When to See an Audiologist about Hearing Aids?

If you’ve been told you may have hearing loss and need to see an audiologist for hearing aids, you might feel unsure about what to expect. It’s normal to have many questions on your mind. This will help you understand what happens during your visit and how an audiologist can guide you in finding the right solutions for your hearing needs.

Why Should You See an Audiologist?

An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in hearing health. They conduct hearing tests to identify any issues, determine possible causes and recommend treatment if needed. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, an audiologist is the first person to see for guidance and support throughout the process.

What to Expect During Your Visit?

Several different things will happen during your consultation, but things start with a conversation. Your audiologist will ask you a few questions to help them understand your case better, before then moving onto a hearing test.

You will be asked to sit in a soundproof booth and wear a pair of headphones. Then, the audiologist will play a wide variety of different sounds at different volumes and frequencies, and you will signal when you hear a noise. Once the test is over, your audiologists will plot a graph to determine what frequencies you can hear and which you can’t and discuss the severity of your hearing loss.

If you have hearing loss, your audiologist will recommend hearing aids. Your audiologist will guide you through the variety of different types and what wearing a hearing aid entails on a day-to-day basis. Once you choose the right hearing aid for you, your next consultation with the audiologist will be for the fitting and instructions on how to get the most out of your new device.

Hearing Aid Fittings

A hearing aid fitting is an important step in improving your ability to hear and communicate. After a hearing test confirms the type and degree of your hearing loss, an audiologist will help select a hearing aid that suits your specific needs. The fitting process ensures that the device is properly adjusted for comfort and effectiveness. Since every person’s hearing is different, this step is essential to making sure the hearing aids provide the best possible results.

During the fitting, your audiologist will program the hearing aids based on your hearing test results. They will fine-tune the settings to match your level of hearing loss and ensure that sounds are clear but not too loud. Your audiologist will also check that the hearing aids fit securely and comfortably in or behind your ears. If any adjustments are needed, they can make them right away. This process helps improve how well you hear in different environments, like conversations in quiet settings or noisy places.

Beyond the initial fitting, your audiologist will guide you on how to use and care for your hearing aids. They will explain how to put them in, change the batteries or recharge them and clean them properly.

If you want to learn more about hearing aids, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They will be able to find the right hearing aids for you to fit your unique needs.