If you would like to improve your hearing and would like to see if hearing aids are right for you, you will first need to have a hearing evaluation. At the time of the hearing evaluation, a case history will be taken to determine how much your hearing difficulty impacts your day-to-day life as well as the lives of your family. A complete history will be taken, and questions will be asked about when and how the hearing loss started, if there is ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and if you experience dizziness. You may also have to provide some basic information about your general health history.
The results from your hearing test will provide the hearing care professional an outline of what sounds you may be missing or hearing, but the personal answers about your daily life and perception about your hearing provide the basis for a more comprehensive hearing evaluation.
If your hearing test reveals a permanent hearing loss, a hearing device may be recommended for one or both ears. Your hearing professional may explain what sounds you are not hearing and what a hearing aid(s) can do to help. At this appointment you will get to see and touch different styles of hearing aids. In some cases, you may even be able to listen to them in your ear(s). Your hearing professional will help you choose the best hearing aid style, features and level of sophistication based on your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and financial circumstances. The final decision on which hearing aid(s) is purchased is 100% yours.
Once you make a decision, the hearing professional may take impressions of your ears if you selected custom hearing aids or behind-the-ear hearing aids that require earmolds. Hearing aids must usually be ordered from a manufacturer and then programmed by your hearing professional to meet your specific hearing needs. This process can take a few weeks, so do not be disappointed when you do not receive your hearing aids the same day as your evaluation.