Hearing loss is an issue many people deal with and can better understand by seeing an audiologist as the first step. This professional will help manage the impairment but it’s important to be prepared with the right questions when having a consultation.

You want to inquire about the diagnosis and treatment options, adjustments to your lifestyle, support systems available to you. Visit – Significant to Severe Hearing Loss: Questions for Your Doctor – for questions to pose to your hearing specialist.

These questions are a vital part of helping to establish your care plan, enabling you to build trust with your audiologist and make the best decisions regarding your treatment to ensure you have the optimal quality of life.

A comprehensive hearing checkup is essential to identify the extent of your loss and identify the type and causes. It provides valuable insight into the underlying issues that can contribute to the loss, such as blockages or ear infections.

These details are crucial in determining an effective treatment tailored to your specific needs.

Questions To Ask Your Audiologist on the First Visit

The technicians at the Volunteer Hearing Clinic test client hearing and discuss the audiogram results. The audiogram graphs the hearing test to essentially tell a detailed story of a client’s hearing health. This is a vital tool for diagnosing and managing your hearing loss; however, most adults never have the test.

The audiologist uses this test to guide potential treatment plans. The professional will review the results and discuss the severity of your loss and potential solutions, such as hearing aids. Consider posing the following questions when visiting your audiologist for the first time.

What is an audiologist

An audiologist is an extensively trained professional specializing in diagnosing and treating hearing-related issues. These specialists differ from ENT doctor who are trained to perform surgery on ears, where the audiologist is not. They help to manage the loss.

How is hearing loss diagnosed

The audiologist performs an audiogram, a type of hearing screening in which you wear headphones. Sounds are played in one ear at a time, and you will be asked to respond to those sounds as you hear them. If you cannot hear a particular sound, this is a signifies a level of loss. Read here on how to prepare for your first audiologist appointment.

What type of hearing loss do I have

Depending on your screening, the audiologist will determine the type of loss you have. Hearing loss can be categorized into 3 primary types – sensorineural, conductive, and mixed.

• Sensorineural: This is the most common in which the tiny hairs in the inner ear are damaged. They are responsible for converting sound waves to electricity. Auditory nerve damage, responsible for transmitting electrical impulses to the brain is also in this category.
  
• Conductive: Sound wave conduction to the inner ear is disrupted.
  
• Mixed: A blend between sensorineural and conductive loss.
  

Is my hearing loss permanent

A diagnosis of sensorineural loss is permanent mainly because the tiny hairs and the auditory nerve in the inner ear being damaged whether due to age, medication, or infection. These hairs are delicate and incredibly tiny with no treatment to repair them for improved hearing.

Will the hearing loss get progressively worse

It depends on the cause whether age or noise induced.

• Age: Presbycusis or age-induced hearing loss can progressively worsen as you age.
  
• Noise: Regardless of your age, if you are constantly exposed to loud noise, such as unhealth listening habits, it’s possible that your hearing will deteriorate over time.
  

The best way to care for your ears and void deterioration of your hearing is to follow a few simple steps:

• Avoid exposure to loud noise as much as possible
  
• Refrain from listening to music above safe levels
  
• Use earplugs in loud situations that you can’t avoid
  

Why did I lose my hearing

There are a number of causes that can lead to impairment, including physical ailments, being exposed to loud noises, age, head trauma, and on.

• Loud noise: Exposure to extremely loud noise can be painful and lead to an issue. However, it can be gradual over a period of time while the person doesn’t notice pain in the ear.
  
• Presbycusis: A sensorineural hearing condition common among seniors who tend to hear muffled sounds and find it necessary to turn the volume up to make it audible.
  
• Otosclerosis: A disease affecting the bones in the ear’s middle region, keeping them from moving freely and causing a disruption in sound transmission.
  
• Acoustic neuroma: Damage to the ear caused by a tumor which can cause ringing in the ear and the potential for a sense of “fullness” in the cavity.
  
• Meniere’s Disease: The ear’s inner region is affected by this disease with no known cause. It often causes irritability to loud sounds with inconsistent hearing loss. When left untreated, loss can be permanent.
  

Final Thought

By posing questions and concerns with your audiologist, you can develop a clear line of communication and be prepared for the varied aspects of your hearing care.