So you’ve decided it’s time to take control of your hearing health! You’ve been tested and next up is the consultation and fitting. That’s a big deal. Out of every five people that need hearing aids in the U.S. only one of them uses hearing aids.
Having questions prepared in advance can help ease the pressure at the moment. Here is a list of questions you should consider asking during your consultation:
Helpful questions you might want to ask:
- How should I care for my hearing aids? Ask what if any special precautions you might need to take in the upkeep and maintenance of your hearing aids.
- Does my insurance cover any or all of this? Make sure to know what your insurance covers in advance. Be sure to know how many fittings and what kind of devices are covered by your plan. That will help you in selecting the best hearing aids within your budget.
- What type of hearing loss do I have? There are three basic categories of hearing loss; sensorineural, conductive and mixed hearing loss. Knowing what kind of hearing loss you have will inform the kind of treatment you receive.
- Do I have hearing loss in both of my ears? It is not uncommon to experience hearing loss in both ears. Some people don’t realize it because the loss is more severe in one ear than the other. Hearing loss can differ in both ears and so can the causes.
- If so, will I need hearing aids for both of my ears? Depending on what kind of hearing loss you are experiencing in each ear the treatments may vary. For instance, sensorineural hearing loss is not treatable with medicine or surgery, whereas conductive hearing loss can sometimes be temporary and medically or surgically treated.
- How long can I expect my hearing aids to last? Most hearing aids come with a warranty but do wear out over time. Most hearing aids last between three to seven years. However, all of this can also be affected by the way they are used and maintained.
- What should I do if my hearing aids fail unexpectedly? The sound will go out, it is bound to happen. It can be good to know a few quick ways to troubleshoot. It can be as simple as changing the battery or it might require more complicated repairs.
- What will it sound like when I get my hearing aids? Hearing aids can open up a world of sound but they will not replace or mimic natural hearing. Hearing aids work by amplifying your surrounding sound. You will hear different new sounds and tones every day in the beginning. Eventually, hearing with the use of aids will become natural to you.
- How often should I be wearing my hearing aids? Hearing aids can take some getting used to when you first start wearing them. Some people find it helpful to take a break and give their ears a rest when first starting out. In the beginning, your brain will be relearning forgotten sounds, which can be exhausting. Your hearing health specialist should be able to recommend the best times to take a break and rest your ears.
- How do I operate my hearing aids? How do I change the settings and batteries? This is an important question to ask. Knowing how to competently work your hearing aids can help them to last longer. Being prepared with the appropriate replacement parts and tools can be helpful as well.
- When should I schedule my next follow-up appointment? It always takes a little time to adjust to using hearing aids. During that time you should stay in contact with your hearing healthcare provider. You will likely have many questions and want to tweak the fit of your hearing devices. First, follow-up appointments are usually scheduled for a week or two later.
Getting a new hearing device can be overwhelming. Make sure to get all the information that you need to use your new hearing devices. If it is helpful, take notes, bring a friend along, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Get back to enjoying the sounds of life, call us today to schedule an appointment.
