Hearing loss can occur as a result of many different influences. It could be due to an inner ear disease, or many years spending time or working in very loud environments. It could be due to old age, or as the result of a head trauma. No matter what the cause, if you are having trouble hearing, you should go to a hearing clinic to get a diagnosis and a solution for your hearing problems.
1. Why go to a hearing clinic?
Hearing clinics have trained professionals who can give you the proper testing you will need to find out exactly where your hearing levels are. You may not realize how bad your hearing is, and you may not realize how much a hearing solution, like a hearing aid, will help.
Even if you don’t feel that you have any hearing problems, but you are curious to know where your hearing is at, and whether or not it falls in the normal range, you can get a hearing screening to find out. Some clinics will even offer this service free of charge.
2. What will happen at the hearing clinic?
At the hearing clinic, the professionals will do testing to learn about your hearing. They will also inform you about what is going on with your hearing, so that you are familiar with your condition.
Next, they will come up with a solution that is just for you, which will balance out your hearing so that you can hear at the normal level again. This solution should cater to your situation. Your hearing professional should take your lifestyle, diagnosis, and your medical history into account.
3. What will it cost?
You should let your hearing professional know what you can afford. Hearing aids and hearing solutions come in many forms at many prices. If you let them know you are on a budget, they can help to find something that will still help, but won’t cost as much.
Hearing aids could cost between $1,000 and $4,000 each, depending on the hearing aid. You will also need hearing aid batteries which last about three to seven days each, and cost about $25 for a pack of 24 batteries. Hearing aids may seem like a bit of an investment at first, but they will last between five and 12 years, which once the price is broken down over that length of time is very reasonable.
If you worked in an industry where you were around loud noises without any hearing protection, you may be eligible for compensation. You can ask the professionals at your hearing clinic to help you make the claim if this applies to you.
4. Who will be helping you?
You will be examined by an audiologist or a doctor of audiology. These professionals train for years and either have a masters or a doctorate, respectively, in audiology. These people are physicians for your ears – they will examine you and find out what is going on in your ears.
You will also be helped by a hearing aid practitioner or a hearing instrument specialist. These professionals are experts at finding you the perfect instrument for your hearing loss, and will make sure it is tailored to fit you and your lifestyle.
5. Who should you contact?
Your first contact with the clinic, though, will probably be with a client care specialist. These people will help you set up your appointment, and will get you set up to see the audiologist when you arrive.
Hearing is a sense we often take for granted until it is taken away from us. Don’t let your hearing problems get in the way of your daily life. Get assistance and get a hearing solution.