- Otoscopic examination of the ears - visual inspection of the ear canal and tympanic membrane (ear drum) using an otoscope.
- Tympanometry -a screening procedure used to evaluate the middle ear system.
- Hearing Evaluation (Test) - You will be asked some questions about your medical and hearing history. Frequency specific tones and speech will be used to determine the softest sounds you can hear. If no hearing loss is present, these results can be used as a baseline for future testing. In the case where a hearing loss is present, the type and degree of your hearing loss is determined individually for each ear and entered in an audiogram. Based on these results, the audiologist will recommend the appropriate hearing instrument(s) for your hearing loss and lifestyle needs. Although most hearing loss is permanent, an audiologist can determine the best treatment, which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices and hearing rehabilitation.
Hearing Aid Selection and Fitting
- Your hearing test may indicate that you will benefit from the use of hearing aids. You and your audiologist will discuss your hearing loss and your daily communication needs. A recommendation for amplification will be made to maximize your hearing potential, ensure comfort and ease of use. This may require some fine tuning as you become accustomed to wearing hearing instruments.
- Once we have determined the best fit for you, your hearing aids will be ordered from the manufacturer. Approximately two weeks following your initial testing we will fit your hearing aids. The hearing aids will be programmed for your hearing loss. They will be tested to ensure they are providing you with an appropriate amount of volume to help you in your daily life. Your audiologist will help you learn how to use the hearing aids and accessories. You will have a 60 day trial period to give your hearing aids a test run. During that time your audiologist will see you for possible fine tuning or adjustments to ensure optimal benefit.
- Over time your hearing loss may change and each hearing instrument may require adjustments to compensate for these changes. All hearing aids require regular maintenance and it is a good idea to bring them back to your audiologist for regular cleanings.
- Tinnitus Treatment- We are able to suggest some devices to help ease the effects of tinnitus dependent on difficulties expressed by the patient.
One or two hearing aids?
If both ears require amplification, your audiologist will recommend two hearing aids.
Research has shown that two hearing aids provide superior benefits for most people with regard to better understanding of words in quiet and noise, better quality of sound, better localization of sound, and more natural hearing.
Research has also shown that when both ears are candidates for hearing aids and only one ear is fitted, the ear without the hearing aid may lose its ability to understand speech more quickly than the fitted ear.
Expectations and Outcomes
Even with the best technology, it is very important to maintain realistic expectations. Hearing aids will make sounds easier to hear but they will not restore normal hearing. Hearing aids will re-introduce you to sounds of the world and it takes time to become accustomed to hearing these sounds again. Some people adjust quickly while others take longer.