5 Questions to Ask an Audiologist

Learning for the first time that you may have hearing loss can be difficult to process and will undoubtedly trigger many questions – so many, in fact, that you might not even know where to start. As the experts in hearing loss diagnosis and treatment, audiologists can help. Their answers will shed light on your hearing symptoms, the next best steps and what your future might look like with the right treatment. Here are five good questions to take to your audiologist.

1. What is the cause of your hearing loss?

Your audiologist will not be able to answer this question fully until they’ve completed a hearing evaluation to determine your type of hearing loss and how extensive it is. Although there isn’t always an explanation for the source of hearing loss, audiologists have a thorough understanding of the most common causes. Putting together the whole picture of your symptoms, medical history, work environment and lifestyle, they’ll provide insight into your hearing loss and how you may be able to avoid further hearing damage in the future.

2. Are there other influences that have an impact on your hearing?

As you share your medical history and lifestyle with your audiologist, they’ll connect the dots to outside factors that could be impacting your hearing. For instance, illnesses, work environments, injuries, certain hobbies, stress and even things like earwax can affect your hearing. Asking this question will help you understand the bigger picture of your hearing loss prognosis.

3. Which tests should you have done?

Most audiologists will recommend a standard hearing evaluation that involves many types of hearing tests, but, based on your symptoms, medical history and individual concerns, they may recommend additional or specialized tests. For this reason, it’s important to be as specific as possible when describing your symptoms.

4. Are there medications that are impacting your hearing?

Another common cause of both temporary and permanent hearing loss is medication taken to treat other conditions. You’ll be asked to list current medications during a hearing evaluation, but it doesn’t hurt to ask before your appointment, especially if your symptoms appeared when you started taking new medications. The sooner you notify your doctor and address the offending medication, the better.

5. Do you have tinnitus?

If you’ve been experiencing any kind of ringing, whistling, whooshing or roaring sound in one or both ears, you may be suffering from tinnitus. Tinnitus is an ear health condition that causes you to perceive sounds that aren’t actually there. While this condition isn’t generally serious, it can cause a hoard of other problems, such as: social isolation, depression and anxiety, so it’s important to seek out treatment for this as soon as possible.

Finding an audiologist to treat any hearing health issues you’re experiencing is important to your overall wellbeing! Your audiologist will be your partner when it comes to your ear health, so schedule an appointment today.