You should consult a physician (preferably an ENT) first to rule out any underlying medical condition
Your first appointment with the Audiologist consists of Hearing Testing and Hearing Aid Consultation along with a Communication Needs Assessment.
- What problems is your hearing loss causing in your life?
- Will you need help with the telephone or cellphone?
- Do you attend classes, meetings, worship services?
- Can you hear the television well at a normal level?
- Do you eat out at restaurants frequently or do you live in a residential facility?
Your audiologist needs to know the answers to these questions and more in order to make the best recommendation.
Hearing Assessment
Ear Inspection to make sure there is no excessive wax or reason to refer to a physician Testing – Tone testing for air and bone, and speech understanding at a minimum Review Test Results – explain results in language you can understand and explain effects of hearing loss on daily life
Treatment Options
While hearing aids are usually the recommendation, they aren’t the only answer. You might need accessories to help you hear better on the telephone or cellphone, to listen to television more easily or to hear a companion’s voice in a crowded place. In fact, hearing aids might not be the answer for you. Some other assistive listening device may work better in your situation. Again, your audiologist can best advise you.
Demonstration
Just like a test drive, a demonstration of hearing aids programmed for your hearing loss is the best way to experience what it would be like to wear hearing aids. Often, you have the option of taking the aids home for a few days to try them out in your own surroundings with your family and friends.