5 Questions to Ask your Audiologist

Asking the right questions means you get the most out of your trip to the audiologist.

No. 1: How severe is my hearing loss?

Understanding how mild or severe your hearing loss is helps when choosing a hearing aid and starts a conversation about what to expect in the future. For example, if you hearing loss is mild you might want to ask if it’s set to deteriorate quickly or if things seem stable.

Likewise, if the hearing loss is severe it opens an opportunity for the audiologist to talk about additional strategies for communication, such as expression reading.

No. 2: Which hearing aid is best for me and what are the other options?

There are a lot of different styles and types of hearing device on the market today. Knowing which the best aid is for you gives a benchmark to should you wish to consider other options.

Hearing devices are a financial investment so it’s important to weigh up the ‘value’ rather than the outright purchase price. For example, if you regularly play sport then a waterproof hearing aid that can cope with sweat enables you to communicate with team mates during a game. However, cheaper non-waterproof options are available. By knowing the options this means you can weigh up the extra value and decide if it’s worth the price.

No. 3: What ongoing costs can I expect?

From purchasing batteries (unless your device is rechargeable!) to servicing, there are ongoing costs associated with a hearing aid. Anticipating these expenses may make a difference to your monthly budget and how much free cash you have for the initial purchase. Alternatively, it may make you view features such as being fully rechargeable in a different light.

No. 4: What can I expect from my new device?

Have a chat to the audiologist about how to get used to a hearing aid. Some people find being able to hear again overwhelming and need to relearn the skill of tuning out background noises.

Your audiologist will be able to talk you through what to expect and how to cope, so that you aren’t deterred from wearing your device. In turn this means less risk of an expensive mistake as you are forewarned when first using it.

No. 5: What maintenance does my hearing aid need?

In the same way that a car needs maintenance, so does a hearing device. Your audiologist can talk you through basic daily cleaning at home, which helps to prolong the life of your device. It also helps to be clear on when servicing is due, as to skip this may invalidate the warranty.

Getting a new hearing device is an exciting time. Your audiologist wants you to have the best experience possible both now and in the future, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. By doing so you will learn what to expect, how to care for the device and who to turn to if things go wrong.