9 Important questions to ask on your trip to a hearing clinic -

Are you nervous about your hearing consultation because you don’t know the right things to ask? There’s no need to worry, your hearing loss specialist will talk you through everything, but if you want to be prepared and make sure you’ve chosen the right provider, the below questions are a good place to start.

Are you offering independent advice?

Some hearing aid clinics are partnered with certain hearing aid providers, while others are independent and offer hearing aids from a wide variety of suppliers.

If a hearing clinic is linked to a certain brand, it means they may feel pressure to recommend only those hearing aids distributed by that company, and these may not be the best on the market for your needs and budget.

In order to get sound advice and be fitted with the very best hearing device for your condition, it’s best to go with an independent hearing loss specialist, so don’t be afraid to ask the question if your specialist isn’t up-front about their position. At Hearing Loss Specialists we are 100% independent, offering hearing devices from all the top hearing aid brands, matching you with the one best suited to your needs and budget.

Can I see the same specialist on my next visit?

It can be frustrating to have to repeat information and cover old ground if you have to make multiple visits to a hearing clinic, so check to see if you will get the same specialist each time you visit, which can give you confidence and build trust through your hearing loss treatment.

What is done to evaluate my hearing loss?

Your hearing loss specialist will undertake a number of procedures and ask you a number of questions to evaluate your hearing loss and what type of device will work best to restore your hearing to the maximum level of clarity. A hearing test and consultation typically takes about 45 minutes.

This will include amongst other things a visual examination to checking the eardrum; a speech and sound recognition test; and a conversation about your lifestyle and your budget. There is nothing difficult or painful about a hearing test, but if there is anything you don’t understand along the way just speak up and ask for clarification.

What type of hearing aid is best suited for me?

The purpose of your hearing test and consultation is to figure out the answer to this question. There are different types of hearing aids available that are suited to different levels of hearing loss and lifestyle considerations. These include:

Based on your hearing test results, your lifestyle (work and social needs) and your budget, your hearing loss specialist will be able to figure out the best options for you and talk you through the pros and cons of each to settle on the best solution.

What is included in the cost?

It’s important to know what costs are facing you upfront, and what is covered as part of the service.

Generally for age related hearing loss the hearing test and consultation is free of charge, but it’s best to double check this when booking your appointment. At Hearing Loss Specialists our hearing test and consultation is free of charge.

There will then of course be a cost for your hearing aids. Hearing devices range significantly in cost from around $2,000 to $6,000 per ear, but you may be eligible for a rebate or discount. Following your consultation, your hearing loss specialist should talk you through a range of hearing aid options within varying budgets.

You should also then enquire about any additional costs that may occur – such as fittings, adjustments, repair, batteries etc. At Hearing Loss Specialists for example we do not charge for fittings or adjustments – this is included in the cost of your hearing aids. If repairs are required we also look into the issue free of charge and, if required, send away your hearing device to the manufacturer on your behalf. If any new parts are required we will then provide you with a quote directly from the manufacturer. While your device is sent away we can also offer you a temporary hearing aid free of charge.

Will I be trained in using the hearing aids?

Ensuring your hearing aids are working to optimum capacity is key to assisting with your hearing loss treatment. Ask whether you will be given specific advice on how to fit them; how best to clean the equipment and how to maximise battery usage (all of which is offered by Hearing Loss Specialists as part of your hearing aid purchase).

Do you offer trials and exchanges?

What may seem the right hearing aid solution for you at the time may prove not to be right after a week or so of wearing them and going about your everyday tasks. You may find them uncomfortable to wear or not suited to your circumstances. Ask if a trial is available to test to see if the type of hearing aid is the right one for you.

At Hearing Loss Specialists we offer a 30-day exchange guarantee. If you purchase hearing aids and are not happy we can exchange to another hearing aid that will be better suited to your hearing loss.

What does the aftercare include?

Being small pieces of high-tech equipment used daily, ongoing maintenance and care for your hearing devices will be required.

Ask what is included by your specialist as part of your aftercare package if you purchase your hearing aids through them. This includes services like training, fittings, adjustments, cleaning, repair, batteries etc.

At Hearing Loss Specialists for example we do not charge for training, fittings or adjustments – this is included in the cost of your hearing aids. You will be trained to clean and adjust your hearing aid by yourself, but if additional adjustment or repairs are required we also look into the issue free of charge and, if required, send away your hearing device to the manufacturer on your behalf. If any new parts are required we will then provide you with a quote directly from the manufacturer. While your device is sent away we can also offer you a temporary hearing aid free of charge.

The relationship between the specialist and patient is key to a successful consultation and ongoing care. However doing the research — and being able to ask the right questions — means you better understand what to expect. At Hearing Loss Specialists our excellent patient care is our trademark, we’re happy to answer any queries you may have. Get in touch with us today to book your hearing test and consultation!