972.838.1300 www . hearinmckinney . com
The Value of the Audiologist in Hearing Care
By Elizabeth Brassine , Au . D .
From the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep , sound plays an important role in our lives . Whether it ’ s alerting us to danger , delivering needed information , or making us simply laugh , smile or cry . Sound informs , entertains and connects us to the world . Consequently , when we experience hearing problems and begin to lose this vital sense , and eventually , most of us do , we also begin to lose those connections and diminish our ability to be engaged , entertained and informed . It ’ s not uncommon to hear people who suffer from hearing impairment say it impacts their “ quality of life .”
The sooner we seek treatment for hearing problems , the more successful we ’ ll be at slowing the negative social , psychological , cognitive and health effects that come with it . Once you suspect your hearing has declined , it ’ s time to take action . The next step is to seek out a hearing care professional who will give you a thorough evaluation including a lifestyle discussion . Your hearing professional will show you the best solutions to fit your unique needs and lifestyle .
Did you know the single biggest contributor to a successful outcome of hearing aid use is the professional ? According to one large study ( MarkeTrak VIII ), the professional , along with the clinical protocol they use , makes a bigger difference to success with hearing aids than the technology itself . Also in focus studies completed by the Hearing Industries Association and those reported in Consumer Reports , the success or satisfaction of hearing aid usage was found not to be related to the type of loss , style of hearing aid , type of payment or referral source but due to the hearing care professional themselves . Specifically , the consumers reported the following items as things audiologists did that led to “ delight ” with their hearing aids : assume the patient had little or no prior information , offer educational information on hearing loss and causes of loss , explain how the hearing aids work , discuss which hearing aids would be more appropriate for a given person and reasons why , see patients routinely for follow up appointments , provide explanations of first week experiences and what to expect .
If you ’ re concerned about your hearing , visit your audiologist today !
Elizabeth Brassine is a Doctor of Audiology and the owner of Hearing Services of McKinney .
HEARING SERVICES
Better Hearing Keeps You Connected !
• Staffed by 2 Licensed , Doctors of Audiology
• Hearing Aid Fittings , Maintenance and Repairs
• Invisible Fittings / Open Fittings
• Evaluation Period On All Hearing Aids
• Hearing Evaluations For All Ages
• Wireless / Connectivity Hearing Solutions
• Battery Purchase Programs
• Custom Ear Protection
• Assistive Devices
• 26 Years of Experience
Locally Owned and Operated Financing Options Available
Mon-Fri : 8:30am- 5:00pm Other times available by appt .
“ After 10 years of training hearing professionals , I decided to come home to McKinney to do what I love most-helping the hearing impaired ”.
Liz Brassine , Au . D .
972.838.1300 www . hearinmckinney . com
4201 Medical Center Dr , Suite 270 Across from Medical Center of McKinney of M c Kinney
LIZ BRASSINE , Au . D . DOC T O R O F A U DIOLOGY
COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY / JUNE 2017
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