Hello to everyone: About me

[Drez]

First of all I would like to see what a pleasure it is to see a resource like this available for hearing aid users and those with hearing loss. It provides a network of individuals in similar situations that can help not only provide answers, but also support. Recently I've noticed a growing number of my clients, young and old, turning to the Internet for answers and guidance. Often information can vary and it can be difficult to sort though the varied opinions, viewpoints and sources of information on the web. As such I thought it might be helpful if I could contribute to this body of information. Perhaps most importantly, in doing so I hope to help ensure individuals have access to the right information and resources that can help guide them through informed decision making on topics that are often confusing, misunderstood, misleading or biased. I believe this process is empowering to the end user and a part of self actualization. It is my pleasure to be able to help facilitate in that.

Currently I am a practicing clinical Audiologist in Ontario. I did both my undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Western Ontario, home of the National Centre for Audiology and DSL i/o fitting algorithm. Additionally, I completed a research based thesis on sound quality measurement and frequency shift algorithms and was involved with clinical field trials for a major hearing aid manufacturer. As such I feel I enjoy a strong background in not only clinical audiology but also research methodology and many of the technical aspects of this field.

[Reidan]

Welcome Drez. I see that you have been busy here today posting replies. You seem to have a lot of good information and I look forward to reading more from you.

As for myself, I am one of those turning to the Internet for help. Have not been able to convince myself to pull the trigger and make a purchase yet. I am hoping to gather enough information to eventually convince myself I know enough to make an informed decision. To that end I appreciate professionals such as yourself taking the time to answer questions.

[Renovator]

Welcome, Drez!

[Drez]

Welcome Drez. I see that you have been busy here today posting replies. You seem to have a lot of good information and I look forward to reading more from you.

As for myself, I am one of those turning to the Internet for help. Have not been able to convince myself to pull the trigger and make a purchase yet. I am hoping to gather enough information to eventually convince myself I know enough to make an informed decision. To that end I appreciate professionals such as yourself taking the time to answer questions.

Thanks, and take your time.

Hearing aids are not perfect, I don't tell anyone they are but if I didn't firmly beleive they could improve quality of life I would not have chosen this profession.

I would even argue in some cases its better to wait until your ready anyways rather than jump into things with misgivings and have a mixed experience. Good luck, I suspect your starting in a good place.

[barnacle bill]

Hi Drez

Many thanks for your input for me at least, an end user with no scientific knowledge on the matter. Your wise words are appreciated as I am to upgrade my HA's shortly and some little knowledge will, I am sure allow me to obtain a better fitted.

Cheers me dears

BB

[hamjor]

Thanks, and take your time.

I would even argue in some cases its better to wait until your ready anyways rather than jump into things with misgivings and have a mixed experience.

Excellent point. What was it our moms used to say? You can drag a horse to water but you can't make him drink it...

My in-laws have unfortunately resisted hearing aids due mainly to (1) an unwillingness to 'appear old,' never mind that they are an average age of 89, and never mind that increasing numbers of middle-aged people (such as me, their son-in-law) need and wear aids these days due to indiscretions in their youth, and also due to (2) cost (though they can easily afford even high-end aids). They're just stubborn about stuff like this (as well as over the use of walkers/wheelchairs/assisted living, all of which they could also use). Buying them aids would undoubtedly backfire. They just wouldn't wear them and would complain that hearing aids don't help and are vastly overrated. Hey, their cantankerousness has served them well as a survival mechanism, so let 'em make their choices. But it sure does make it hard on family and friends on the social-interaction front. My impressions are that each of them has severe to profound loss, and that each of them doesn't enjoy life or the company of family and friends as much as each used to because of hearing loss.