October 29, 2025
Dr Draper and I discuss these points on this show- Get a hearing test. Our hearing changes gradually over time as we age. We don't usually notice these changes, because they happen slowly, and because they affect only part of the sound spectrum at a time. Even if you don't think you have significant difficulty hearing, you might be surprised by what you're missing. And even if your hearing is great, it's good to establish a baseline for ongoing measurements. (If you want to talk about dementia risk and stuff, that can go here.) Look for an audiologist, because expertise matters in diagnosing and treating hearing loss. There are two kinds of professionals that work with hearing: audiologists, and hearing instrument specialists. Audiologists now require doctoral degrees, while HIS only need a high school diploma. Just like physicians and pharmacists, it used to be that audiologists tested and diagnosed hearing loss, while HIS dispensed hearing aids. Since hearing aids are more complicated than a pill, that clear-cut division broke down, and now most state laws treat the two nearly identically. (Audiologists will refer you to an otolaryngologist, or ear/nose/throat doctor, if you have any medical issues.) Hearing aids can help a lot, but there's more to it than just the devices. There are many hearing aids on the market. Generally, the more you pay, the better the hearing aids will do in background noise or other complicated sound environments. But no matter how much you spend on hearing aids, they won't be perfect out of the box. You'll need a good audiologist to configure and program your hearing aids, so they're right for your hearing and your lifestyle. And wearing hearing aids can be an adjustment process: you may need to gradually work your way up to your full prescription volume over the course of several weeks. (If you want to talk about over-the-counter hearing aids, maybe that can go here.) Speaking of expertise, make sure your audiologist performs some kind of Real Ear Measures. Your audiologist should test how hearing aids are working while they're in your ears, as opposed to just a laboratory environment. Everyone will tell you it's a good idea, but not enough providers actually do it. I've seen plenty of patients wearing hearing aids that don't fit well and sound annoying. These folks might even be convinced that they need new hearing aids. I can usually make adjustments, so people's hearing aids are more clear and comfortable than they've ever been. Find Dr. Draper at https://www.allabouthearingservice.com/