Ask Your Audiologist These 3 Questions for Better Treatment

Young man receiving his regular hearing checkup

Hearing loss affects over a billion people worldwide, and seeking professional help from an audiologist is crucial to improving hearing health. An audiologist is a hearing health professional specializing in diagnosing and treating hearing loss and related problems. If you’re experiencing hearing difficulties, scheduling an appointment with an audiologist is essential. However, before you do that, you should ask some essential questions to ensure you get the best treatment possible. Here are three questions to ask your audiologist at the hearing clinic for better treatment.

What Type of Hearing Loss Do I Have?

Hearing loss can be identified as sensorineural, conductive, and mixed. Each one requires a different approach to treatment, and knowing which one you have is essential for effective treatment. 

  • Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there’s damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve.
  • Conductive hearing loss happens when a blockage or damage in the middle or outer ear occurs. 
  • Mixed hearing loss combines the first two.

Your audiologist will conduct a thorough hearing evaluation to determine the type of hearing loss you have. Once they’ve identified the type, they can recommend the appropriate treatment plan. For example, if you have sensorineural hearing loss, your audiologist may recommend hearing aids or cochlear implants. If you have conductive hearing loss, they may suggest medication or surgery.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Once your audiologist has identified your hearing loss, it’s time to discuss treatment options. Treatment options include hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, and surgery. Your audiologist will recommend the best treatment option for your specific situation.

Hearing aids are the most common treatment. They come in various styles and sizes; your audiologist will recommend the best. 

  • Cochlear implants are recommended for people with severe or profound hearing loss. They work by bypassing the damaged part of the inner ear and transmitting sound signals to the brain. 
  • Assistive listening devices, like FM systems and captioning devices, can help people with hearing loss communicate better in specific situations.

Talk about the pros and cons of each treatment with your audiologist to make an informed decision. For example, while hearing aids are the most common treatment, they may not suit everyone. Some people may prefer cochlear implants or other assistive devices, depending on their specific needs.

How Can I Take Care of My Hearing Health?

Taking care of your hearing health is crucial for preventing further hearing loss and maintaining your overall health and well-being. Your audiologist can provide you with tips on how to protect your hearing and prevent further damage. They may recommend wearing earplugs in noisy environments, taking regular hearing breaks, avoiding loud noises, and getting regular evaluations at the hearing clinic.

It’s also essential to take care of your hearing aids or other assistive devices. Your audiologist can provide you with instructions on how to clean and maintain your devices properly. Consistent maintenance prolongs the life of your hearing aids and ensures they’re working correctly.

Visit Our Clinic and Take Our Easy Hearing Test

Understanding the type of hearing loss you have, the available treatment options, and how to care for your hearing health can help you make informed decisions about your hearing care. Remember to schedule regular hearing evaluations and seek professional help if you experience hearing difficulties. Doing so can prevent further hearing loss and improve your quality of life.

Beltone Hearing Centre in Langley, Abbotsford and Chilliwack has a distinctive hearing care approach that sets them apart from other companies. We connect with you as an individual and comprehend your interests and priorities in life, as well as what you value in a healthcare provider, before providing our professional assessment. Make an appointment in our Abbotsford hearing clinic to go through our easy, four-part hearing test!

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