Whether you were recommended by your primary doctor, encouraged by your loved one or decided on your own to prioritize your hearing, taking that first step can feel intimidating. It’s normal to feel nervous about your audiology appointment, especially if you’re unsure what the process involves. Luckily, very little is required on your part. You may even enjoy the experience and discover ways to enjoy listening again.
The In-Person Hearing Test
As a new patient, you’ll complete paperwork and review consent agreements and financial policies. From there, your provider will discuss your medical history, symptoms and concerns before beginning a hearing test. The process is painless and typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Testing includes:
Audiometry: You’ll wear a pair of headphones in a soundproof room and listen to sounds at different volumes and pitches. You’ll indicate when you hear a sound to determine your hearing threshold.
Tympanometry: This evaluation tests your middle ear function. A small probe is inserted into your ear canal to measure eardrum movement.
Speech test: You’ll listen to speech sounds at different volumes – sometimes with background noise – and repeat what you hear to assess word recognition.
What To Do if You Don’t Have Hearing Loss
Your results are displayed on an audiogram and reveal the softest frequencies you can hear in each ear. If no hearing loss is identified, your provider will review your symptoms to explore other possible causes. They may refer you to an ENT for further evaluation and request that you schedule a follow-up appointment so they can monitor changes over time.
What To Do if You Have Hearing Loss
If your results suggest you have hearing loss, your audiologist will use that information and your insight to determine your type and degree of hearing loss. While a diagnosis may feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember it’s also the beginning of a meaningful journey to help you improve how you hear and communicate. Here’s what happens after diagnosis.
Treatment Plan Recommendation
Your hearing loss will be classified based on the part of your ear that’s affected and the level of auditory support you’ll need. During this phase, your audiologist will review your daily habits, communication challenges and budget to provide appropriate treatment recommendations. That may include hearing-aid use, cochlear implants, tinnitus treatment, aural rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes to protect your hearing.
Hearing Aid Selection and Fitting
There is a wide variety of hearing aid styles that are designed for specific types and degrees of hearing loss. Your test results, physical comfort and lifestyle requirements will guide your audiologist’s device recommendation. Once you’ve selected a hearing aid brand and model, you’ll undergo Real Ear Measurements. That assessment measures hearing device output inside your ear canal to verify how well they perform.
Real World Adjustments
It will take time to get used to your new hearing aids, and you may need follow-up visits to adjust your devices. During those sessions, your audiologist will ask about sound quality and volume in specific listening scenarios. They will tweak your device programs and settings to enhance sound clarity in different settings.
Technology Assessment and Training
Modern hearing aids come with a variety of wireless connectivity settings and accessories to make it easier to listen. You can adjust your settings from apps on smart devices and handheld remote controls. There are also TV streamers, tabletop mics and other technology that can pair with compatible devices so you can stream audio in different settings. Your audiologist can teach you how to use that technology during your appointments so you can listen with confidence and improve your level of satisfaction.
Routine Maintenance Appointments
Hearing aids require consistent maintenance to function properly. You’ll need to clean your devices daily and store them safely to protect them from unnecessary wear and tear. It’s also important to schedule routine cleanings and performance checks with your audiologist so they can conduct a comprehensive evaluation at least once a year and make necessary adjustments.
Annual Evaluations
Your hearing health journey doesn’t end after you get your hearing devices. While your audiologist has a baseline for your hearing health, it’s important to attend annual hearing tests to monitor for auditory deviations early. That allows your doctor to modify your treatment plan appropriately to avoid further complications.
Put Your Hearing Health in Good Hands
If you’re unsure where to begin or need support to start your journey toward better hearing, the Hearing Associates team is in your corner. You’re a person before you’re a patient, and we want to get to know you so we can prescribe the right treatment. Contact us to learn more about our services and schedule your appointment.