Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

What is the best hearing aid?

- SPECIAL TO NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

The short answer to this uestion is there is not one. Not for every individual that is. There are more than a few uality hearing aid manufactur­ers out there, and each have different strengths, whether it be noise suppressio­n technology, feedback control, wireless connectivi­ty, and even durability. Why is this signi cant

Because every patient is different and no two individual­s hear the same, even if it appears that way on paper. Hearing is behavioral and subjective. For this reason, I aim to treat the hearing problem of each patient rather than the hearing loss. In order to accomplish this, we must identify speci cally which situations each patient wants to hear better in. Some want to to hear their children or grandchild­ren. Many come seeking help to better hear their husband or wife. Others just want to hear the Hogs game.

With this informatio­n, I am able to recommend a treatment option or brand that meets the individual hearing goals of the patient. Thus, the most crucial part of the hearing consultati­on appointmen­t occurs before we even test the patient. Ironically, the most important skill an audiologis­t must possess is the ability to hear and listen to the patient. Only then can we say that you have the best hearing aid.

Help us nd the best hearing aid for you. Call to book your compliment­ary hearing consultati­on appointmen­t, (479) 957-9300.

— Dustin Richards, Au.D.

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