Having your hearing evaluated is the first step towards transforming your hearing health and wellness. A hearing consultation appointment involves meeting with a hearing healthcare specialist who will comprehensively assess your hearing in both ears. This process is painless and noninvasive which is important to remember, especially if you are experiencing any anxiety about your upcoming appointment.
You will receive the results of your hearing test during your appointment. This is a great opportunity to also ask questions so that you fully understand the specifics of your hearing loss and where your hearing health is at. Prepping a few questions ahead of time can help you be prepared so to help with that, here are a few questions you can ask your hearing healthcare provider during your appointment:
- What type of hearing loss do I have? There are different types of hearing loss so it is important to know the specifics of what you are experiencing. There are three types: conductive, sensorineural, adn mixed hearing loss. Conducting occurs in the outer/middle ear and is often temporary whereas sensorineural hearing loss occurs in the inner ear and is permanent. Most people (90%) experience sensorineural hearing loss.
- Is my hearing loss the same in both ears? When you have your hearing assessed, your hearing capacities in each ear will be measured. The degree of hearing loss can differ from one ear to the other or be similar. For example, you can have mild hearing loss in one ear and severe hearing loss in the other. Be sure to ask about the degree of impairment you are expiring in each ear.
- What is the best treatment option? After reviewing your results with you, your hearing healthcare provider will share the best treatment options which can meet your specific hearing needs. The most common treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These are electronic devices that are designed to process speech as sound. These devices provide the ears and brain with significant support, making it easier to hear while also alleviating symptoms.
- What type of hearing aids would work best for me? Today’s hearing aids are more innovative and savvy than ever before. There is a wide range of styles, features, and colors. The type of hearing aid that works best for you will depend on a few factors: degree of hearing loss, lifestyle considerations like work and social life, and the technologies you are interested in. Your hearing healthcare provider will help you navigate your options and will recommend devices that can optimally meet your needs.
- What are different features I should consider?
Today’s hearing aids maximize cutting edge technologies to provide innovative features
that expands what hearing aids can do. This includes delivering enhanced sound quality,
increasing connection possibilities, and supporting hearing in everyday environments. A few of today’s features that you may want to consider are: digital noise reduction, wireless connectivity, tinnitus management, voice recognition, and a downloadable app and assistant that helps you easily manage hearing aid settings. In addition to these features, hearing aids offer numerous accessories which also support hearing ehealth.
- How do I maintain my hearing aids? Your hearing healthcare provider will help you develop a maintenance routine that should be practiced nightly. This should include using a soft and dry cloth to thoroughly wipe down your device. This removes any moisture, earwax, and other substances that may have accumulated on your device throughout the day. You can also use a dehumidifier to remove moisture which prevents moisture damage. An effective maintenance routine supports the longevity and performance of your hearing aids.
- What are the next steps? After your hearing healthcare provider reviews your results, it is useful to ask what the next steps are. They will share your treatment options with you and depending on the hearing aids you select, they may take impressions of your ears which are then used to make a hearing aid model. The next step would be scheduling your hearing aid fitting appointment which is when you receive your hearing aids adn learn everything about them.
Developing a list of questions to ask your hearing healthcare pryor is a great way to prepare for your upcoming hearing appointment. Be sure to maximize this time by learning all that you can about your hearing needs.