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Hearing aids are indispensable helpers for millions of Americans. These compact devices work wonders to give people their hearing back.
Today, you can buy these medical devices at audiology clinics, some retail chains, pharmacies, and online without consulting a doctor. Audiology Island stresses it’s a bad idea, and here’s why!
Why are we focusing on this?
Audiology Island has extensive experience in helping patients with hearing problems. Our hearing care professionals restore hearing by offering state-of-the-art hearing care services and techniques. Recently, more and more people have been coming to us after failing to buy hearing aids on their own.
Some Americans want to save money and that’s why they choose to buy medical devices without consulting a doctor. It is not that difficult to do today. You can find different models in various marketplaces and some retail chains. After October 17, it became even easier to do because FDA approved OTC hearing aids. This decision makes medical devices more affordable for Americans. But it resulted in patients refusing professional help by choosing and ordering medical devices themselves. Such a trend means that the number of disappointed Americans will gradually increase over time!
Hearing aids are complex electronic devices. Hearing care professional selects them with the individual patient in mind. The doctor will adjust your hearing aids after you purchase them. You’ll get the best result only after that procedure, which means better sound and comfort.
Don’t you want to be disappointed with your new hearing aid model? According to a study, many adults over the age of 55 do not use hearing aids due to various reasons. Do you want to enjoy the highest quality sound in every acoustic environment? Be sure to see an audiologist before getting hearing aids!
Reasons to visit a hearing care professional
The Hearing care professional is the right person to help you choose, buy and set up prescription hearing aids. You’ll avoid the hassle of using these medical devices in the future. By making an appointment with an audiologist, you’ll get the following benefits:
A complete hearing test
At the first sign of hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. The first thing the specialist will do is examine you and take a speech audiometry test. The doctor will then prescribe additional ear measurements to make an accurate diagnosis, for example, tone audiometry. Pure tone audiometry is an effective and painless procedure. It is suitable for both adults and children. With the help of medical equipment, an audiologist can measure your hearing and obtain an audiogram (chart with test results). These results are of very importance. They can help you make informed decisions about your hearing care. A diagnostic hearing evaluation is your first step toward restoring your hearing!
Learn about the treatment in detail
After determining the cause of your hearing loss and its degree, your doctor will prescribe treatment. You’ll learn about the pros and cons of the suggested solutions. Hearing care has a lot of options for patients with hearing loss, from OTC hearing aids to cochlear implants. The doctor will recommend the best treatment option based on your hearing loss and other factors. Such an approach ensures the best possible results and a speedy return to a happy life!
Help with choosing hearing aids
Today there are hundreds of hearing aids from well known and new manufacturers. They have different types, capacities, shapes, sizes, and functions. So it is not easy to choose the right model! But don’t worry. A hearing care professional will help you cope with it. First, your ear doctor will determine the necessary device power depending on your degree of hearing loss. An audiogram will show you everything you need to know. Next, tell the professional about your hobbies, lifestyle, and other wishes. The doctor will consider it and choose some of the most appropriate models. All you have to do is make your final choice and order prescription hearing aids.
Recommendations for adapting to hearing aids
Before using your hearing aids during the day, you need to get used to them. This is called the adjustment period. Your brain works in a hearing-impaired environment. If you put on hearing aids and try to wear them for a long time, you’ll experience discomfort and even headaches. Don’t do that. Let your brain get used to the new conditions.
The audiologist will recommend how to get through the adjustment period quickly and painlessly. It usually takes from 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, the hearing care professional may adjust your medical devices to suit you best. Yes, each hearing aid must be fitted individually to tailor to your specific needs. That way, you’ll get the best sound and maximum comfort!
Learn how to care for your hearing aids
Hearing aids are complex electronic devices. They, therefore, require proper use and care. Your hearing care professionals will make regular appointments for maintenance and follow-up care. The professional must ensure that any parts or components of the device are taken care of. Proper care can extend their lifespan quite a bit. Get the most out of your time and money!
During these visits, you can share your impressions and comments. The doctor will make any necessary adjustments to your devices. Such visits can also help you monitor your hearing and see changes. They are very important for keeping your hearing intact!
What should I do?
Have you noticed symptoms of hearing loss in yourself or a loved one? Don’t waste time! Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro notes that many Americans take their time seeing a doctor even though they know they have a hearing problem. Such behavior only makes future treatment more difficult. Unfortunately, hearing does not repair itself. Without treatment, your condition will only get worse. Do not waste your time. It is better to make an appointment for a consultation with an audiologist!
Take the first step toward restoring your hearing, and you’ll soon enjoy the amazing sounds of the outside world! Forget about any difficulties in everyday life!
About Dr Zhanneta Shapiro
Dr Zhanneta Shapiro received her Masters of Science from Brooklyn College in 2005 and completed her Doctorate of Audiology from Florida University in May 2008. Her graduate training was in various hospitals in the tri-state area and a residency period completed at Ear Nose and Throat Associates of New York. [ Learn More ]
