Common Questions to ask your Audiologist

It is very common for people to experience some form of hearing loss in their lives. It can happen as you get older or it can be the result of a job or situation that you found yourself in. It is one of those things that many of us will experience at some stage in our lives, but how to deal with it can often be the sticking point.

An audiologist can properly advise you regarding available treatment options and also what you can do to make the best out of the situation you find yourself in. Many audiologists and people who have experienced hearing loss will agree that there are certain things you want answered and things that can be said to help ease your mind. So, what should you be asking? With that in mind, here are some of the common questions to ask your audiologist and why some of them might be important to you. 

How severe is my hearing loss?

It is essential to know what degree of hearing loss you are experiencing as this can help to determine the action that you take or the type of hearing aids you may want to try. Knowing and anticipating whether things are likely to change or get worse can help you to consider the future a little more, and to get the help you need sooner rather than later. 

Do both ears have the same hearing loss?

Another question to ask would be whether both ears have the same level of hearing loss. It can be quite common to experience more loss of hearing in one ear than the other and this can be treated differently. This may change the style of devices you are considering for treatment.

Do I need a hearing aid for both ears?

Sometimes you may find that you need hearing aids in both ears whereas others will find that the experience of hearing loss is only in one ear. Your audiologist can best determine the best course of action and explain any differences there may be. Most individuals require two hearing aids to ensure a natural listening experience.

Which hearing aid is best for my particular type of hearing loss and lifestyle?

You may find that some people have more active lifestyles than others, or have particular jobs that require focus and consideration. There are few different options to consider such in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE) and in the canal (ITC). So, it is worth noting that you may need to consider a particular type of hearing aid depending on your loss of hearing and the lifestyle that you have. 

What precautions do I need to take on a daily basis?

If this is your first time experiencing hearing loss or indeed wearing hearing aids then a great question to ask would be the precautions and considerations you need to take on a daily basis in order to live your life as you do right now. 

Is there anything I can do to protect my hearing from further decline?

Sometimes hearing loss can deteriorate, and others just experience the same level of hearing loss for long periods of time. It would all depend on the type of hearing loss you have, so asking the questions regarding further decline or determination can help you to feel more at ease about what to expect in the future. 

How often do I need to check and or adjust my hearing aids?

If this is your first time using hearing aids, then it is worth asking questions about future appointments, upkeep and how you can check they are working as they should be. It may take you a little time to adjust and get used to wearing hearing aids, so don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible about using them and wearing them so that you can feel more at ease about it. 

What can I expect from my audiologist appointments in the future?

Last of all, why not ask what you may expect from future appointments and how often you may need to have them. We all have busy lifestyles so understanding this can help you to plan ahead and also feel less anxious about things. 

If you have any questions that have not been suggested here then please don’t be worried about asking your audiologist. If you want a little more information perhaps to learn more about Flynn Associates then you can get in touch at the following telephone numbers: 

• Concord: (978) 759-3540
• Wellesley: (781) 943-5040