Have started to notice difficulty with your hearing. You are not alone, but, what should you do next?
Step 1. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist.
An audiologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.
Step 2. Discuss treatment options.
Depending on your hearing and specific communication needs, some or all of the following may be good options for you:
Hearing aids - This is the most common treatment type for hearing loss. It is a non-invasive option with several style and technology options. Hearing aids can improve your ability to hear and understand, however, keep in mind that they are working with a damaged hearing system, so your hearing will likely not return completely back to normal.
Hearing aid accessories - This option is not discussed quite as often as hearing aids, however, depending on your specific communication goals, a hearing aid accessory can work wonders. Hearing aid accessory options range from an external microphone that should improve one's ability to understand a single speaker in a noisy environment to a device that allows you to connect your hearing aids to your cell phone.
Cochlear implants - This options is probably the least discussed hearing treatment option of all. Depending on the severity of your hearing and your current health, cochlear implants may be an excellent option for you. Cochlear implants are an implantable hearing solution that involves replacing the function of damaged portions of one's hearing system to allow for a better transmission of hearing signals to the brain. Cochlear implants allow individuals a change to hear better than they would with hearing aids.
Step 3. Schedule your hearing treatment fitting and follow up care.
Once you have decided upon the treatment option that works best for you, it's time to schedule your fitting. At this appointment, your audiologist will work with you to program, adjust, test, and fine-tune your devices specifically to your hearing. Proper care and use of your new devices will also be discussed. After the fitting, it is CRITICAL that you follow up with your audiologist to ensure that any needed fine-tuning and tweaking of the devices is performed. Hearing aids are not typically a "one and done" type of fitting. Hearing treatments typically involve long-term follow up care and maintenance. After reaching treatment goals that are satisfactory for both you and your audiologist, it is recommended that you return to your audiologist at least every 3 to 6 months for a hearing treatment cleaning and check to ensure that your devices are functioning properly.
Untreated hearing loss can affect many areas of your life including relationships, mood, and cognitive health. If you are experiencing difficulty with your hearing, consider giving us a call to schedule an appointment with our audiologist to have your hearing tested and discuss your specific communication needs.
We look forward to meeting you.
Your destination for hearing healthcare
281-809-6008
info@spacecityaudiology.com