What to Expect at Your First Visit to a Hearing Specialist
Realizing you may be experiencing hearing loss can be very frightening and unsettling. It is important to seek treatment right away. Early detection is important in overall health. Schedule a visit with your primary care physician. He will exam you and determine if an illness, such as an ear or sinus infection, is behind your hearing loss. If the reason for your hearing loss isn’t apparent, he will refer you to a hearing specialist. Check with your insurance provider to find out if you need pre-approval before making the appointment.
A hearing specialist, also called an audiologist, will perform an exam and hearing test. It is a quick, simple and painless process. The hearing specialist or nurse may start by whispering words to you at various levels to see if you are able to make out what they are saying. A tuning fork may be used to gently tap on your knees or elbows. The specialist will ask if you are able to hear the vibrations. A small device may be placed behind your ear to help the specialist determine the volume and types of sounds you are able to pick up on.
If it is confirmed that hearing loss has occurred, a treatment plan will be devised. This frequently consists of the use of hearing aids. This becomes worrisome for many people. Hearing aids are not the big, clunky, uncomfortable boxes they once were. Modern hearing aids are small and sleek. They are virtually impossible for other people to notice.
There are many different brands of hearing aids on the market. Each brand has a long list of models. The hearing specialist will work with you to determine which features will be most appropriate for your specific situation. You may benefit from a hearing aid that is invisible, digital, wireless or water-resistant, for example.
Once the best hearing aid to meet your needs has been chosen, the specialist will explain operation of the unit to you. He will also go over care and maintenance of the hearing aids. Hearing aids are electronic devices and require special care to extend their life and improve their quality of performance.
The hearing specialist will likely have other supplies available for you to purchase at the office, such as extra batteries and a cleaning kit. The hearing specialist is there to help you, so make sure you ask any questions you may have about your condition, wearing hearing aids or caring for them. You are not in this alone. Thousands of people suffer hearing loss each year. Fortunately, help is available. The gift of sound is within reach.
Dr. DeKriek has been helping the hearing impaired for more than 10 years in a variety of medical environments. He completed an internship at UCLA, served as a member of the cranio-facial team at Orthopaedic Hospital and has provided diagnostic and rehabilitative services to many local medical offices before starting his own practice. For up-to-date hearing aid information visit our blog.
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