The Importance Of Consulting An Audiologist For Hearing Aids

Dr. Robin Robinson

As more people are becoming aware of how prevalent hearing loss is, companies that have not traditionally worked in the hearing industry are racing to produce technological solutions that meet government standards.

When an executive order was signed that allowed hearing aids to be sold over the counter, it was aimed at lowering the cost of hearing care.

But over-the-counter products can’t offer the same personalized experience of a specialist. You deserve the best hearing care available, and here are six reasons to make an appointment with an audiologist.

Expertise

Audiologists possess doctorate degrees in hearing health with years of education focusing on the anatomy and physiology of the ear, as well as the impacts and treatment of dysfunction of the auditory system.

Because individuals develop hearing loss in a variety of ways and have unique communication needs, accurately diagnosing hearing loss and selecting the right hearing aids ensure successful treatment.

Custom Prescriptions and Fitting

To maximize comfort and functionality, hearing aids must be custom fitted to each individual and programmed to support their listening lifestyle. Only a trained audiologist or hearing instrument specialist can do this. Additionally, audiologists can verify the improvement of your hearing with amplification, they can monitor your progress over time, and they can make fine-tuning adjustments to meet your personal listening needs.

Wearing hearing technology is not a one-and-done solution. It takes time for the auditory system to rehabilitate and the brain to process the auditory information that is being received. Professional support during this process should never be underestimated.

Patient-Provider Relationship

Hearing loss is a complex condition. It has many causes beyond age-related decline, such as environmental and genetic factors, as well as hearing loss secondary to other conditions such as diabetes and cardiac issues. Another prevalent cause of hearing loss is exposure to medications that can damage the ear, such as chemotherapeutic agents and excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. An audiologist can diagnose and treat these conditions, forming a long-lasting relationship with you that goes far beyond fitting you with hearing aids.

Tinnitus and Balance Support

Tinnitus is persistent ringing, buzzing or clicking sounds in the ear, and it often occurs concurrently with hearing loss. While the condition is still being researched, what we know about tinnitus so far falls under the expertise of audiologists. And because the inner ear governs the body’s equilibrium, balance issues are often diagnosed and treated by audiologists.

Safety

Aside from the benefits of achieving a better fit and receiving professional support from an audiologist, there’s evidence that self-programmed technology or one-size-fits-all solutions can be harmful. An audiologist will perform tests to assess your hearing loss and ensure your hearing aids meet your needs. Hearing technology that amplifies sound too much can further damage your hearing, and an ill-fitting hearing aid can create discomfort. Inappropriate amplification will not help enough and will not slow down the progression of your hearing loss.

Investment

While purchasing an over-the-counter hearing aid may provide savings on upfront costs, seeking treatment through a licensed audiologist may be a better investment. From warranty protection to professional cleanings and care, nothing compares to a guarantee of quality. Hearing aids can be expensive, so a professional can provide a variety of products including economical solutions.