What to Expect at Your Hearing Care Appointment
Nick Moomaw
Who you see is key
Whether you consult with an audiologist, an ENT doctor or a Hearing Instrument Specialist, it's important to see someone who specializes in hearing issues. Seeing a hearing specialist will ensure you will receive a comprehensive evaluation and precise measurement of your hearing loss.
These experts have the training and equipment needed to inspect your ear canal, accurately measure your hearing loss, asses your unique needs, and prescribe solutions that take all this important and personal information into account.
There is nothing to it
The most difficult step in improving your hearing is the first one: recognizing you need to find out more about your hearing loss and improving your situation. After that, it's easy. Simply schedule your initial hearing consultation. Most appointments consist of these four steps:
Hearing Analysis:
Your ears will be visually examined and you'll be tested with the latest standard-of- care methods and technology to determine the type of hearing loss you have. Your results will be illustrated in an audiogram that the hearing professional will walk you through. an impression of your ear anatomy may also be made with putty to determine if certain styles (like invisible hearing aids) are appropriate.
Lifestyle Discussion:
You will be asked about the types of places and listening environments you frequent to determine the range of sound settings and technological features appropriate for your lifestyle.
Hearing Aid Options:
You will see the different hearing aids that are designed for your level of hearing loss as well as your preferences for size, color, and invisibility.
Budget Discussion:
Your hearing professionals will help you narrow down your choice of hearing instruments based on the investment you are comfortable making. You will also discuss insurance and/or financing options.
Be Prepared!
Before you go in for your appointment, be ready with some questions to ask your hearing professional:
- How bad is my hearing?
- Is it medically treatable?
- Are there specific frequencies or types of sounds I have more trouble with than others?
- What are my treatment options?
- Would hearing aids help me?
- Can you tell me what's new in hearing aid technology?
- What's the difference between non-wireless and wireless hearing aids?
- Can I prevent further hearing loss?
- Is there anything I can do on my own to hear better?