For anyone who is concerned that they are suffering from hearing loss, or know for a fact that they have hearing loss, there are few better friends to make that a hearing instrument specialist. However, if you’ve never visited one before, you might not know exactly how they can help you. Here are a few of the ways a specialist proves to be a vital part of your hearing care journey.

Getting to know the situation

Hearing instrument specialists are trained in helping you find out the specifics of your hearing health situation. With a questionnaire and a range of tests, they can find out the extent of existing hearing loss for both ears. This can help both people who are experiencing the warning signs of health loss as well as those who have already been diagnosed but are concerned their condition is deteriorating. If you’re visiting a new hearing instrument specialist for the first time, it’s a good idea to bring all the information they need to test as accurately as possible. This includes your medical history, your lifestyle, risk factors, family history of hearing difficulty, and symptoms. You don’t have to answer any questions you are uncomfortable with, but they will help you get the most thorough test results possible.

Choosing and fitting a device

Hearing instrument specialists are well-versed and up-to-date with the latest hearing aids and can help you choose a device based on whether you’re suffering mild, moderate or severe hearing loss as well as your preference. You will test a few different varieties before finding the one that works best for you. After a few more tests to go with the fitting and some device optimization, you will be called back for an update to ensure that you are adjusting to your new device.

Providing expert information and offering ongoing care

When you first receive a new device your specialist will provide plenty of information on how to care for it, what to expect from it, how exactly it works and much more. You’re encouraged to take notes if you wish, but you will receive much of the information printed out for you, as well. Furthermore, you can always call up and visit if you need to hear it again. But hearing instrument specialists can help you troubleshoot any issues with your hearing aid, too, helping you make adjustments and repairs. Finally, they have a lot of information for those who may be new to living with hearing loss, including giving you advice on how to stop it from getting worse as well as how to communicate better with those around you.

Whether you’re concerned about your hearing or you’re a hearing aid user who could use some help, repairs, or adjustments to your current device, set up an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist. The sooner you visit, the sooner you can start living life a little more fully.