Wondering about your hearing? Two questions to ask

As baby boomers age, and as those  who have been exposed to loud music through ear-buds and other sources get older, hearing loss is becoming more common. For the first time in history, an increased number of those in their late teens and twenties are showing signs of hearing loss; most hearing loss is not reversible. It takes, on average, 7 years for many people to decide to get their hearing tested.

If your doctor prescribes a hearing test, some insurance plans may cover the cost. Check with them first.

When you decide to get your hearing tested, do so with 2 questions. First, skip the portable booths and machines, and go to someone with a permanent booth. When the machines are moved, their delicate calibration can be changed, making the results inaccurate. Even with a permanent booth, ask "When was this device last calibrated?" Expect an answer within the last year.

Also ask the qualifications of the examiner. Look for a name-tag that says "CCC-A" or a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology.

A person who has finished at least his master's in audiology (now usually a doctorate) but is in his first year of work may have a name-tag that says "CFY-A", or Clinical Fellowship Year - Audiology, indicating he is being closely supervised. In other words, you want someone who has extensive training to test your hearing, beyond the screening stage.

If you have a hearing loss, your audiologist will prescribe a hearing aid if it is appropriate. (Not everyone can benefit from one.) It takes training, called aural rehabilitation, to get the maximal benefit from a hearing aid.

There are some things you can do at work to make communication easier. First, try to talk to people in a quieter setting. Close the door, go to a quieter restaurant or go at off-hours, turn down the noisy radio, or just be in front of and near  the person who is talking.

Second, consider getting some special equipment to make it easier to hear on the telephone or in a meeting. This equipment is called assistive listening devices (ALDs). The equipment can be used with or without a hearing aid. Your audiologist can suggest any that might be appropriate. If the equipment is needed to help you do your job effectively and safely, talk to your human resources department about purchasing it for you.

If you have a documented hearing loss, let your employer know. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects qualified people with known disabilities  in the areas of hiring, training and firing. However, if your employer does not know about your disability, you are not covered.

For more information, Business Speech Improvement offers a helpful e-book, "What Did You Say? Coping with Hearing Loss". (Scroll to the bottom of the page for this.)