If you're living with hearing loss, you may be considering hearing aids as a way to improve your quality of life. However, before you can get fitted for a pair of hearing aids, you will need to undergo a hearing aid evaluation. Here is an overview of everything you need to know about hearing aid evaluations, including what they are, why they're important, and what to expect.

What Is a Hearing Aid Evaluation?

A hearing aid evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your hearing health. During the evaluation, a certified audiologist will test your hearing ability and collect information about your medical history and lifestyle. This information will help the audiologist determine whether hearing aids are the best solution for your needs and, if so, what type of hearing aids will be most effective.

Why Are Hearing Aid Evaluations Important?

Hearing aid evaluations are important because they allow audiologists to get a complete picture of your hearing health. This information is essential in determining what kind of hearing aids will best meet your needs.

What Happens During a Hearing Aid Evaluation?

During a hearing aid evaluation, the audiologist will test your hearing using several different methods, including:

• Pure-tone audiometry. This test measures your ability to hear different tones at different volumes.
• Speech audiometry. This test measures your ability to understand speech.
• Tympanometry. This test assesses the health of your middle ear by measuring how well your eardrum moves in response to changes in pressure.
• Otoacoustic emissions. This test measures how well your inner ear is functioning by measuring the response of your cochlea to sound.

The results of these tests will help the audiologist determine the extent of your hearing loss and what type of hearing aid will be best for you. 

In addition to testing your hearing, the audiologist will also ask you questions about your daily life and how your hearing loss affects you. This information is important. If you are an active person who enjoys outdoor activities, the audiologist may recommend a CIC or completely-in-canal hearing aid, which is more resistant to moisture and wind noise. However, if you are uncomfortable with something in your ear, the audiologist may suggest a traditional BTE or behind-the-ear hearing aid instead.

After the evaluation is complete, the audiologist will discuss the results with you and make treatment recommendations. If you decide to move forward with treatment, the next step will be to choose a hearing aid that meets your needs, fits your lifestyle, and is within your budget. 

Hearing aid evaluations are an important step in the process of getting fitted for a pair of hearing aids. If you're considering hearing aids, be sure to schedule a consultation with an audiologist near you. For more information on hearing aid evaluations, contact a professional near you.