What to Ask Your Audiologist About Hearing Loss

When you are suffering from hearing loss, it’s important to know what questions to ask your audiologist. No matter what your age, whether you are a child or an adult, hearing loss can affect you. Therefore, it’s important to know the signs to look out for and what treatments are available. To make it a little easier, here are the top five questions that you should ask your audiologist at your initial appointment:

Which type of hearing loss do I have?

To treat your hearing loss, it’s essential to find out the type that you have. There are three main types of hearing loss – conductive (a result of a blockage), sensorineural (a permanent type which is the result of damage to the nerve pathways between the inner ear and the brain) and mixed (a combination of the two.) 

Is there anything I can do to prevent it from progressing?

No matter what type of hearing loss you have, there are ways in which you can delay it from progressing. For example, your audiologist might suggest that you protect your ears from long exposure to loud sounds. The advice that the audiologist gives you will be dependent on your specific circumstances and the degree at which your hearing loss is deteriorating. 

Do I need a hearing aid?

The answer to this will, of course, depends on your situation. Generally, however, you will need a hearing aid if you have sensorineural hearing loss and have trouble with conversations frequently or have to turn the volume up on your television. 

If your hearing is severe, you might have to wear a hearing aid on both of your ears. 

Do both of my ears have the same level of hearing loss?

Your audiologist will test both of your ears to determine if they have the same level of hearing loss or if one of them is more severe. If one is more severe, your audiologist will explain the reasons as to why this is and will create a treatment plan for you. 

How long do hearing aids last?

Similar to other types of electronic equipment, hearing aids will wear out over time. They will need their batteries replaced from time to time and will need to be taken care of to last longer. The length of time that they last for will vary brand by brand, by your audiologist will give you an approximation as to when you will have to change the batteries or upgrade them. They will also guide you on how to look after them, as well as the dos and don’ts. 

Those are just the top five questions that you should ask your audiologist about your hearing loss in your initial consultation. In order for them to treat you for the specific type of hearing loss that you have, it’s vital that you talk them through your symptoms, including how long you have had them for.