski and Lorelei Karcz Vincent.
Stanislawski and Vincent assist patients of all ages and backgrounds. Once a physician or patient identifies a loss of hearing, the physician makes a referral to one of the audiologists and a one-hour test is then scheduled. This high-tech test allows the audiologist to understand more about the nature of the hearing loss and make a recommendation based on their diagnosis. The recommendation can include things like surgical options and ear cleanings, but it can also identify whether the patient is a candidate for a hearing aid. It is important that this screening and diagnosis be preformed by an audiologist in order to rule out a more serious underlying issue.
If a patient is a candidate for a hearing aid and would like to explore this option, they are then scheduled for a 30 minute consultation with Stanislawski or Vincent. During this consultation, the audiologist addresses the hearing concerns and needs of the individual patient and gains a better understanding about their lifestyle, goals and expectations. The audiologists are highly trained on many makes, models and manufacturers of hearing aids and can provide information on different styles, sizes and price ranges to suit each individual. If the patient decides that a hearing aid is something they would like to try, an impression of the ear is taken and sent out for a customized hearing aid.
When the hearing aid arrives, the patient comes in to see the audiologist for a one-hour visit. During this visit, the patient learns all about their new hearing aid. Today's hearing aids are extremely sophisticated and are finely tuned and adjusted using computer software. Audiologists are constantly trained and updated on this equipment and can program each hearing aid to suit the specialized hearing needs of each individual. Patients have a 30 day adjustment period to try out their hearing aid with minimal financial risk. During that time, the patient may come in to have it adjusted and fine tuned to suit their needs. If after that period they are not satisfied, they can return the unit before incurring the full cost of the hearing aid. After the hearing aid is purchased, the audiologist is available by appointment anytime to address any issues and make any adjustments.
There are many advantages to having hearing loss identified and treated by a licensed audiologist. Oftentimes individuals with hearing loss directly contact a hearing aid vendor after seeing a commercial or other advertisement. It's important to realize that the individuals selling these units do not have backgrounds in audiology or health care. By seeing a licensed audiologist, you can be sure that your hearing issues are properly diagnosed and addressed by someone who has years of training, certification and licensing in the science of hearing and who has devoted their career to providing quality hearing care to their patients. Audiologists do not have to meet sales goals or promote one product or procedure over another - their goal is to simply diagnose your hearing loss, recommend treatments that are in your best interests and provide follow-up care. In addition, visits with audiologists are covered by most insurance companies.
If you are avoiding social situations and family gatherings for fear of replying inappropriately and/or becoming embarrassed, it is important to address your hearing loss now in order to improve your quality of life. If you or a family member experience difficulty hearing in everyday life, when talking over the phone, when more than one person is talking or in noisy environments, please talk with your primary care physician for a referral to see one of Divine Savior Healthcare's licensed audiologists Bonnie Stanislawski or Lorelei Karcz Vincent. If you have questions about your hearing, please contact Divine Savior Healthcare's audiology department at 608-745-6290.