SHHH vs. Audiologists

Why is it that the Self Help for the Hard of Hearing (SHHH) never challenges audiologists? So many of their members are so poorly served when they purchase hearing aids, those with a questioning mind in such matters must wonder why is not challenged??

While many audiologists involve themselves in attending meetings of these afflicteds, often as speakers and advisors, their continued price increases for hearing aids and the too often poor results, could justify appropriate critiquing of these auds by SHHH.

Yet, it never happens.

These auds, with their various areas of advice, never alert people on how to buy a good hearing aid at a lower price. Nor do they advise people on how to and when to insist on an appropriate testing fitting process to assure a properly fitted hearing aid. Something that is badly needed by hard of hearing people.

One connecting answer combining SHHH with audiologists seems clear; And that is the "International Convention by SHHH"?

It is here that SHHH wants/needs??? auds in conjunction with manufacturers to display, (for a fee) on the convention floor to the fullest extent, their hearing aids along with literature and aud persona promoting such hearing aids.

This creates the "display" attraction for the Convention attendees without which there would only be speakers.

Yet; who are the speakers? once again, Auds, often promoting hearing aids but never at a low price for a good product. (One might be led to think such doesn't exist = more unrealistic ridiculousness.)

The end results of the above:

• Too few people being able to afford hearing aids. Equally bad; too few people who do buy hearing aids but are not properly fitted to their hearing aids. And, no detailed follow up to assure this, resulting in many aids being put in bureau drawers and not worn or, if worn, done so with a high rate of dissatisfaction.

• With this, we have two problems. One is the market place (high prices, questionable service) while the other is SHHH and its unwillingness to separate its own needs and that of serving its members to openly oppose by exposure just what is happening in this market.

• The national SHHH appears to be locked in with auds and without the depth to work it out. What else???

• Regular members lack the ongoing involvement. But, there are many officers of Chapters that are involved who should be able to recognize the problem, and from that insist that the national redefine its priorities bu placing its members needs before that of audiologists.

• These officers receive some recognition for their good work and may fear losing that if they insist on more responsive accountability from SHHH in this audiologist issue??

• Presently we have the fox in charge of the chicken coop and SHHH appears to encourage this. A process that must change if its members and other hard of hearing people are to obtain the relief they need (and deserve) in coming to this hearing aid market.

• It is clear that accountability is sorely needed in this market place. Just as clearly, SHHH, as the only entity representing hard of hearing people is ignoring its responsibility as well as accountability by audiologists.

Warren T. Hanna , Director

Hard of Hearing Advocates

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