Nearly 30 million people in the United States need hearing aids, so if you’ve noticed that your hearing has changed over the past few years, you’re not alone. Treating hearing loss can seem like a long, daunting journey, so we at Charleston ENT & Allergy want to demystify the process. We’ve compiled a guide on what to expect from your long-term hearing wellness plan.
Step One: Hearing Screening
The first step in your hearing wellness journey is a hearing screening, at which an audiologist will assess your hearing levels and possibly determine the type and cause of your hearing loss. It is at this appointment that you will receive your audiogram, a detailed printout that illustrates your hearing abilities and is used to determine the best course of treatment. Hearing devices, like hearing aids, are the most common treatment option.
Your hearing screening appointment will be information-heavy, and you’ll probably select your hearing devices. Your audiologist will order them from the manufacturer, and they will be delivered in a week or two.
Step Two: Hearing Aid Fitting
Once your hearing aids arrive at the audiologist’s office, you’ll be called back for a hearing aid fitting. You’ll try on your hearing aids, make sure they fit correctly and sound good, and then you can walk out of the clinic with your new hearing devices!
The first two weeks with hearing aids can be a significant adjustment. Your brain is working overtime to process the sudden increase in sound information it is receiving. This is a good thing, but it may make you feel tired, irritated or overwhelmed by the noise. At the fitting appointment, your audiologist will discuss techniques for navigating this adjustment period.
Step Three and Beyond: Follow-Up Appointments
A few weeks after you get your hearing aids, you’ll have a follow-up appointment to touch base on how you’re adjusting and how the hearing aids are working. Now that you’ve been wearing your hearing aids for some time, you may have additional questions or need new listening programs or settings. This is an excellent time to work on these with your audiologist.
Beyond that, we’ll see you every year or so for check-ins, tune-ups, cleanings and any other support you need for your hearing aids. These visits keep your hearing aids in top shape, ensuring that you’re getting all the benefits that hearing aids offer. We strongly recommend you come in for regular tune-ups, because your hearing and hearing needs will change over the lifespan of your devices. It’s our job and our pleasure to make sure your hearing aids are keeping up with your needs.
In the Future: Upgrading Your Devices
At some point in your hearing wellness journey, you’re going to need to upgrade your hearing devices. On average, users upgrade every three to seven years. There are many reasons for an upgrade, such as a change in hearing needs, natural wear and tear on your devices, significant damage or loss of your devices. We’ll be with you during this step, offering our recommendations based on your personal hearing needs.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to begin your hearing wellness plan, then let’s get started at step one: the hearing screening. Call Charleston ENT & Allergy today to set up an appointment for a hearing screening with our expert team and get your wellness plan underway.