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People who suspect they have hearing loss wait an average of 7-10 years before they address it. Now, you may be asking yourself, "Why do people wait so long to address their hearing loss?" Oftentimes, it's denial. They think of hearing loss and automatically envision their grandfather's hearing aids from the 70's and 80's. They were big, clunky, and made all sorts of noises. They may think to themselves, "There's no way I have hearing loss. My family and friends just mumble. Plus, I cannot be seen with those big clunky things in my ears! They make so much noise!" However, hearing technology has advanced so much in the past 20 years. They're discreet, stylish, and hardly whistle thanks to feedback cancellation technology!

As a hearing healthcare provider and private practice owner, I've heard it all. Living in the information age, our patients can Google "What hearing aids should I buy," and they're inundated with different styles and brands of hearing technology. With that said, when new patients visit our office, they are aware of the different styles and brands of hearing aids. I always thank them for doing their research prior to their visit. This shows me that they are motivated to address their hearing loss. 

When new patients visit your office, they are looking to you, the expert in hearing healthcare, to help them understand speech in complex listening situations. While they struggle to understand speech in simple/quiet listening situations, they really want to engage in the family conversation during the holidays or at their grandchild's soccer game. Reviewing the patients audiometric data and speech in noise scores is an essential part of the appointment. However, what patients are most interested in is "test driving" the hearing technology. As hearing healthcare professionals, now more than ever, it is essential we deliver a first-class experience to new and current hearing aid users.

The in-office hearing aid demo accomplishes the following: 

• Patients hear what they have been missing for many years.
• Allows the patient to hear their spouse/loved one's voice with increased clarity for the first time in years. 
• Experience how the technology increases speech understanding in noisy situations when competing background is being played in the background. 
• Allows the patient to physically touch and feel the hearing aids. 
• Assists in the hearing aid recommendation process, specifically the style of hearing aid. 
  • Ex. If a patient presents with decreased dexterity and vision, they will most likely do best with a custom rechargeable hearing aid. 

The primary purpose of hearing technology is to increase speech understanding and decrease listening effort. The majority of the patients I've treated with hearing loss all want to solve one major problem they experience: understanding speech in noise. Consumers today are being bombarded with hearing aid advertisements. As hearing healthcare professionals, we have the opportunity to create brand relevant memories with the in-office hearing aid demo. 

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