Testing Your Hearing
and Buying a Hearing Aid
VISITING
YOUR DOCTOR
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of Page
You
need to visit your family doctor to get a referral to an otolaryngologist.
This a requirement by most insurance companies and medicare to pay for
your visit. The otolaryngologist can determine if it is a
conductive
or sensorineural hearing loss.
Conductive
hearing loss: A hearing loss is caused by damage to the outer or middle
ear and often can be corrected surgically or medically.
Sensorineural
hearing loss (nerve deafness): A type of hearing loss caused by damage
to the inner ear, auditory nerve, or auditory cortex of the brain. It is
permanent. Individual make use of hearing aids. Those with
profound losses may be a candidate for the cochlear implant.
Otolaryngologist:
A medical doctor who specializes in the problems of the ear and throat.
Please
see your doctor and not the hearing aid dispenser first and be tested by
an audiologist for hearing loss.
WHAT
IS AUDIOLOGIST?
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Audiologist:
A specialist in testing and evaluating hearing and providing rehabilitation
for hearing loss. Hearing aids and assistive devices may be sold
by this individual.
Hearing
aid dispenser: Individual that sells hearing aids from different companies.
It could be that the individual sell just one type from a certain company.
How
To Make the Best Use of Your Time with an Audiologist
Article
written from notes taken by Cheryl Heppner, NVRC
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of Page
The
following information relies heavily on notes taken during a workshop by
Marcia Dugan.
An
audiologist is the best hearing health provider for assistance in selecting
and fitting hearing aids
Steps
to follow in working with an audiologist:
Back
to time with an audiologist
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List
all the situations where you have difficulty hearing and understanding
conversation.
-
-Tell
the audiologist about any medication you take regularly, especially medication
that might be ototoxic and affect your hearing. Some medicines, such as
aspirin, can also cause ringing in your ears.
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Also
mention your diet -- the amount of coffee you drink, salt intake, etc.
and whether you have experienced any pain, ringing sounds, balance problems
or dizziness.
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Ask
for an explanation of the test performed during your evaluation and what
the results showed.
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Ask
for a copy of your audiogram.
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Ask
for information about various kinds of hearing aids, how they will help
you, what their limitations are, the pros and cons of the different makes
and models, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
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Ask
about options such as the T-switch and direct audio input. Many people
overlook these important options, and it costs a great deal more to go
back and retrofit a hearing aid with them.
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Read
the sales contract carefully.
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Ask
about other costs you may be charged.
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Find
out about education and aural rehabilitation services to learn to make
the best use of your hearing aid.
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Be
critical but realistic in your hearing aid selection and use.
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Bring
a friend or family member with you to take notes when you meet with the
audiologist so they can pick up information you may miss.
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If
you are not comfortable with the advice and recommendations you get, find
someone you do like and with whom you are comfortable. You are the
only person who can judge how you like a hearing health care provider,
your hearing aid, and the advice and service you receive. Look for
a person who keeps up with advances and can make good ear molds.
Also look for one who offers a variety of hearing aid brands and styles
and is informed about assistive listening devices.
When
selecting a hearing health provider, you should expect
Back
to time with an audiologist
-
interpersonal
skills,
-
competency,
-
adequate
diagnostic and testing equipment,
-
selection
assistance,
-
education
and rehabilitation services,
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pricing
and service policies, and parking facilities.
Your
sales contract for a hearing aid should include
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to time with an audiologist
-
price,
-
payment
agreement,
-
trial
period,
-
what is refundable
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