Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Hearing Specialist

Your hearing plays a significant role in your overall health and wellbeing. It is closely related to many other aspects of your health, and it’s one of those things that you should be careful to look after and to pay close attention to. This is true especially as you age, but it’s also relevant when you are young. You can experience hearing loss at any age.

If you are about to visit an audiologist or a hearing specialist for the first time, you probably have many questions about what to expect. Actually, it’s good to go armed with questions to ask them, to help you make the most of the session. So here are ten of the most important that you might want to bear in mind.

1. What Happens During a Hearing Test?

During a hearing test, an audiologist typically begins by conducting a thorough case history, discussing the patient’s hearing concerns and medical history. The actual testing involves a series of evaluations, like pure-tone testing, where the individual responds to tones at different frequencies, speech testing to assess speech understanding and additional tests like tympanometry to evaluate middle ear function. The results are then carefully analyzed to determine the patient’s hearing abilities, allowing for the development of personalized solutions and recommendations for optimal hearing health.

2. What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can result from diverse factors, such as prolonged exposure to loud noise, the natural aging process, genetic predisposition, and specific medical conditions like ototoxic medications or infections. Traumatic injuries, excessive earwax buildup, and anomalies in the ear structure are also potential contributors to changes in auditory function.

3. How Advanced is Your Hearing Loss?

Degrees of hearing loss are classified into categories based on the severity of impairment. Mild hearing loss involves difficulty hearing soft sounds, while moderate hearing loss impacts the ability to hear conversational speech. Severe hearing loss results in limited perception of most sounds, and profound hearing loss leads to minimal or no ability to detect sound without amplification.

4. Do You Need Hearing Aids?

This is the most common kind of treatment for hearing loss, and the one that you are probably wondering about the most. If you are experiencing hearing loss to any significant degree, it’s likely your audiologist will recommend hearing aids. They come in numerous styles and sizes, making them customizable for a variety of different individuals.

5. What Hearing Aid Style is Best for You?

Depending on your symptoms, extent of hearing loss and personal preferences, your hearing specialist may recommend any number of different hearing aids. These may include in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-canal (ITC), which all have additional subcategories within them to further personalize your listening experience. It’s best to ask them which type they think you will benefit most from.

6. What Features Should You Consider?

When choosing a hearing aid, consider features like background noise reduction to enhance speech clarity in various environments. Directional microphones can help focus on specific sounds, while telecoil technology enables compatibility with hearing loop systems. Additionally, look for connectivity options, like Bluetooth, for seamless integration with smartphones and other devices, enhancing overall accessibility and user experience.

7. What Maintenance Do Hearing Aids Require?

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal hearing aid performance. Cleaning the device daily, replacing wax filters and checking for earwax buildup in tubing are common tasks. Additionally, scheduling periodic professional cleanings and inspections with your audiologist ensures prolonged functionality and addresses any issues promptly.

8. How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?

Hearing aids are like any piece of electrical equipment – despite being incredibly advanced, they will fall victim to wear and tear. Most hearing aids last anywhere from three to six years with proper maintenance and care.

9. Do Hearing Aids Need Adjusted?

Hearing aids may require adjustments due to changes in hearing levels, which will require modifications to match your evolving needs. Additionally, personal preferences and feedback from the user contribute to the need for periodic adjustments, ensuring the device continues to provide a tailored and effective hearing experience.

10. How Should You Handle Hearing Aid Repairs?

Hearing aid repairs may be necessary if the device experiences issues such as sound distortion, feedback, or malfunctioning components. Your audiologist can perform most hearing aid repairs in office, but if damage is more severe it can be sent to the manufacturer.

If you are ready to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, you can learn more about Texas Professional Hearing Center by calling (281) 420-8033. We will be more than happy to speak with you about any questions or concerns you may have.