Since the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services have continued to expand in availability. They not only improved access to hearing healthcare, but they have also eased the stress many experience when facing clinical settings. While they’re a convenient way to visit your audiologist remotely, it’s also important to attend in-person appointments, too. Working with your audiologist allows you to receive the support you need without compromising the quality of your care.
What is Teleaudiology?
It’s a type of telehealth service that focuses on hearing care using digital technology to communicate via video calls. It allows you to attend appointments from anywhere and encompasses a variety of services that extend beyond in-person consultations. Remote hearing care improves accessibility, particularly if you have mobility issues, trouble driving or chronic conditions that affect attendance. Teleaudiology removes logistical barriers so you can receive timely support at your convenience and maintain a strong clinical connection with your care team.
Pros and Cons of Telehealth Appointments
Pros
Improved access to care: Remote hearing appointments use secure digital platforms and linked hearing technology to connect you with your audiologist. Whether you live a few minutes’ drive or several hours from your audiologist, teleaudiology makes it possible to see your doctor whenever you need. You can discuss hearing concerns, review your medical history, undergo hearing testing, adjust your hearing aids and review test results.
Virtual hearing aid adjustments: Your audiologist can adjust listening programs remotely and test those changes immediately, allowing you to provide them with immediate feedback. That means faster optimization without having to wait for an in-person appointment. If your hearing aids use Bluetooth or cloud-based connectivity, your doctor can remotely adjust your amplification and processing settings based on your preferences and device monitoring.
Ongoing patient support: Follow-up care is crucial for positive clinical outcomes, especially when it comes to audiology. Providing consistent education, counseling and guidance allows you to get the most from your investment and enjoy the process. Remote hearing appointments offer quicker resolution and long-term engagement, so you can get answers and get back to healthy living.
Cons
Teleaudiology appointments have limitations when it comes to diagnostic capabilities. You’ll still need to visit a practice for a thorough hearing screening if you’ve never had one before and think you need hearing aids. Hearing issues are complex, which is why an audiologist needs to assess your condition in person. Not all insurance plans cover telehealth appointments, so you may also have to consider the additional cost of paying out of pocket for each session.
Other potential hang-ups include:
- Dependence on internet connectivity
- Reduced ability to detect medical or structural concerns
- Less precise hearing aid fittings
Benefits of an In-Person Hearing Appointment
Personalized hearing support: An in-person audiology appointment is the most reliable way to get a complete picture of your hearing health. Your audiologist not only evaluates your hearing, but also the physical health of your ears and device function, too.
Early intervention: The sooner you address hearing health issues, the better you can preserve your auditory function. Attending an in-office appointment gives you access to screenings and consultations that are needed to determine your risk of hearing loss. The results will guide your treatment so you can protect your remaining hearing.
Cost efficiency: Your audiology appointments may qualify for coverage under your insurance policy. The calibrated equipment also offers more precise results and adjustments, so you don’t have to worry about device repair and replacement expenses.
Direct communication: Your audiologist relies on verbal and non-verbal cues to assess your hearing health. Visiting them in-person allows them to observe you and make more accurate recommendations. Doing so also eliminates technical barriers that could occur due to a poor internet connection.
Comprehensive Audiology Services from Hearing Associates
Hearing Associates offers online hearing tests, allowing you to start your journey toward better hearing from the comfort of your home. Our expert staff are readily available to help you address minor issues over the phone and schedule in-person appointments for more comprehensive support. Learn more about our hearing aid services and request an appointment today.