Making the step of scheduling an appointment to have your hearing assessed is a major investment in your health. Hearing loss that remains untreated can contribute to a variety of health risks that affect wellness and quality of life. Treating hearing loss offers life-changing benefits: strengthens communication, improves relationships, enriches social life, and enhances brain and overall health.
Your hearing consultation appointment is a great opportunity to learn more about your hearing needs and how to best navigate treatment. Your appointment will consist of a conversation about your medical history and symptoms you are experiencing, a physical inspection of your ears, hearing test, as well as a discussion of your results as well as treatment options. You can maximize this time by preparing questions to ask your hearing healthcare specialist. A few questions to add to that list include:
- What type of hearing loss do I have? A hearing test identifies the specific type of hearing loss you are experiencing. There are three types: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed. The most common type of hearing loss is sensorineural which is when hearing is permanently impaired due to hair cells in the inner ear being damaged. Conductive hearing loss involves sound not being able to reach the inner ear, most often due to physical blockages that are temporary. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive. Knowing the type of hearing loss you have informs the treatment option that will be most effective.
- What are the specifics of my hearing loss? In addition to knowing the type of hearing loss, there are additional pieces of information that are helpful to know. Hearing loss is an individualized experience so the way you experience it is specific to you. This means that you could experience difficulties with specific sounds or impairment is different in one ear compared to the other. Asking about your hearing abilities in each ear and the degree of impairment present are details that help you better understand how you experience hearing loss.
- What is the most effective treatment option? The type and degree of hearing loss you are experiencing will inform the most effective treatment option for you. The most common treatment is hearing aids – electronic devices that are designed to detect and process speech as well as sound. This provides the ears and brain with significant support which makes hearing and communicating easier.
- What type of hearing aid would work best for me? There is a wide range of styles, features, and technologies that today’s hearing aids come with. Navigating your options can be overwhelming but your hearing healthcare specialist can help guide you through the specific devices that will be optimal for your hearing needs. There are a few factors that help identify the device that will be most suitable for you: lifestyle factors, work-life, social engagement, and interest in specific features. Be sure to ask about the technologies that are available which are designed to seamlessly integrate hearing aids into daily life. Be sure to also ask if you need hearing aids for both ears.
- How long does a hearing aid last? Hearing aids are highly durable devices that last a long time – up to 7 years. The longevity of hearing aids is influenced by how well they are maintained, the specific type of hearing aid, and the type of technology the device is equipped with. This is also a great opportunity to ask if your hearing aids come with a warranty plan and what that plan includes.
- How do I best maintain my device? Hearing aid maintenance is an important way that you can best maintain your device, extending its lifespan. Asking your hearing healthcare provider about best practices and strategies helps you learn how you can best take care of your device. Your maintenance routine should include:
- Use a dry cloth to thoroughly clean and wipe down your device
- Removing any earwax, moisture, and natural debris that could accumulate on your hearing aids
- Checking for any cracks or damage that needs repairing
- Using a dehumidifier to remove moisture
This routine should be performed nightly, after removing your hearing aids before
sleeping.
Your hearing consultation appointment is a great opportunity to learn all about your hearing. Preparing questions can help you learn the specifics of your hearing loss and ways you can maximize your hearing capacity.