There are several steps that are part of a hearing aid evaluation. If you suspect that youare struggling to hear, the first step is to have your hearing evaluated. Prior to beginning your hearing evaluation, a case history will be taken to determine how much your hearing issues impact your day-to-day life as well as the lives of your family. You may also have to provide some basic questions about your general health history. Following this, a comprehensive hearing evaluation (hearing test) will be administered. This is a painless, easy method for identify if a hearing loss exists and what type and degree of loss there is.
Hearing test results
The results from your hearing test will be discussed with you in detail immediately following the test. This will provide the hearing care professional information on what sounds you may be missing or hearing. The outcome in conjunction with your history and a list of your needs will be discussed. Together with the hearing care professional you will be able to make the best decisions regarding treatment recommendations.
Hearing aid recommendation
When all of the information provided points to a permanent hearing loss and BOTH you and your healthcare provider have decided that hearing aids are the best treatment plan, then it is time for you both to move towards the recommendation phase. Your hearing professional will explain what sounds you have difficulty hearing, and will provide you with realistic expectations as to how hearing devices can help. It is usually at this appointment that you will get to see and touch different styles of hearing aids. In some cases, you may even be able to listen to a hearing aid. Your hearing professional will help you choose the best hearing aid?style, features and level of sophistication based on your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and financial circumstances. Some hobbies and occupations may benefit from different hearing aid styles or features, so your hearing care provider may have you fill out a questionnaire to assist during the evaluation process. Although the hearing care professional will provide you with a recommendation for the optimal hearing aid option, the final decision is yours!
Depending on the choices made regarding style and size, the hearing professional may need to take impressions of your ears if you selected custom hearing aids or behind-the-ear hearing aids that require earmolds. Hearing devices ordered from various hearing aid manufacturer and then programmed by your hearing professional to meet your specific hearing needs. There is also an adjustment period when wearing hearing aids, so it’s possible your provider may make additional changes to your settings to ensure you’re getting the best listening experience possible.