4 Steps to a Successful Hearing Aid Evaluation

A hearing aid evaluation from a certified audiologist is essential if you feel as if you are dealing with hearing loss, no matter how small. Even a tiny drop in your ability to hear clearly may impact your lifestyle, so it’s imperative to take action early.

If you have never had problems before or don’t regularly visit an audiologist, you may not understand the dos and don’ts of an evaluation. Anyone who falls into this category can use the following steps to ensure they get the best results and that their hearing returns to normal.

Ask for a hearing test or screening

Hearing aid evaluations include several steps, yet the first and most important is a test. Without screening, it’s difficult to tell whether you require hearing assistance. If you do, your audiologist needs to understand the level of hearing loss. This allows them to equip you with a high-quality hearing aid that’s tailored to your individual needs.

A basic screening includes questions regarding your day to day life. So, you can expect inquiries about when and where the issues started, the regularity and how much the problems affect your lifestyle. This, along with questions about your medical past, is known as taking a complete case history. It’s crucial that you answer as truthfully as possible, as your responses help form the foundation of your evaluation. Anyone unsure about their medical history can obtain a copy from their doctor before attending an assessment.

The audiologist will plot the results of your screening on an audiogram to highlight which pitches and frequencies you struggle with and to decide whether a device is necessary.

Get your audiologist to explain how hearing aids help

Taking the lead from an expert is a smart move because hearing aid specialists understand what tools will enhance your life. However, the final decision is yours, and you should be involved in the process. With this in mind, it’s essential to ask for an explanation from your audiologist regarding why a hearing aid is the best option.

It could be that your level of hearing requires an aid in both ears. Alternatively, an assisted listening device that is suitable for home use could be more appropriate. You spend most of your time at home, so you should feel as comfortable as possible in your castle.

Please don’t be afraid to ask questions and to get your audiologist to explain their answers.

Decide between the different hearing aid style

Once you have a diagnosis, the audiologist will recommend aids and devices that use different features. The three main styles are:

• Behind the ear (BTE): BTE hearing aids are devices that you wear behind your ear. Although they are larger and more visible, they are very powerful and have excellent battery life.
• In the ear (ITE): ITE hearing aids are very popular because they are more discreet. Also, they are powerful and energy-economic, so there aren’t many downsides.
• In the canal (ITC): ITC aids are the least conspicuous as they are partially inserted into your ear. You can also opt for an invisible-in-canal (IIC) device that’s perfectly discreet.

During an evaluation, you will get to see and try the different hearing aids that your audiologist recommends. Putting them on or in your ear is critical as the comfort level will play a significant part in your decision. Other factors to consider are the price and level of sophistication.

Schedule a follow-up

Thanks to a comprehensive hearing aid evaluation, your device should be tailored to your specifications. Still, it’s savvy to schedule a follow-up with your audiologist within a couple of weeks or months. Why? It’s because you may require small tweaks that will enhance your hearing and lifestyle. Adjustments will ensure you get the most from your purchase.

In rare cases, you may feel that your device is unsuitable, in which case, you must contact your audiologist immediately. An appointment will enable them to fix the bugs or recommend a new hearing aid. A fantastic tip is to use your device in different environments so that you can gauge its effectiveness in all surroundings.

Hearing & Balance Centers of West Tennessee

We make it our job to ensure you are fitted with the best possible hearing aid or device. That’s why we have an incredible team to show you and highlight our excellent range of services.

Call Hearing & Balance Centers of West Tennessee at Jackson (731) 256-5973 or Memphis (901) 201-6761.