The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) has created a tool to help America appreciate the impact of hearing loss.  Featured on BHI's website, the tool, a hearing loss simulation site www.betterhearing.org/sound presents 21 sound simulations of normal and reduced hearing that are paired with pictures that simulate normal and reduced vision.  The paired simulations will help people with normal hearing understand the listening challenges of someone with a hearing loss.

I think you will be amazed at just the differences between normal hearing, mild hearing loss and moderate hearing loss; you can image what profound or serious hearing loss is like.

By listening through their husband's ears many spouses find out that their husband is not prone to selective listening; he just can't hear especially the female voice when you are not facing him.  Research has determined that an individual is more likely to accept their new hearing aids when family members have empathic understanding of the seriousness of their hearing loss. Hearing loss simulation permits the family members to hear through their loved-one's ears. What a great way to facilitate communication, encouragement and acceptance of hearing solutions.

Many hearing health professionals have sophisticated software that allows the family member to hear what their loved one's hearing loss sounds like in a number of listening situations. By all means take advantage of this counseling tool when purchasing hearing aids. Better yet listen through your loved one's ears with and without their hearing aids.

You will be amazed at the difference in your loved one's ability to hear.