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What To Expect When Getting Your First Set Of Hearing Aids

If you start to notice that you can no longer hear as well as you used to, it may be time to think about getting hearing aids. This can often be a hard concept to grasp. It may make you feel as though you are getting older. You may also think it is one step towards losing your autonomy and independence. The absolute opposite is true. There is no shame in getting hearing assistance. In fact, it will improve your overall well being. When you have decided to move forward with hearing aids, you will want to know what to expect with the process:

Your First Appointment With An Audiologist

You will first need to make an appointment with an audiologist in order to start the process. Once at your appointment, there are some things that you need to know. You will first have to provide some information about your ability to hear, when you first noticed a hearing loss, and if there is any hearing loss in your family. You will also be asked about what you believe the loss can be attributed to, whether it is related to a job, repeated exposure to noise, or if there is a genetic reason.

The Hearing Test

The next thing you need to be aware of is the hearing test. Before you are prescribed hearing aids, you will have to have extensive testing to determine how much loss you have. The testing consists of you sitting in a room and identifying sounds. You will be tested with different decibels and volumes in each ear to see how much hearing loss you have endured. After the exam, the audiologist will produce an audiogram that will explain the results. It will display the range of your ability to hear sounds.

Before You Buy Your Hearing Aids

Once you and the audiologist have picked an appropriate type of hearing aid for your needs, you will need to understand the details of the purchase. Find out if there is any leeway to return the aids if they are not working out for you. You should have the ability to exchange for a different type. You may also want to see if you will be granted a trial period to get used to wearing hearing aids. You also should ask about how often you will need to go have the settings changed on your hearing aids.

Getting hearing aids can increase your quality of life dramatically. Keep in mind that getting hearing aids is a very detailed process that will take some time. Your hearing aids will need to be customized for your ears, so it can take several weeks, but it is truly worth waiting for.


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