There are several steps that are part of a hearing aid evaluation. If you suspect that you might need a hearing aid, 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 problem impacts your day-to-day life as well as the lives of your family. You may also have to provide some basic questions about your general health history.

Hearing test results

The results from your hearing test will provide the audiologist information on what sounds you may be missing or hearing. The results of this testing will also allow the audiologist to make the best treatment recommendations, which typically includes hearing aids.

Hearing aid recommendation

If your hearing test reveals a permanent hearing loss, hearing aids may be recommended. Your audiologist may explain what sounds you have difficulty hearing, and what hearing aids can do to help. It is usually at this appointment that you will get to see and touch different styles of hearing aids. In some cases, you may even be able to listen to a hearing aid. Your audiologist will help you choose the best hearing aid style, features and level of technology sophistication based on your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and financial circumstances. The final decision on which hearing aids are purchased is your choice, but your audiologist will make recommendations on the best options for your particular needs.

Once you make a decision, the audiologist 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 audiologist to meet your specific hearing needs. There is an adjustment period when wearing hearing aids, so it’s possible your audiologist may make additional changes to your settings to ensure you’re getting the best listening experience possible.