There are several steps that are part of a hearing aid evaluation. If you suspect that you might need a hearing aid, you will first need to have an audiometric evaluation, also called a hearing evaluation. At the time of the hearing evaluation, a case history will be taken to determine how much your hearing problem impacts your day-to-day life as well as the lives of your family. You may also discuss some basic and general health history.
Hearing evaluation results
The results from your hearing evaluation will provide your audiologist information on what sounds you may be missing. The results of this testing will also allow your hearing care professional to make the best treatment recommendations.
Hearing aid recommendation
If your hearing evaluation reveals a permanent hearing loss, hearing aids may be recommended. Your provider may explain what sounds you have difficulty hearing, and what hearing aids can do to help. Your audiologist will show you the different styles of hearing aids and demonstrate how they work and what they sound like. 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. The final decision on which hearing devices are purchased is your choice, but your audiologist will make recommendations based on your particular needs.
Once you make a decision, your audiologist may take impressions of your ears if you selected custom hearing aids or behind-the-ear hearing aids that require custom earmolds. Hearing aids must usually be ordered from a manufacturer and then programmed by your audiologist to meet your specific hearing needs. There is an adjustment period when wearing hearing aids, so it’s likely your provider will make additional changes to your settings to ensure you’re getting the best listening experience possible.