Around 15% of American adults have experienced some form of hearing loss, but not everyone with hearing loss takes action to manage it. If you’ve made an appointment with a hearing specialist, you may be wondering what to talk about. Intentional questions can help give you the information you need to best manage your journey to improved hearing.
Questions to Ask at Your First Visit
Asking thoughtful questions gives your hearing specialist a better picture of your needs and helps you feel more in control of your hearing health. Here are important topics to cover:
What Kind of Hearing Loss Do I Have?
At your first appointment, your audiologist will conduct a hearing test that will reveal significant information about your type of hearing loss. Hearing loss can be sensorineural, conductive or mixed, and the type of hearing loss you have will direct your management plan.
Why it matters:
- It can reveal whether the issue is age-related, noise-induced or due to a medical condition.
- It can reveal the types of sounds you may have trouble hearing.
- It can reveal the best options for protecting existing hearing and how to move forward.
Should I Be Concerned About Noise Exposure with My Lifestyle?
Exposure to loud noises can damage hearing over time. Discussing your lifestyle can help your hearing specialist identify risk factors and guide you on how to best protect your hearing.
Why it matters:
- Los Angeles is a noisy city with traffic along major highways or construction near the LA Convention Center. Your hearing specialist will have a thorough understanding of daily life routines that may impact hearing.
- Your hearing specialist can offer custom hearing protection and advice tailored to your lifestyle.
What Kind of Hearing Aids or Technology Do You Recommend?
If it’s determined you need hearing aids, your hearing specialist can inform you about the best options for your needs. Hearing aids offer several benefits depending on the type of hearing loss you have and different technologies suited to your lifestyle.
Why it matters:
- The right device depends on your hearing loss, daily routine and even your aesthetic preferences.
- Discussing this with your hearing specialist can prevent you from choosing hearing aids that don’t match your needs.
- You’ll have continuous help with troubleshooting your devices and tailoring them to work best for you.
Can You Screen for Balance or Tinnitus Issues?
Your hearing specialist can screen for balance and tinnitus problems, especially if you’ve experienced symptoms related to either.
Why it matters:
- Hearing and balance are closely linked, and tinnitus can be a sign of deeper issues.
- These problems are common among people working in high-stress or noisy jobs.
- It can help prevent overlooking symptoms of vestibular disorders or the prolonged discomfort of tinnitus symptoms.
Other Topics to Consider
An audiologist diagnoses and helps patients manage hearing and balance disorders for patients of all ages, so it’s appropriate to discuss anything related to those issues during your appointment.
After your initial appointment and hearing test, be sure to cover:
- Follow-up visit schedule and care plan
- How often and how to clean or maintain hearing devices
- Apps or tools that support hearing aid use
- How to communicate your hearing needs in public places
Your first appointment with an audiologist is more than just a hearing test, it’s the beginning of a partnership. To learn more about how to best promote healthy hearing to suit your lifestyle, contact M.K. Larson Audiology to schedule an appointment today.
