Interview with Michelle Giddings
Gary Barg: Why is it important to have a loved one’s hearing checked? How can hearing aids help their overall quality of life?
Michelle Giddings: Receiving hearing screenings regularly is just as important as getting a physical or going to the dentist for a checkup. Age-related hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, social isolation and even depression. Luckily, studies have found that the use of hearing aids can not only restore the capacity to hear, but also improve the brain’s functionality and working memory as well.
Healthy hearing can help your loved ones remain social, active, and safe, giving them an overall sense of well-being. Our hearing health professional recommends that you get your loved one’s hearing checked regularly to be able to give them the help they need as soon as possible.
Gary Barg: What are the signs that you loved one might need a hearing aid?
Michelle Giddings: Some common signs to look out for when trying to determine if someone is suffering from hearing loss are that they complain about people mumbling or frequently ask you to repeat what you have said. You might notice that they prefer the television or radio volume to be unusually high. Often they start to avoid social occasions, family gatherings, and noisy environments because they have a hard time communicating during these events. Another thing you might observe that they become more impatient, irritable, frustrated or withdrawn.
Gary Barg: How do you persuade a reticent loved one to schedule a hearing exam?
Michelle Giddings: If your loved one has experienced hearing loss, it can be difficult to find the best approach towards beginning that discussion. Many people do not want to admit that they experience hearing loss. Others may simply not be aware that there is an issue. It’s important to remember to be patient and avoid beginning the conversation in a moment of frustration. Set aside some time in a peaceful, quiet area where you can have a meaningful and empathetic discussion.
Gary Barg: What is the average cost of a hearing aid?
Michelle Giddings: The cost of a hearing aid varies depending on the degree of a patient’s hearing loss and the technology required for correction. As a network we work with every patient’s unique situation and present them with options that fit their lifestyles and specific hearing health needs. In honor of October being National Audiology Awareness Month, we will be offering hearing aids starting as low as $999.
Gary Barg: What are you doing at Hearing Health USA and Belsono Hearing to support family caregivers?
Michelle Giddings: Our hearing healthcare providers offer education on hearing loss and live in-office demonstrations of the latest hearing aid technology available. We understand that a caregiver’s job is important. When it comes to making an educated decision towards choosing a hearing aid for a loved one, we want to help you by providing as much information as possible. We also offer a complementary check of hearing aid benefits, so you’ll know exactly what will be covered.
Gary Barg: Where are your centers located?
Michelle Giddings: Our network consists of 154 hearing aid clinics in 21 states. To get more information on locations and events near you, call 866-539-7077.
Gary Barg: What is the most important advice you would like to share with a family caregiver of a loved one with hearing challenges?
Michelle Giddings: Become an ongoing support system for them. Go with them to the appointment so you can learn more about hearing loss yourself. If they receive hearing aids, support them in their adjustment to new sounds. You can also help communicate to other family members how to best communicate with your loved one, now that they have a hearing aid.