With a decade of audiology experience under my belt, I can safely say I’ve heard it all. Here are four questions more patients should be asking their audiologist before they leave the office.
How do I know if my hearing aid is working correctly?
You should have periodic appointments with your audiologist to check on your hearing and on the function of your hearing aids. Too many people get hearing aids and then forget to check back in with their audiologist. If you think your hearing aids might not be working properly, the problem could be in the device, or it could be that your hearing has further deteriorated.
What can I do to improve my hearing and protect it from further damage?
Not enough people ask this question. For a long time, we’ve known that hearing loss is irreversible. These days, we’re finding out that diet and an overall healthy lifestyle has more to do with hearing health than we previously thought.
Also, you need to get educated on protecting your hearing, especially if you’re a younger person with hearing loss. There are more things we encounter in everyday life that cause hearing loss than you might think. Give your hearing a chance by using adequate protection. Our office is always ready to discuss custom hearing protection with you and what would be best for your needs.
What happens if I’m not happy with the hearing aids I’ve been fitted with?
Even if you’re happy with them as you leave your audiologist’s office, hearing aids should come with a trial period that lets you test them out in your everyday surroundings. If you’re not happy with their performance, you can likely trade them in for a different model. Legally, the trial period lasts for 30 days, but this can vary from office to office , and that’s why it’s important to ask.
How long will these hearing aids last?
Hearing aids, unless covered by insurance, are a big investment and it’s perfectly reasonable to think about the value you’re getting out of them. The pace at which technology is changing is ever-increasing, and especially with hearing aids now having smartphone integrations, it’s likely that your model of hearing aid was built with a lifespan in mind. You should know what that lifespan is so you can plan ahead. The average lifespan of hearing aids these days is about five to seven years.
Have a different question from these? We’re here to answer all your questions! Contact us today to start the conversation.
