On our website we talk about Sound Voids™ (more commonly known to the general public as hearing loss). In this post we will revisit this experience that 1 out of 6 Americans have today (1/3 of them less than 45 years of age) and give you a little more background on what the process for treatment involves.
Definition of a Sound Void™ (noun):
1. A moment lacking clarity in hearing or understanding.
2. An empty space in one’s life caused by the absence of sound clarity.
Do you often hear people talking but simply have difficulty understanding them?
Do you sometimes struggle to hear clearly in background noise?
Do you occasionally have trouble following the conversation in small groups?
Do you find it challenging to explain your hearing situation to others?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be experiencing the perception of “Sound Voids.” The term “Sound Void” was created by AudigyCertified™ professionals to help explain the “gaps” that some individuals say they experience in their day-to-day listening lives. Sound Voids usually occur in specific listening situations where an individual’s hearing loss does not permit them to detect or understand important sounds and speech cues. Individuals often find that Sound Voids result in tiring, frustrating, and embarrassing situations. However you experience them—whether they happen during precious moments with your grandchildren, critical conversations in the workplace, or in simple everyday interactions—
Sound Voids can detract from your ability to live your life to its fullest. AudigyCertified professionals have the experience, training, and advanced technology to provide you with the best possible hearing care solutions.
So, you think you might be experiencing Sound Voids™, what do you do next?
Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance and Audigy Group members have worked very hard to create a process and an environment in which you feel comfortable, learn about your hearing loss, understand your options and have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your communication needs.
Step 1: Schedule an appointment with your local Audigy Certified Hearing Clinic.
When you call Treasure Valley Hearing, our schedule coordinator will work with you to find a convenient appointment day and time in one of our clinics for you. It is critical that you bring a loved one or friend with you whose voice is very familiar to you. That person’s voice will be used in part of our testing.
Step 2: Arrive a few minutes early for your appointment.
You will be given some paperwork to complete. Your companion will also be given a form to complete in which he/she will give their thoughts about your hearing loss.
Step 3: Time with your Hearing Care Provider.
During this appointment, your provider will conduct an interview in which he or she will gain an understanding of the environments in which you are experiencing your difficulties. We feel it is critical that your spouse or other loved one be involved in this process as they may be observing things you are not aware of. We bring them in to the discussion and use their voice during some of the testing.
Next, your provider will take a look in your ears to insure that a wax blockage or something similar isn’t the issue. From there, a hearing evaluation will be performed and then the results will be discussed with you.
If hearing devices are recommended, your provider will present multiple options for you and discuss the pros and cons of each. If you have never worn hearing devices before you will be placed on a rehabilitation program in which you will be given specific instructions as to how to wear the hearing devices and in what kinds of environments over an initial 45 day period. Just as a bright light might hurt your eyes when they have been in the dark for some time, the noisy world around us can be just as bright! It takes time to learn to adapt to the world around us.
To understand more about our process and what you can expect when you come in to one of our clinics for an evaluation, you can watch an education video on our website at www.treasurevalleyhearing.com. This short video will outline the process you will experience when you come to one of our clinics in search of better hearing. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to give us a call, 1-800-726-1019 or 208-377-0019 or email us at info@treasurevalleyhearing.com.