Brooks Hearing & Speech Clinic
Paris, TX (903) 737-8800          Sulphur Springs, TX (903) 438-1600

Jami Brooks, M.S. CCC FAAA                                                         Lance Brooks, BBA Q: I was told in the past that my hearing loss couldn’t  be helped – is that true? A: In the past, many people with hearing loss in one ear, with a high frequencyhearing loss, or with nerve damage have been told they cannot be helped –sometimes by a family physician. This might have been true many years ago, butwith modern advances in technology, nearly 95 percent of people with a nervedamage hearing loss can be helped with hearing aids. On these and other questions, pursue a discussion with a hearing provider, get retested and see what is available to help you. Q: What Do Can I Do To Hear the TV Better? A: TV EARS is a hearing device designed to help you hear television without disturbing others- whether you have a mild to severe hearing loss. Enjoy TV at your own volume without disturbing others using a cordless headset. Two listeners can individually adjust their own headsets for their own listening comfort level. Hearing aid users with built in telecoils may also use an audio loop system. Although most hearing aids have a telephone coil, some models may require adding this tiny feature. When the user sits in his or her favorite chair, he or she can hear the TV without hearing the distracting room noises such as the air conditioner, fan, etc. If you need help to hear your television better, call and let us find out what options would be best for your listening needs. Free demonstrations are available.

Q: What do I do if my hearing aid isn’t working? 1) Make sure the aid is turned on (don't laugh; this happens!). 2) Check if the battery is inserted correctly (+ and in the right place). If you have to force the battery, you probably have it wrong. 3) Check to see that the battery is not dead. If in doubt, try a new one (where you have to remove the sticky paper flap off the battery surface). A dead battery is the most common reason for "dead aids". 4) Check to be sure that it is not clogged with wax. 5) In a Behind-the-Ear aid, check tubing to be sure it is not clogged with moisture (shown by water or condensation in the tube) and inspect the tubing for cracks and fraying. We hope the above tips will help you add years to the life of your hearing aids.

Hunters and Hearing Loss Q: Is it true that over 50% of all recreational shooters experience some degree of hearing loss? A:  Yes, even one shot from a shotgun or rifle can cause short term or potentially long term damage.  Repeated exposure without hearing protection leads to permanent damage. Shots made from inside an enclosure such as a deer stand have an even more detrimental impact. Hearing protection devices can help prevent damage to your hearing.  Hearing protection devices range from simple foam inserts to custom shooter plugs which can include filters that block the loud sounds while allowing you to hear voices.  Protect the hearing you have remaining by utilizing one of these devices.  Call us about custom hearing protection and get tested to determine if you have already damaged your hearing.

Q: Will hearing aids help me hear better on the telephone or in public places? A: Depending on your hearing loss, hearing aids typically help make speech over the telephone clearer. If you are on the telephone a lot, consider getting hearing aids with the "T" (telecoil) circuits. Telephone sounds are amplified more efficiently and background noises are better eliminated with this kind of circuit. Some telephones are hearing aid compatible and work better with hearing aids than other phones. People with hearing loss may also benefit from a telecoil to use with some of the special assistive listening sound systems available in many auditoriums, theaters and other public places as required under federal law. Discuss your option of a "T" switch with your audiologist. Your hearing provider can also tell you about the advances being made in wireless Bluetooth technology as well as other assistive listening options. Call our office for a free listening demonstration.

Q: How Do I Care For My Hearing Aids? A: Remove your hearing devices before showering, swimming, or having your hair washed in order to keep them dry. If your hearing devices get damp with perspiration, you may want to consider purchasing a dryer which will remove the moisture from the electronic components while you sleep. Avoid using hair spray while wearing them. Alcohol should not be used to clean the devices, it may cause the case to breakdown over time. Use the cleaning tool provided with your hearing aid to clean the wax out of the speaker and air vent openings that go down into the ear. If you don’t have a cleaning tool, we can provide you with one and instruct you in how to use it. We recommend that hearing devices be professionally cleaned and vacuumed to remove debris approximately every 3 months. This allows us to remove debris before it damages the speaker and avoid costly repairs. Stop in for a free clean and check if your hearing devices have not been cleaned in awhile. We service all makes and models.

Q: What Should I Do If I’m Having Trouble Hearing On The Telephone? A: The State of Texas will provide free amplified telephones with loud ringers to residents that have a documented hearing loss. Captioned telephones (similar to captioned TV) are also available for severe hearing losses. Applications for free telephones only take minutes to complete in our office. Upon approval, you will receive a written approval from the State of Texas which can be brought in and exchanged for your preferred style of phone (amplified cordless, amplified corded, captioned, etc). Difficulty hearing may be caused by a number of reasons such as wax, fluid, surgically correctable disorders, as well as gradual nerve loss due to heredity or age. A hearing evaluation will determine the cause of your decreased hearing. Your hearing care professional will discuss what options are best for you.

Q: How Do I Know Which Hearing Aid Technology I Need? A: Your hearing care professional should guide you in choosing which hearing aid style and technology level would be right for your individual hearing loss and lifestyle. New technology is now available which can be worn to gather information on your real-life listening environment, measuring how much time is spent listening to speech, speech in noise, and noise. An analysis of these listening environments enables you and your hearing professional to better understand your daily listening environments and choose appropriate technology. Remember that your listening environment and hearing loss are unique. You should discuss with your hearing care professional what personal hearing device options are best for you.

Q: How Do I Know If I Have a Hearing Loss? A: You may have hearing loss if… You hear conversations but don’t understand the words. You need people to repeat what they say. You feel like those around you mumble. Looking at people helps you understand better. Your family complains that your TV is too loud You should have your hearing evaluated if you have any of these symptoms. This will determine if you have a significant hearing loss, as well as possible medical or surgical alternatives.

Q: I’ve purchased hearing aids that do not work for me. I need to hear better. Is there help available? A: Absolutely. Begin by checking with the office that you purchased them from and see if the hearing aids can be readjusted to fit your ears better. Texas State law also enables you to get a refund within 30 days of receiving them if you are not satisfied. If the original office is unable or unwilling to adjust your aids to your needs, you should contact another clinic in your area that can readjust your aids to better fit your hearing needs. Locate a clinic which services most major brands of hearing aids. Many clinics offer this service for minimal or no service fee. Don’t give up….hearing is too precious!

Q: How Do You Know If You Need One or Two Hearing Aids? A: A complete audiological evaluation will identify whether additional benefit would be obtained from wearing two hearing aids.   Common benefits of balanced hearing when two aids are recommended include: Improved ability to locate where sounds are coming from Improved speech understanding in noise Two aids require less volume, making loud sounds more tolerable Consumers who wear two hearing aids are generally more satisfied with their aids   Remember that your hearing loss is unique and you should discuss this with you hearing care professional to determine what is best for you.