If you’ve recently experienced changes in your hearing, you’re not alone. In fact, about 5% of the world’s population (430 million people) is already dealing with hearing loss. By 2050, over 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss.
Visiting your audiologist in NYC could help you find a solution. Here are six questions you can ask your Brooklyn audiology expert. Walking into your appointment with these questions ready can help you feel more prepared.
You can learn more about your current situation. Your audiologist can help you determine the best course of action moving forward, too.
Don’t wait to seek help. Keep reading to discover the questions you should ask your audiologist today.
1. What Types of Hearing Loss Do I Have?
First, it’s important to consider your current situation. Learning more about the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing can help your audiologist determine the best solution.
It’s possible you’re suffering from one of three different types of hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound can’t travel through your outer ear canal into the eardrum. Sometimes, a blockage can occur, including:
- Allergies
- Ear infections
- Ear wax
- Brain tumors
In these cases, removing the blockage could restore your hearing.
The second type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. This type of loss can occur if there’s damage to the inner ear.
Usually, this type of hearing loss is permanent. Finding hearing aids in Manhattan, NY could help.
You might have developed mixed hearing loss. This type of hearing loss includes a combination of the two types mentioned above.
Schedule an appointment with your audiologist in NYC right away. Scheduling a hearing test in NYC can help you determine your options moving forward.
2. Do Both Ears Have the Same Hearing Loss?
After your hearing test in NYC, your audiologist can determine the severity of your situation.
Ask them if you have hearing loss in both ears. Sometimes, one ear needs more help than the other.
In fact, the left and right ears actually hear differently from one another.
Your left ear is better at receiving information involving intuition, emotion, and music. The right ear, however, is better with speech and logic.
If you’ve experienced more hearing loss in the left ear, you might struggle to understand a family member’s changing moods. If you’ve developed great hearing loss in the right ear, you could lose some of your logical reasoning abilities.
Ask your audiologist if you need hearing aids in both ears.
3. How Can I Prevent Further Loss?
There are a few ways you can potentially prevent further hearing loss or damage. For example, your audiologist might recommend the HEAR strategy:
- Hold yourself accountable
- Evaluate your surroundings
- Avoid the noise
- Remember protection
First, make sure to continually educate yourself regarding your hearing loss. Take the time to understand where and when you hear best, too. Make a note if you start experiencing hearing issues.
If there are areas in your life that are too noisy, try to avoid those situations.
If you can’t avoid a situation, wear earplugs or other protective measures.
Your audiologist could offer other situations that can benefit your hearing.
4. Can My Family Help?
Your entire family can play a role in helping you manage your condition. For example, they can help you evaluate your options moving forward. They can also help you install assistive devices throughout your home.
Otherwise, make sure your family understands your communication needs and limitations.
5. What Are My Options?
About 28.8 million US adults could benefit from using hearing aids. Unfortunately, fewer than one in three of these adults has used a hearing aid.
Don’t wait to seek help. Instead, talk to your audiologist in NYC about your options.
Different hearing aid types and styles suit different types of hearing loss. Others work best based on your unique lifestyle. Talk to your audiologist about your daily activities and listening environments.
They can make recommendations based on your unique needs.
For example, maybe you enjoy different social situations or recreational activities. Your audiologist might need to know your routine.
They can consider the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing and your current lifestyle to choose the best hearing devices for your needs.
Before purchasing hearing aids in New York City, ask if there are any additional costs you need to consider. For example, you might need to calculate the cost for adjustments, repairs, and batteries. Make sure you understand the costs involved before you make your choice.
6. How Often Do I Need to Adjust My Hearing Aids?
Sometimes, you need to adjust your hearing aids to make sure you hear your best. Ask your audiologist how often you’ll need to make adjustments to your hearing aids.
Your hearing aids could wear out over time, too. Your Brooklyn audiology expert might not know the exact lifespan of your hearing aids. However, they might help you get a general idea.
They can also help you determine how to best take care of your hearing aids. Their tips could maximize your hearing aids’ performance and lifespan.
Otherwise, make sure to ask your audiologist about the product’s warranty. You might need to consider additional insurance for your hearing aids.
You can also discuss what happens if you’re not satisfied with the device’s performance. Some hearing centers offer a trial period. If you’re not satisfied, you might want to consider a replacement instead.
Before you purchase hearing aids in New York City, ask your audiologist if your insurance will cover part of the cost. If your insurance plan doesn’t cover part of the cost, your audiologist could suggest alternative sources of financial help.
Hear Here: 6 Questions to Ask Your Audiologist in NYC
Before visiting your audiologist in NYC, make a list of questions you want to ask. These six questions are a great place to start. You can assess your current help and review your options for improving your hearing.
Your hearing is what matters! We’re here to help.
Schedule an appointment with our team today to get started.
