September 08, 2023

 

Do you suddenly have concerns about your ears? When tinnitus gets worse, and you feel your hearing is decreasing, it might be the time to see an audiologist. This article will tell you whether it's the right time to meet an audiologist and everything you need to know about your first appointment with them.

 

 

When should I meet the audiologist?

 

If you have five or more of the following symptoms, it's time to meet with an audiologist for a serious discussion about your hearing health.

 

 

• Hearing Problems: If you have trouble hearing conversations, the TV, or other sounds, you should see a hearing specialist.

• Ringing in Your Ears: If you hear ringing, buzzing, or strange sounds in your ears, an audiologist can help figure out what's causing it.

 

• Ear Pain or Discomfort: If your ears hurt or feel uncomfortable for a while, it's a good idea to get them checked by an audiologist.

• Feeling Dizzy: If you often feel like you're spinning or unsteady, it might be because of a problem with your inner ear. An audiologist can check it out.

• Trouble Understanding Speech: If it's hard to understand what people are saying, especially in noisy places, it could mean you have a hearing problem. An audiologist can do tests and suggest ways to help.

• Loud Noises: If you've been around really loud noises, like at work or concerts, get your hearing checked by an audiologist, even if you don't notice any problems yet. Loud noises can hurt your hearing over time.

• Sudden Hearing Changes: If your hearing suddenly gets much worse or if you suddenly can't hear at all, see an audiologist right away.

• Regular Check-ups: If you're over 50, it's a good idea to get your hearing checked every year, even if you think your hearing is fine. This helps catch problems early.

• Family Hearing History: If others in your family have had hearing problems, you should get your hearing checked regularly.

• Kids and Hearing: If you're worried about your child's hearing, especially if they're not talking like other kids, have ear infections a lot, or fail a hearing test at school, talk to an audiologist who specializes in helping kids with hearing.

 

 

 

 

How to find the nearest audiologist in US

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):

ASHA has a searchable directory on its website that allows you to find certified audiologists by location.

Visit ASHA's "Find a Pro" directory on their website:

https://www.asha.org/ProFind/

 

 

• Health Insurance Provider:

Contact your health insurance provider to inquire about in-network audiologists. They can provide you with a list of covered providers in your area.
Local Hospitals and Medical Centers:

Check the websites or contact the local hospitals and medical centers in your area. They often have directories of healthcare specialists, including audiologists.

 

 

 

• Online Healthcare Directories:

Use online healthcare directories like Healthgrades (https://www.healthgrades.com/) or Zocdoc (https://www.zocdoc.com/) to search for audiologists near your location.

 

 

 

• Online Maps and Navigation Apps:

Popular mapping and navigation apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps also allow you to search for healthcare professionals, including audiologists, in your area. Simply enter "audiologist" in the search bar along with your location.
Referrals from Primary Care Physicians:

Consult your primary care physician for recommendations. They can refer you to an audiologist and provide guidance based on your specific needs.

 

 

 

• Community Resources:

Reach out to local community health centers, senior centers, or organizations focused on hearing health. They may have information on nearby audiologists.
Online Reviews and Ratings:

Read online reviews and ratings on platforms like Yelp, Healthgrades, and other healthcare review websites to learn about the experiences of other patients with audiologists in your area.

 

 

 

• Ask for Recommendations:

Ask friends, family members, or colleagues if they have had positive experiences with audiologists and if they can recommend someone in your area.

 

 

 

• State and Regional Audiology Associations:

Some states and regions have their own audiology associations. These associations often provide directories of local audiologists. You can search online for your state's audiology association.
Remember to verify the qualifications and credentials of any audiologist you consider, and feel free to contact multiple providers to discuss your needs and schedule an appointment with the one you feel most comfortable with.

 

 

 

 

 

Is there anything to prepare before meeting the audiologist for the first time?

 

• Make an Appointment: Schedule an appointment with the audiologist's office. Be sure to choose a convenient date and time.

