There are several steps that are part of a hearing aid evaluation. If you suspect that you might need a hearing aid, you will first need to have a hearing evaluation. At the time of the hearing evaluation, a case history will be taken to determine how much your hearing problem impacts your day-to-day life as well as the lives of your family. You may also have to provide some basic questions about your general health history.
Hearing test results
The results from your hearing test will provide the Dr. Shafer information on what sounds you may be missing or hearing. The results of this testing will also allow her to make the best treatment recommendations for your specific needs.
Hearing aid recommendation
If your hearing test reveals a permanent hearing loss, hearing aids may be recommended. Dr. Shafer will explain what sounds you have difficulty hearing, and what hearing aids can do to help. During this appointment you will get to see and touch different styles of hearing aids. Dr. Shafer will help you choose the best hearing aid style, features and level of sophistication based on your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and financial circumstances. The final decision on which hearing aids are purchased is your choice, but Dr. Shafer will make recommendations on the best options for your particular needs.
Once you make your decision, impressions may be needed if you selected custom hearing aids or behind-the-ear hearing aids that require earmolds. Hearing aids are then ordered from the manufacturer and you will be contacted for a fitting appointment once the devices arrive. At that fitting appointment, the hearing aids are programmed to your specific hearing loss and Dr. Shafer will spend about an hour going over all the details of your new instruments. There is an adjustment period when wearing hearing aids, so it’s possible Dr. Shafer may make additional changes to your settings to ensure you’re getting the best listening experience possible.