Fall has arrived with the holidays coming right around the corner. We all experience the stress of the holidays, but for those with untreated hearing loss, the stress is even greater. The holiday season typically involves group social events that will make even a mild hearing loss noticeable and frustrating.
Now is the time to hear, not only for the upcoming holidays, but because flexible spending accounts may be expiring soon. Some individuals have set aside pre-tax earnings into a flexible spending account or cafeteria plan that must be used before the end of the year. If you did not participate in this type of plan this year, now is the time to investigate your options for participating next year. Sign-ups for these plans are only open at certain times of the year. Ask your employer regarding enrollment.
Changes in health care policies are being discussed with potentially imminent changes. In 2009, certain federal insurance plans are offering “up to $1000 per ear” allowance towards hearing devices. Each policy is unique so consult with your carrier to determine if you have any hearing aid benefits. 
Beware of the mail order hearing aids. Why? Often these companies do not require a hearing evaluation or impression of the ear to send a device to the consumer. Hearing loss can differ in type, pattern and severity. An inappropriately fit hearing aid may not provide any benefit, and may cause more damage. Too much amplification or a poorly fitting earpiece will lead to noise damage and ear pain. There is no such thing as “one size fits all” in the hearing aid world.  The size and shape of our ears are as unique as our thumbprints.  Thus, it is vital to have the guidance of an audiologist to determine the most appropriate hearing aid to fit each individual hearing loss, configuration of ear and lifestyle.
Improved hearing is priceless. Investing in hearing devices is not the same as buying a household appliance. They are medical devices that must be fit by a professional to obtain maximum success. Don’t be misled by what appears to be a lower cost option without doing your research. The information you need in order to be an educated consumer is:
• Know the provider of your hearing healthcare, their education and qualifications. (Audiologist vs. Hearing Aid Dispenser/Audioprosthologist)  
• Does the provider take the time to know your needs and concerns?
• Do you understand the rationale for the recommended devices (the brand and type of circuit)?
• What is the rehabilitative process to “hear again”? 
• What is the business mission statement?  Nationwide retail vs. locally owned.  Is the business run by a provider or publicly held business entity?
The National Council on Aging released a study in 1999 on 2,300 individuals with hearing loss who were over the age of 50. The overall results were “...those with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety, and paranoia and were less likely to participate in organized social activities, compared to those who wear hearing aids.”
Now Is The Time To Hear. Contact your local doctor of audiology if you haven’t received a baseline hearing evaluation.