What to expect from EartoHear
Finding the best hearing aid with today’s technologies and insurances can be a daunting task. At EartoHear we have been working diligently over the years to provide our patients the opportunity to find and select the best hearing care solutions that meet and exceed their needs and expectations. We are one the few hearing aid centers that offer online pricing and accept all insurances. By contacting us directly and scheduling a appointment with us our team of Hearing Aid Specialist and Audiologist will be able to explain your hearing loss, what is needed for it, and what is the best option for you. Below we will continue with the processes and what to expect at a EartoHear location.
Scheduling A Hearing Exam
By scheduling a hearing test, you’re taking the first step to better hearing health. Our Patient Care Coordinator will find a time that works best for you to been seen by one of our Providers. Appointments generally take 60 minutes and we encourage you to bring a family member or friend to be able to hear the difference during our consultation process. We utilize a online patient portal that will allow you to fill out your intake papers and submit your insurance information before your appointment.
1) Consultation
When you come in for your hearing test, the first step is the consultation with a hearing specialist. They’ll gather basic personal information including your personal medical history, whether you are being treated for any conditions at the current time, and whether you are on any medications. You will also be asked about your family’s medical history and whether there is a history of hearing loss.
You’ll discuss when you first noticed changes in your hearing, as well as particular moments in the day and specific environments in which you find hearing to be the most difficult.
Finally, you’ll discuss your employment, exposure to loud noises, daily activities, hobbies, etc. with your hearing specialist, as all of this is important in identifying any potential causes of hearing loss in your routine.
2) Ear Exam
3) Hearing Exams
Pure Tone Audiometry
Pure Tone Testing is a simple way to determine the softest sounds you are able to hear During the pure-tone hearing exam, your hearing specialist will play tones at different frequencies and volumes through a set of headphones. If you hear a sound, you will be asked to simply raise your hand.
Speech Recognition Testing
Next, your provider will perform a speech recognition exam. During speech testing, your hearing specialist will read a series of words at different volumes and distances from you. You will be asked to simply repeat what you’ve heard. This is important because for those with hearing loss, speech recognition is often compromised causing difficulties hearing well in social situations with a lot of background noise, noisy environments or the voices of young children.
4) Review the Audiogram (Hearing Test Results)
The results of your hearing exam will be recorded in what’s called an audiogram. An audiogram is a visual representation of your hearing abilities. The speech recognition exam results will be recorded as a percentage. The audiogram will indicate if a hearing loss is present, and if so, the degree and which frequencies of the hearing loss. Your hearing specialist will review the results of your audiogram with you and answer any questions you may have.
5) Discuss Treatment Options
Treatment options can vary from types of hearing loss, physical abilities, and expectations and features needed on the hearing aids themselves. We will cover what type of hearing aid is best suited for your needs and what technology level is needed for your lifestyle. We will cover insurance programs and solutions for your loss.
6) Follow Up Care
Hearing aids require routine follow up appointments. Most hearing aids need a cleaning from your provider every 3-4 months. During the cleaning we will inspect the hearing aids and replace any serviceable parts such as domes, filters, and concha locks. Hearing aids purchased through Eartohear’s online pricing will receive unlimited follow up care through the life of the hearing aid itself. If hearing aids are purchased through any insurance groups, we follow the guidelines from their policies on follow up care.