When you suffer from hearing loss or a related condition, it’s imperative that you get the very best help available. Visiting an audiologist gives you the best chance of receiving the right support, but you still need to play your part in the process. Equipping yourself with several questions will prove to be priceless.

While there are many questions you can ask during your appointment with the audiologist, here are four of the most significant things to discuss.

How severe is my hearing loss?

Assuming that a level of hearing loss is identified at your hearing test appointment, it’s vital that you learn to play an active role in understanding the type and severity of hearing loss. Hearing loss is commonly categorized as either mild, moderate, severe or profound. While it isn’t the only key issue to consider, it will be the fundamental factor that helps you determine which types of hearing aid devices will be suitable for your individual requirements.

Moreover, it gives you the best opportunity to monitor your hearing loss over the coming years to see if things get any worse.

How significant will the improvements be?

Hearing aids can help compensate for your hearing loss, but you shouldn’t expect to hear everything with perfect clarity suddenly. There will be limitations in what can be achieved with the hearing aids, especially if you have severe or profound hearing loss. Speaking to the audiologist about the realistic expectations helps you prepare for life with hearing aids while also ensuring that you aren’t left disappointed. This also enables you to consider functions vs comfort.

In truth, the right hearing aids are sure to significantly enhance your life irrespective of how bad your hearing is to start with. Still, it’s best to know exactly what to expect.

Can my hearing aids be used with other devices?

Hearing aid technology has progressed at a rapid rate in recent years. Nowadays, Bluetooth capabilities allow some models to be linked up to adapted household devices such as televisions and smartphones. Additionally, assistive listening devices (ALDs) can be used to make daily life safer and more comfortable. You won’t require all of these features, which do cost extra, so it’s essential to speak to the audiologists about the possibilities.

Ensuring that your hearing aids are equipped with the right features will go a long way to customizing the devices for maximum enjoyment.

When should I book another appointment?

While hearing aids will enhance your life with instant results, it’s crucial to extend the rewards by treating them with care. The audiologist can teach you about maintenance. More importantly, though, you’ll learn to spot signs that they may need to be refitted, recalibrated, repaired or replaced. After all, your hearing profile may change while the devices can become damaged too. Stating on top of these issues is vital.

The audiologist will probably tell you to book an annual appointment, but it’s always worth gaining confirmation before leaving the center.