3 Types of Questions to Ask an Audiologist

When you first realize there’s a problem with your hearing, there are many, many questions. The first question you should try to answer is where to find a good audiologist who can help you with the rest of them. When you’ve found one, here are three categories of questions you’ll want to keep in mind for your first appointment with them.

Three questions to ask

These three standard questions are always a good place to start when you’re getting acquainted with any new health concern, and they apply well to hearing loss:

• What is my specific problem?
• What do I need to do about it?
• Why is it important?

Although you can trust your audiologist to know the specifics of your hearing condition and the best course of treatment much better than you (after all, that’s why they’re professionals!), the more you know about your own ears, the better. You’ll go beyond simply doing what your audiologist recommends to actually understanding what you’re doing and why it’s vital. This knowledge will also enable you to pick up faster on any changes to your hearing and their potential significance. 

Personal questions

As you prepare for your appointment, you’ll start thinking of questions. Don’t just dismiss them – write them down. Any question related to your hearing, your new lifestyle, or potential treatment is valid. Seeking these answers will help you more fully engage with your own hearing health. The good news is that your audiologist will have an answer for (or know where to find the answer for) just about any question you come up with.

When to ask questions

You might also come up with additional questions during the hearing evaluation itself. Don’t feel intimidated by the formal environment. If you’re in the middle of a particular test, make a mental note to ask them before your visit is over. Your audiologist will also give you an opportunity by asking if you have any further questions; so take them up on it.

Audiologists are your best hearing health advocate and your best source of answers to questions about your hearing. Make the deliberate effort before and during your appointments to learn all you can from them about your hearing loss and the devices and therapies you’ll be treated with as part of your new lifestyle.