Questions to Ask a Hearing Instrument Specialist

Are you getting ready for your hearing loss exam? While the thought of going to an initial appointment with a hearing instrument specialist can be anxiety-inducing for many individuals, visiting one is likely to be one of the most rewarding actions you can take for your overall health and well being. After all, hearing loss causes more issues than having to say, “Huh?” all the time. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, anger and even cognitive decline.

Before your visit, it is a good idea to write down a list of questions you’d like to ask your hearing instrument specialist. After all, with the potential anxiety, you may not remember some of the burning questions you had. Consider the following list when going to your appointment:

Questions about the specialist

1. Where did you train? For how long? How long have you been in practice?
2. Do you have patient reviews?
3. Are you accredited by the state?

Questions about the hearing loss test

1. What type of testing will you conduct?
2. Will the tests hurt?
3. How long will the testing take?
4. Will the results come quickly?

Questions about the results

1. What do the results mean?
2. Is my hearing loss permanent?
3. Is the hearing loss the same in both ears?
4. Will my hearing ever return?
5. How can I treat my hearing loss?
6. How severe is my hearing loss?
7. Will my hearing loss get worse over time?

Questions about treatment

1. Do I need hearing aids?
2. What type of hearing aids will be best for me?
3. How much do hearing aids cost?
4. Will my insurance cover the cost of my hearing aids?
5. Do hearing aids come with a warranty?
6. What accessories and technology come with hearing aids?

Don’t forget concerns

Don’t forget to write down any additional concerns. Such thoughts might include:

• Will people be able to see my hearing aids?
• How do I know what’s right for me?
• Do you get paid commission for certain brands?

Writing down concerns ahead of time will enable you to remember these thoughts, which often get lost in the newness and frenzy of a visit to your hearing instrument specialist.

Prior to leaving your appointment, make sure to follow up with your hearing instrument specialist in case you didn’t understand something you two talked about. Armed with questions and a plan of action, a hearing healthcare appointment, like any medical appointment, will likely be a rewarding experience. In fact, for many, it’s the first step to a life where the television isn’t blaring, a spouse isn’t frustrated by lack of communication and you get to enjoy the little things, like the rustle of the wind, again.