What to expect at your first Audiologist Appointment

Visiting an audiologist for the first time can be an unfamiliar experience, but it doesn't have to be intimidating. Whether you're experiencing mild hearing difficulties or have been referred to an audiologist by a medical professional, understanding what to expect can help alleviate any anxiety and ensure you get the most out of your visit. 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through what to anticipate during your first audiologist appointment, from the initial paperwork to the hearing tests and potential treatment options.

What’s An Audiologist?

Audiologists are highly trained healthcare providers specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing issues related to hearing and balance disorders. These professionals use a comprehensive range of procedures and tests to accurately evaluate an individual's hearing and balance capabilities. 

Audiologists vs. Hearing Aid Dispensers

Audiologists and hearing aid dispensers both play roles in hearing healthcare, but they differ in terms of education, scope of practice, and services offered:

Audiologists:

• Education: Doctoral-level training in audiology (Au.D. or Ph.D.).
• Scope of Practice: Can diagnose and treat a wide range of hearing and balance disorders.
• Comprehensive Services: Offer full hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and rehabilitation services.
• Medical Collaboration: Can work closely with ENT doctors for more complex cases.

Hearing Aid Dispensers:

• Education: Typically require a high school diploma and some specialized training.
• Scope of Practice: Limited to basic hearing tests and hearing aid fittings.
• Basic Services: Primarily focus on selling and fitting hearing aids.
• Limited Medical Collaboration: Less likely to work in medical settings or handle complex cases.

‍

In summary, audiologists like the ones we have at Greentree Audiology have more extensive education and can provide a broader range of services, making them a sure bet when treating your hearing loss. 

Preparing for the Appointment

Before your appointment, it's helpful to bring along a friend or family member. They can provide emotional support, help remember important information, and might even participate in some hearing tests. Also, be prepared to provide your medical history and any symptoms you've been experiencing. This information is critical for your audiologist to provide the best possible care.

Step #1: The Hearing Health History

The first step in your audiologist appointment will be completing a hearing health history. This paperwork helps your audiologist understand your medical history and any potential causes of hearing loss. You may be asked about allergies, past medical procedures, medications you take, and any ear-related symptoms or history. Providing this information to the best of your ability aids your audiologist choosing and fitting the hearing aids to your exact hearing loss needs. 

Step #2: A Consultation with the Audiologist

During your consultation, your audiologist will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They will ask questions about your lifestyle, work, hobbies, and social situations that are important to you. This conversation is crucial as no two people with the same hearing test results are alike. This step ensures your treatment plan is as personalized as possible.

Step #3: Examination and Hearing Tests

Audiologists use various tests to diagnose hearing loss. The most common test is pure-tone audiometry, which involves listening to tones at different pitches and volumes in a soundproof room. Another common test is speech audiometry, which measures how well you can hear and understand speech at different volumes.

‍

During these tests, you will be asked to respond even to very soft sounds. These tests are painless and non-invasive, and they help determine the softest sounds you can hear at each frequency. Depending on the results, you may also undergo tympanometry and acoustic reflex tests to assess the function of your eardrum and middle ear muscles.

Step #4: Understanding the Results

After the tests, your audiologist will discuss the results with you. They will explain what the graphs and readings mean and discuss potential treatment options. If hearing aids would benefit you, your audiologist will provide information about how these devices work and answer any questions you may have.

Step #5: Discussing Treatment Options

Depending on the severity and type of your hearing loss, different treatment options will be recommended. These can range from hearing aids to assistive listening devices. Your audiologist will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, helping you make an informed decision about your hearing health.

Step #6: Follow-Up Appointments and Hearing Aid Fitting

If you require hearing aids, your audiologist will arrange a fitting appointment. During this session, they will ensure the hearing aids fit correctly, adjust the settings for your hearing loss, and show you how to use and maintain them. Regular follow-up appointments are also essential to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Your Audiologist in St. Louis

Visiting an audiologist for the first time can be a big step towards improving your quality of life. Hopefully we have provided a clear understanding of the process so you can approach your first audiologist appointment with confidence. Remember, they are there to help you navigate your journey to better hearing, providing personalized care every step of the way.

‍

We hope you will consider us at At Greentree Hearing & Audiology in St. Louis, MO for your hearing loss care. Led by local Audiologist John Scarlas, our team is committed to significantly enhancing the quality of life for our patients. If you're ready to take the first step towards better hearing, contact us today to schedule your first appointment.

‍