If you’re heading into a hearing evaluation, you may be wondering what to expect.
If you’re heading into a hearing evaluation, you may be wondering what to expect. While some assessments may be different depending on your provider, in general, most will follow the same pattern. As you begin your exam, your audiologist will ask a variety of questions about your medical history (assuming it’s the first visit) as there are a variety of factors that can contribute to hearing loss and impairment including medications and physical trauma.
Closer Examination
Once your history has been covered, your ear canal will be examined for physical signs of damage or hearing loss. If there are polyps or excessive ear wax, your hearing may be impaired. Next, your audiologist will begin to test your hearing. To perform this test, you will sit in a soundproof booth wearing headphones that play a range of sounds. As you hear the sounds, you will press a button to indicate that you have heard something. This test allows your audiologist to build an understanding of your range of hearing to see if there are certain frequencies and volumes you are not able to discern.
Next Steps
Once your results are determined your audiologist will go over the results with you to discuss if you need a hearing device or alternative treatments. There are many different hearing devices on the market and finding the right fit for your needs may take time. Once you have decided on a particular type, your audiologist will need to make a mold of your ear to ensure that any earpieces will be properly fitted.
Final Fits
Once your mold has been made it will be sent away to be built into your custom earpiece, The process of construction can take 1-2 weeks and will require an additional fitting when done. On the day of your fitting, you will get the chance to test your earpiece to ensure it fits correctly. Additionally, you will be taught about care and maintenance so that your new device will last for as long as possible.
Contact Bay Area Audiology Today for Your Hearing Aid!
If you are concerned about hearing loss or seeking hearing evaluations, tinnitus evaluations, or hearing aid assistance, our doctors are ready to help. We are passionate about helping all of our patients improve their quality of life through better hearing. We also believe that patient education is critical, so you won’t be lead through endless sales pitches at our office. If you are interested in hearing how we can help you hear even better, contact us at (410) 838-4327 or online. For more hearing tips and articles, follow Bay Area Audiology on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.