Your ability to hear is vital for daily living and communication. As you age, it’s common to experience hearing loss that can affect your quality of life. By seeking care from a professional hearing clinic, you can determine the severity of hearing challenges and find solutions to improve your hearing health. Read on to learn about the comprehensive services an established hearing clinic in Auburn can provide.
Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations
The first step in addressing hearing difficulties is having your hearing thoroughly evaluated. An audiologist at a hearing clinic will review your medical history and symptoms. They will examine the ears and perform various hearing tests to determine the type and degree of hearing loss.
These diagnostic tests can identify hearing loss caused by:
- Natural aging process
- Exposure to loud noises
- Buildup of earwax
- Fluid in the ear
- Tumors or other abnormalities
The audiologist will test hearing ability at various sound frequencies and volumes to pinpoint areas of difficulty. Standard tests performed include:
- Otoscopy – Checks eardrum and ear canal using a lighted instrument
- Tympanometry – Measures eardrum response to sound tones
- Acoustic reflex testing – Assesses inner ear function
- Pure tone audiometry – Presents techniques through headphones to map hearing loss
- Speech audiometry – Evaluates ability to hear spoken words
Thorough hearing tests allow the audiologist to diagnose types of hearing loss, from conductive loss related to ear canal problems to sensorineural loss stemming from inner ear damage.
Hearing Aid Consultations and Fitting
If tests reveal hearing loss, the audiologist will discuss treatment options like hearing aids. They will recommend attending aid styles and models based on the degree of loss, lifestyle needs, and cosmetic concerns. Hearing aids come in various forms, from tiny canal aids to behind-the-ear styles.
During a hearing aid consultation, you can discuss:
- Types of amplification needed
- Features like Bluetooth connectivity or rechargeable batteries
- Costs and payment plans
The audiologist will take ear impressions to custom-fit hearing aids if necessary. At a follow-up appointment, they will place the hearing aids, make any adjustments, and instruct you on use and care. They will also explain communication strategies, assistive listening devices, accessories, and other helpful tools.
Hearing Therapy Sessions
Many hearing clinics offer aural rehabilitation therapy to help patients adapt to hearing aids and improve communication skills. In sessions with a hearing therapist, you can practice:
- Putting in hearing aids and checking fit
- Adjusting volume and settings
- Cleaning and caring for hearing aids
- Improving listening skills and speech comprehension
- Using visual cues like lip reading
The therapist will provide tips for getting the most out of hearing aids and make any needed programming changes. They can also suggest assistive devices and apps that enhance hearing aid use.
Monitoring and Follow-Up Care
It takes time to adjust to hearing aids, so follow-up care is essential. The hearing clinic will schedule visits to track your progress and address any ongoing difficulties like discomfort, issues with aid functioning, or problems hearing in noisy environments.
At follow-ups, the audiologist will:
- Discuss your experiences and challenges
- Perform hearing tests to check if aids require adjustment
- Make sure hearing aids are optimal for your needs
- Provide advice for situations where hearing is still a struggle
- Refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist if any ear-related problems arise
Ongoing monitoring ensures hearing aids work their best so you can communicate quickly.
Protecting Your Hearing Health
In addition to treatment, a hearing clinic emphasises prevention. The audiologist will educate you on safe listening habits to avoid further damage, like:
- Using hearing protection devices when exposed to loud equipment and machinery
- Turning down the volume on audio devices
- Avoiding environments with sustained loud background noise
- Getting annual hearing checkups
They can also provide customised hearing protection like earplugs. Protecting your ears from harmful noise will help preserve remaining hearing.
Take Control of Your Hearing Health
Dealing with hearing loss can be upsetting, but seeking professional care allows you to take action. A reputable hearing clinic will thoroughly assess your hearing, map solutions like hearing aids, provide rehabilitation therapy, fit you with devices to enhance communication, and monitor progress. They will partner with you on your journey to better hearing.
Don’t let hearing loss negatively impact your life any longer. Call for an appointment today to get started with a hearing evaluation and explore your treatment options. With compassionate, individualised care, you can connect with your world again through the beautiful gift of sound.
Schedule a Hearing Test Today
If you’re struggling with communication, it’s time to have your hearing professionally evaluated. Call ABC Hearing Clinic today to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Our experienced audiologists will determine if hearing loss is present and recommend the best solutions. We’ll provide caring support each step of the way towards better hearing. You deserve to hear life to the fullest again! For more information, click this link.
