What to expect from your first visit to a Hearing Care Professional

Making the decision to go ahead and book yourself in for a hearing consultation is not always an easy one so firstly, we want to say well done! If you are feeling a little anxious or are just wondering what is to come, we are here to alleviate any worries.

Your lifestyle

First things first, the Hearing Care Professional will want to get to know you. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle, your health and any issues you feel you’ve had with regards to your hearing. We always advise that you bring someone to your appointment for support. At this point, they may be able to add if they think you’ve shown any symptoms of hearing loss. This is a good opportunity to ask any questions that you may have before the hearing test begins.

The hearing test

After your initial conversation, the Hearing Care Professional will test your hearing. This is nothing to worry about and is entirely pain-free. Once your hearing has been tested, including testing different tones and pitches of sounds, you will be given the results. If there is no hearing loss present, that is the end of the appointment and you can go. If you are over 55, we would recommend re-booking for 12 months’ time so you can ensure you are aware of any hearing loss as soon as it arises.

Is there a hearing loss?

If there is a hearing loss, the hearing care professional will discuss this result with you. They will explain what the results have told them and the extent of your hearing loss. They will also be able to advise if the hearing loss is matched on both sides. It may be that one ear hears better than the other.

You will then be able to try different hearing aids to see which type you prefer. There are a range of different devices available, some being more discreet than others and some being more powerful. You will also be shown the difference between battery powered and rechargeable hearing aids. The hearing aids will be programmed to your specific hearing loss so that you can experience what life would sound like if you treated the hearing loss with hearing aids.

It is ultimately up to you whether you decide to go ahead and treat a hearing loss with hearing aids. You will be given the advice and then it is your decision. If you decide to go ahead and order hearing aids, they will be ordered immediately after your appointment so they are back in a timely manner to be fitted. Invisible hearing aids are a little different. Impressions of the inside of your ear will be taken at this appointment.

If you would like to book yourself, or a loved one, in for a hearing consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.