Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Wolfpack Hearing Clinic Reveals the Truth About Hearing Aids
There are several common myths when it comes to hearing aids. Dr. Dustin Richards of Wolfpack Hearing Clinic provides the truth to these issues.
1) Hearing aids restore hearing to “normal.”
Hearing aids do not restore hearing to “normal.” Hearing aids do not “cure” your hearing loss. They will provide significant improvement in your ability to communicate with loved ones if the hearing aids are appropriate for your speci c listening needs, worn consistently, and are properly maintained over time. It can not be overstated how important these requirements are.
Many of my new patients are surprised when I describe to them the amount of work we put into ensuring success with hearing aids. By the time we complete the tting and initial batch of follow-up appointments, they understand expectations, the immeasurable value of better hearing, and why we as a staff work as hard as we do.
2) My hearing aids are too old to be adjusted.
This is not true, plain and simple. Hearing aid manufacturers release software to us, the audiologists, that allows us to program and adjust hearing devices. While operating systems like Windows change, the manufacturers make ‘patches’ available, ensuring that the older versions of their software still work.
In layman’s terms, there is never a point in time when your hearing aids suddenly become too old and obsolete to be adjusted. It’s true that hearing aid technology has improved immensely and will continue to do so at a rapid pace. That doesn’t mean you have no choice but to purchase new devices. Other than new patients who brought us proprietary labeled hearing aids, I have yet to come across a device that could not be adjusted and I don’t foresee that ever changing.
3) Hearing aids are big, cumbersome, and unsightly.
I am always careful about how I answer this. Before launching Wolfpack, we made a conscious decision to avoid ‘promoting’ the invisibility of today’s hearing aids for the sole reason that anyone looking to improve and be the best versions of themselves should feel celebrated and encouraged, not embarrassed. Anybody who willingly wears hearing aids falls into this category.
Having said that, I concede that hearing aids have not quite reached the level of acceptance that we currently see with eyeglasses or braces. Furthermore, many individuals are simply concerned that large, bulky hearing aids would be a nuisance and impractical to wear every day. With today’s hearing aids, this is a problem of the past. They are small, light, and convenient. And yes, we t invisible hearing aids with tremendous success.
Dr. Richards is the founder and audiologist at Wolfpack Hearing Clinic. His decision to become a hearing doctor stems from a long-standing passion for serving the hard of hearing population, having witnessed the effects of hearing loss in his own family from a young age. Dr. Richards earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) at the University of Central Arkansas prior to his Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He is a member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) and Arkansas Academy of Audiology (ARAA). Prior to launching his practice, Dr. Richards enjoyed a wide array of experience in otolaryngology clinics, pediatrics, private practice, occupational testing, and serving our nation’s veterans through the VA. In his spare time, Dr. Richards enjoys reading, writing, lm, technology, church, and the outdoors. He is also an avid sports fan and devoted to the Razorbacks. Dr. Richards and his wife Marla are lifelong Arkansans, and share a common love for the community.
Wolfpack Hearing Clinic is excited to be accepting new patients. Call to schedule your complimentary hearing consultation at (479) 957-9300. They are located in the Kantz Center in Fayetteville at the intersection of Crossover and Mission.