The successful treatment of hearing loss starts with recognizing that you do, in fact, have a hearing problem.
- Do you find it difficult to understand conversations in noisy settings?
- Does it sound like people are mumbling?
- Are you unable to hear high pitched sounds like women’s and children’s voices?
- Do you have to turn up the volume on the TV or radio to hear well?
If you said ‘yes’ to any of the above, you are experiencing one or more of the most common signs of hearing loss. Rather than waiting until it gets worse, it’s time to take action!
Treatment of Hearing Loss Starts With These 5 Steps
Just like many other problems in life, treatment of hearing loss can be more successful and sometimes simpler when the problem is recognized and diagnosed early. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends these 5 action steps:
#1: Schedule a hearing evaluation.
It’s more difficult to solve a problem like hearing loss if you don’t know where you’re starting from. A thorough hearing evaluation by an audiologist will help determine the type and severity of hearing loss you’re experiencing. You never know … your hearing problem could be as simple as too much earwax! Or, it could be more complex. Either way, a hearing test and evaluation of your overall hearing health will provide a clearer picture of where you are and where to go from there.
#2: Pay attention to the audiologist’s recommendations.
Your audiologist will take the data from the hearing evaluation and combine that with information about your lifestyle to formulate a personal hearing loss treatment plan. This might include anything from hearing aids and assistive listening devices to aural rehabilitation or cochlear implants. It’s important to understand that audiologists are experts in their field and they will typically be able to provide several viable treatment options.
#3: Check if your insurance covers treatment for hearing loss.
It’s important to have a good understanding of what exactly your health insurance plan covers in terms of hearing healthcare. Some things, like hearing aids, may be covered or partially covered, while others may be excluded altogether. And, it’s important to know what health insurance plans are accepted by your audiologist’s office. Having this information at your disposal can help you make informed decisions about which hearing loss treatment options will fit within your budget.
#4: Do your research.
What types of hearing aids are you familiar with and which ones do you need to learn more about? Do you have friends or family members who really love the type they have? Check out hearing aid reviews and talk to your audiologist about the opinions of his or her clients. Knowing up front what features are available, what you do and don’t need, and how others feel about the treatment options you’re considering can all contribute to a successful hearing loss treatment experience.
#5: Know what to expect.
When you get a new pair of eyeglasses, your sight improves immediately. Getting a new set of hearing aids can be a different experience, however. Adjustments may need to be made, your brain may need to acclimate to hearing again, and you’ll need to learn about hearing aid maintenance and care.
The successful treatment of hearing loss is an ongoing process and one we’re very passionate about. If you’re ready to take action so that YOU can take control of your hearing health, we’re ready to be your partner in action. Simply schedule an appointment today and start your journey toward hearing well and living well!
