Visiting a hearing care professional

Visiting your local hearing care professional is the first step you need to take if you suspect you have a hearing loss. There's no reason to wait; A hearing test is quick, simple and completely painless. In most cases, your hearing care professional can give you the results immediately after the test and advise you on how to rediscover your hearing.

Types of hearing care professionals

Audiologist

An individual with a Master’s degree or doctorate degree in audiology. Audiologists identify, assess and treat disorders of the hearing and balance systems. They can select, fit and dispense hearing aids and other related devices. They can also program cochlear implants, provide instruction, rehabilitation and counseling services to help communication.

Hearing aid specialist

An individual who is certified by the National Board of Certification in Hearing Aid Sciences to test for hearing loss, fit hearing aids and provide care and counseling to people with hearing loss.

Ear-Nose-Throat doctor (ENT)

Medical doctors who are board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. They specialize in diseases of the ear, nose and throat. An ENT is able to perform and supervise hearing and balance testing, as well as prescribe medications, perform surgery and select, fit and dispense hearing aids and other hearing devices.

What to expect during your first consultation

Before the test begins, you will discuss the types of hearing situations that have become difficult for you. Then the hearing care professional will look into your ear to make sure there are no obstructions.

A hearing care professional gives you personalized hearing care, including:

• testing for hearing loss

• assisting you with selecting hearing aids

• fitting hearing aids to your unique requirements

• guiding you with all matters of hearing aid maintenance and support

What is an audiogram

When your specialist describes your hearing loss, he or she will always refer to the severity of the loss and its “configuration”, which means the pitches or frequencies you are unable to hear. These tones will be placed on a graph called an audiogram.

An audiogram shows which frequencies you are able to hear, and at what volume. The audiogram gives your hearing professional a good idea of how severe your hearing loss is, and helps your professional select the best treatment options for you.

Hearing care professional advising a patient and showing an audiogram.

What if I have hearing loss?

The hearing evaluation will give you a clear idea of whether you have a hearing loss. If you do have a hearing loss, your hearing care professional will be able to tell you if it can be treated with a hearing aid, and if so, which type of hearing aid will suit you best.

There are different types of hearing aids. The type of hearing loss you have, your lifestyle and your personal preferences in color and style will all influence the hearing aids you ultimately purchase.