Noticing changes in your hearing can stir up a mix of emotions, from frustration to uncertainty about what comes next. While it’s completely natural to feel that way, we’re here to help you every step of the way, starting with a clear guide to your treatment journey.
Hearing Testing
Your path to better hearing begins with a hearing test. Your hearing specialist will examine both ears to look for physical blockages before conducting one or more of the following tests:
- Pure tone. A pure tone test measures the quietest volume you can hear at different pitches. You’ll sit in a quiet room, wear headphones and indicate when you hear a beep.
- Tympanometry. A tympanometry test checks how your eardrum responds to sound waves. Your hearing specialist will use a small probe with an air port, speaker and microphone to trigger and measure the eardrum’s movement.
- Otoacoustic emissions. An otoacoustic emissions test measures the function of the inner ear. Similar to tympanometry, your hearing specialist will place a probe or earphone into your ear. The probe will generate noise and measure the sounds that return.
These tests will determine the severity and type of hearing loss you have and help your specialist determine the best treatment.
Exploring Hearing Loss Treatment Options
If you need hearing loss treatment, the next step is discussing solutions that fit your lifestyle. Hearing aids today come in different styles and offer a wide range of features.
Your specialist will consider several factors when making recommendations, including your hearing needs, comfort preferences, dexterity and the environments you spend time in.
Fitting and Fine-Tuning Your Hearing Aids
Once your hearing aids arrive, you’ll return for a fitting appointment. This is where your specialist will personalize your devices’ settings. The devices are carefully programmed to match your hearing loss and adjusted to ensure comfort.
You’ll also receive guidance on daily use, including:
- How to put them in and take them out
- How to keep them clean
- How to charge or replace the batteries
- How to pair them with your smartphone
- How to use the smartphone app
- How to troubleshoot common issues
Getting Used to Life With Better Hearing
Adapting to hearing aids takes time, and that’s completely normal. Sounds you haven’t heard clearly in years, like your own voice, household noises or coffee beans grinding at Caffe Vignette, may seem off or more noticeable at first. Your brain is simply adjusting, and things will start to feel normal again within a few weeks.
Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up visits allow for fine-tuning as you adapt to your hearing aids. You should schedule an appointment at least every six months to one year. Your hearing specialist will likely have you come in a few weeks after you get your first devices to ensure they’re meeting your needs.
If you’re ready to begin your hearing treatment journey, contact The ENT Center of Central Georgia today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
