If you’ve been exhibiting signs of hearing loss and finally scheduled a hearing test, congratulations! You’ve taken the first step toward better hearing health. Now, you might be wondering what to expect and what questions you should ask. In this post, we’ve got you covered – read on to learn the best questions to ask your audiologist after your hearing evaluation.
What Type of Hearing Loss Do I Have?
There are three types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive and mixed. Sensorineural has to do with the sensory hair cells in the inner ear and the nerve that sends sound signals to the brain. Conductive has to do with how well sound can – or cannot – travel through the ear. Mixed is a combination of the two.
Do Both My Ears Have the Same Amount of Hearing Loss?
Much like your feet are probably not the exact same size, your ears are not the same, either. Many people have different hearing abilities in each of their ears.
Do I Need Hearing Aids for Both Ears?
If you have at least a mild hearing loss in both ears, your provider will likely suggest you wear bilateral (two) hearing aids. This is because the brain can process sound best when it is coming through both ears equally.
What Hearing Aid Is Best for Me?
There are many types and styles of hearing aids that come from a variety of manufacturers. The best one for you depends on both your type and degree of hearing loss as well as your lifestyle needs. If you have more severe hearing loss and live an active lifestyle full of dinner parties at Calhoun’s, you’ll require more hearing aid power and features than someone with a mild hearing loss and quiet lifestyle.
How Often Do I Need to Return?
Your audiologist will probably suggest you bring your devices back to the office every six months for a clean and check appointment and you come back every year or two to have your hearing retested. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Foothills ENT today.