Ask your audiologist...

My very good friend won't get hearing aids because she doesn't want anyone to see it. Is there a hearing aid no one can see? I am tired of repeating myself to talk to her.

If your friend has a mild to moderate hearing loss there are many styles that are discreet and barely visible to choose from. The new deep insertion aids are invisible in most ears. They are completely in the canal and look like a shadow in the ear. The open fit or receiver in the canal (mini behind the ears) are so tiny you can barely see the tube in front of the ear and we like to match the hair color so you don't notice it much behind the ear.

If your friend has a severe hearing loss she may have to wear one that is more noticeable. Even the power aids are much smaller than they used to be. Size should not matter it is being able to hear that counts. Hearing keeps us connected with our friends.

Vanity should not be a reason not to seek help for hearing loss but it is still one of the most prevalent reasons why people do not purchase hearing aids when they need them. I am sure you have all heard the saying, "Your hearing loss is much more noticeable than your hearing aid." Having to repeat yourself over and over to be heard and understood can be annoying for some people. I would encourage you to try to have your friend screened to see if she may have wax in her ear then be screened so she knows if she needs hearing aids or not and go from there.

Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 10 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene, (208) 664-2767. Visit www.affordablehearinginc.com for a free copy of the consumers guide to hearing aids and watch helpful videos.