There are many steps that are part of a hearing aid evaluation. If you suspect that you might need a hearing aid, you will first need to have a hearing evaluation. We recommend that you bring a loved one with you to this appointment. It is comforting to have someone who loves you with you, who can also assist with answering questions and offering support. We will begin by taking a case history will be taken to determine how much your hearing problem impacts your day-to-day life as well as the lives of your family. A complete history will be taken, and questions will be asked about when and how the hearing loss started, if there is ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and if you experience dizziness. You may also have to provide some basic questions about your general health history.
The results from your hearing test will determine what sounds you may be missing or hearing, but the personal answers about your daily life and perception about your hearing provide the basis for a more comprehensive hearing evaluation. You may be referred to a medical doctor specializing in disorders of the ear if you are a candidate for hearing aids or if there are other medical conditions your hearing professional thinks should be addressed before hearing aids are recommended. This referral can often be the first step in the hearing aid examination.
If your hearing test reveals permanent hearing loss, a hearing aid may be recommended for one or both ears. Your Doctor of Audiology will explain what sounds you are missing and what you can expect with a hearing aid. There are many different hearing aids to choose from and it is important to understand each patient’s individual needs. It is at this time that we will discuss and demonstrate different types of hearing aids. We will help you choose the best hearing aid(s) style, features and level of sophistication based on your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and financial circumstances. Together we will find the best solution.
Depending on the hearing aid that is selected, you may be fit immediately. Otherwise, if you selected custom hearing aids or behind-the-ear hearing aids that require earmolds we will take impressions of your ears and order them from a manufacturer. a hearing needs. This process may take a couple weeks.