4 Steps to a Successful Hearing Aid Evaluation

Making the decision to consult with a hearing instrument specialist is a wise one. If you know that your life has been impacted because of hearing loss, you will soon be on the road to better hearing if you agree to a hearing aid evaluation. You will finally be able to enjoy life again, with the ability to clearly hear the many people who form a part of your life. You will also be able to watch the television again with no need to raise the volume and that will do much to improve your relationship with your neighbors!

There are 4 steps to a successful hearing aid evaluation, and these are as follows. 

Step 1: The initial consultation

If you're concerned about your hearing, you should consult with your hearing instrument specialist for advice on what your possible options are. You should also discuss any worries you might have. For example, if you suspect you need a hearing aid, you might be concerned about the aesthetics of a hearing device or you might be concerned that they might be uncomfortable.

In all cases, the hearing instrument specialist will put you at ease, as with modern advances in hearing aid technology, most if not all of your worries can be overcome. Of course, testing will need to take place, as while you might need a hearing aid, there could be other causes behind your faulty hearing that might have other solutions attached.

Step 2: The hearing test

Hearing tests are non-invasive and are useful for determining your level of hearing loss. After performing a physical examination of your ears, your hearing instrument specialist will perform the hearing test using an audiogram. This will determine how good or how bad your hearing actually is. After testing, and if a hearing aid is required, the results of the test will be used to ensure you are able to have a device fitted that is suited to your particular level of hearing. 

Step 3: The hearing aid consultation

If hearing aids have been recommended to you, your hearing instrument specialist will guide you through the different models and styles of hearing aids available to you and they will talk with you about some of the technology options that are associated with modern hearing aids.

The hearing aid that will be recommended to you will be determined by a number of factors. These factors include the severity of your hearing loss, the type of hearing loss you have, the size and shape of your ear canal, your hobbies and lifestyle interests and whether or not you require such things as cell phone compatibility.

Be sure to let your hearing instrument specialist know as much as you can about your personal needs during the consultation because both you and they need to be sure that the type of hearing aid recommended to you is the right one. During your appointment, a process of elimination will be used to determine the right options for you, and you will have the opportunity to choose something in line with your personal preferences. 

Step 4: The hearing aid fitting

After the hearing aid consultation, there will be a short wait time, as the appropriate device and corresponding parts will have to be ordered. On your return visit to your hearing instrument specialist, your hearing aid will be fitted. During the fitting, certain factors will be taken into account, including your level of comfort, your lifestyle needs and your hearing loss specifications.

Don't worry if the hearing aid feels a little awkward at first, as it will take time for you to adjust to your device. You will be given a trial period for which to use it, and given a date to return to see your hearing instrument specialist to assess how your hearing aid has performed for you. It might be that your hearing aid fits and suits your hearing perfectly, but if you do have any issues, your hearing instrument specialist will be able to make the necessary adjustments. 

Get in touch with us

If you suspect you might need to have a hearing aid fitted, don't delay getting in touch with us. Here at the Center for Better Hearing, we are here to support your every hearing need, so call us at 510-768-7091 to find out more about what we can offer you. If you do need a hearing aid, we will talk through your options with you and will take you through the steps that we discussed above.