 

• Gather Medical Information: Collect any relevant medical records or information about your hearing health history. This may include previous hearing tests, medical conditions, medications, and any concerns or symptoms you've noticed regarding your hearing.

• List Your Symptoms: Write down any specific hearing-related symptoms or issues you've been experiencing. Be clear about when these symptoms started, how they affect your daily life, and any situations or environments where you struggle to hear.

• Compile Medication Information: Create a list of all medications and supplements you're currently taking, as some medications can affect hearing or balance.

• Insurance Information: If you have health insurance, make sure you have your insurance card and any necessary documentation with you. Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage for audiology services.

• Questions for the Audiologist: Prepare a list of questions or concerns you'd like to discuss with the audiologist. This might include questions about your specific hearing issues, treatment options, and what to expect during the appointment.

• Bring a Friend or Family Member: It can be helpful to have a friend or family member accompany you to the appointment. They can provide support, help remember information, and offer an additional perspective on your hearing concerns.

• Personal Hearing History: Be ready to discuss your personal hearing history, including any exposure to loud noises, hobbies or activities that involve noise, and any instances of ear infections or ear-related problems.

• Hearing Aid Information: If you've used hearing aids in the past or currently use them, bring them along with any relevant documentation. The audiologist may want to assess the condition and settings of your hearing aids.

• Expectations and Goals: Think about what you hope to achieve through the appointment. Whether it's to understand the cause of your hearing issues, explore treatment options, or get fitted for hearing aids, having clear goals can help guide the discussion.

 

 

 

 

 

What can I expect to experience when I first meet with an audiologist?

 

• Patient History and Discussion:

The audiologist will start by discussing your medical and hearing history. They will ask you questions about your hearing concerns, any symptoms you've noticed, your exposure to loud noises, and any relevant medical conditions or medications.

 

• Physical Examination:

The audiologist may conduct a physical examination of your ears to check for any visible issues or earwax buildup that could affect your hearing.
Hearing Tests:

One of the main components of your visit will be hearing tests. These tests are designed to assess your hearing abilities. Common hearing tests include:
Pure-Tone Audiometry: You'll wear headphones and respond to tones at different frequencies.

 

 

• Speech Audiometry:

You'll listen to and repeat words at various volumes to evaluate your speech understanding.

 

 

• Tympanometry:

This test measures the movement of your eardrum to assess middle ear function.

 

 

• Results Discussion:

After the tests, the audiologist will discuss the results with you. They will explain your hearing abilities and any issues identified during the tests. If hearing loss is detected, the audiologist will describe the type, degree, and possible causes of the hearing loss.

 

 

• Treatment Options:

Depending on the test results and your specific situation, the audiologist will discuss potential treatment options. This could include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, medical referrals, or further evaluations.

 

 

• Hearing Aid Consultation (if applicable):

If hearing aids are recommended, the audiologist will explain the available options, including styles, features, and costs. They will work with you to determine the best hearing aid solution based on your needs and preferences.

 

 

• Fitting and Follow-Up:

If you choose to get hearing aids, the audiologist will schedule a fitting appointment. During the fitting, they will program and adjust the hearing aids to your specific hearing needs. You'll also receive guidance on how to use and care for your hearing aids.
Expect follow-up appointments to fine-tune the hearing aids and ensure they are working optimally for you.

 

 

• Education and Counseling:

The audiologist will provide information about hearing health, communication strategies, and hearing protection. They may offer guidance on managing hearing difficulties in various situations.

 

 

• Questions and Concerns:

Feel free to ask questions and express any concerns you may have during the appointment. The audiologist is there to address your needs and provide information and support.

 

 

The specific details of your first visit may vary based on your unique circumstances and the audiologist's practice. However, the primary goal of the initial appointment is to assess your hearing, provide a diagnosis if necessary, and offer recommendations for managing and improving your hearing health. The audiologist will work with you to develop a personalized plan for addressing your hearing concerns.