What to Expect at a Hearing Aid Evaluation

Considering a hearing aid evaluation can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can help. A hearing aid evaluation is designed to assess an individual’s hearing difficulties and find the most suitable hearing solutions. Having the right information eases stress and promotes better preparedness.

Scheduling an Appointment

The initial step involves scheduling an appointment with a hearing health professional. Scheduling is often straightforward and usually done via phone or an online booking system. It can be useful to have a list of current medications and any previous hearing tests.

Upon arrival at the office, providing a comprehensive medical history is essential. This involves discussing any hearing issues, such as difficulty understanding conversations or experiencing ringing in the ears. The hearing health professional may also inquire about any exposure to loud noises, family history of hearing loss, and overall health. This information helps identify possible causes of hearing difficulties.

Examination & Hearing Tests

The hearing health professional will likely begin with a visual examination of the ears using an otoscope. This device allows them to look into the ear canal and check for possible obstacles like earwax build-up or infections. This step ensures that there are no physical issues that could be affecting the patient’s hearing, which might be addressed before considering hearing aids.

The next step involves conducting a series of hearing tests. These tests assess the type and extent of hearing loss. One common test is pure-tone audiometry, where different tones are played through headphones, and responses are recorded. Another test is speech audiometry, which measures hearing and understanding speech at various volumes.

Reviewing Hearing Test Results

After the hearing tests, the hearing health professional will review and explain the results. An audiogram will be provided, a visual representation of the hearing test results. The audiogram shows how well different sounds are heard at various frequencies and volumes. 

If the results indicate the need for hearing aids, the hearing health professional will discuss available options. Hearing aids come in various styles, including behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) models. Each style has unique benefits, and recommendations will be based on individual hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget considerations.

Trying on Hearing Aids

In some cases, it may be possible to try on hearing aids during the evaluation. This helps the person get a feel for different models and understand their sound quality and comfort. The hearing health professional will explain how to insert, remove, adjust, and care for the devices. Trying on hearing aids provides an opportunity to ask questions and address concerns.

If a decision is made to proceed with hearing aids, custom fittings will be necessary. Impressions of the ears may be taken to ensure the hearing aids fit comfortably. This step ensures that the devices are tailored to suit the unique shape of each ear, which can significantly enhance comfort and performance.

Follow-Up Appointments

After receiving the hearing aids, follow-up appointments are typically scheduled. These appointments are critical for making necessary adjustments to the hearing aids to ensure optimal performance. The settings will fine-tuned based on feedback and device experiences. Regular follow-ups help address any issues and maintain the hearing aids effectively.

Hearing aids also require regular care and maintenance. The hearing health professional will guide you through cleaning and storing the devices properly. Understanding how to replace batteries or recharge the devices, depending on the model, ensures that hearing aids remain in good working condition. Ongoing care helps prolong the lifespan of the devices and maintain their efficiency.

Schedule your hearing aid evaluation with us today to get started on your hearing aid journey.