Hearing Aid Evaluation

A hearing aid evaluation for hearing loss is conducted following a careful patient history and examination by the audiologist and otolaryngologist from the Otolaryngology Specialists of North Texas.

What is a Hearing Aid Evaluation?

Hearing aid evaluations are scheduled with an Audiologist, a trained specialist in the evaluation of hearing, and the fitting of hearing aids.  An Audiologist is different from a “hearing instrument specialist”, “hearing aid dispenser” or “audio-prosthologist” and has completed at least 7 years of extensive training.  Our Audiologists are board certified by the American Academy of Audiology and are licensed by the state of Texas. Audiologists and otolaryngologists diagnose and treat hearing loss, tinnitus (ear ringing), Meniere’s Disease, and many other hearing disorders. You will be in good hands with the Audiologists at Otolaryngology Specialists of North Texas. 

During the hearing aid evaluation, the results of your hearing test will be discussed. If it has been longer than six months since your last hearing test, it may be necessary to repeat the testing before proceeding with the hearing aid evaluation. Different hearing aid styles and circuits will be discussed as well as the benefit of each in different communication situations. The Audiologist will recommend which type of hearing solution is most appropriate for your hearing concerns and will explain realistic expectations for hearing aid use. Together, you will reach a decision regarding which particular style and circuit is best for you. We encourage you to bring a family member or friend with you to this appointment.  

Hearing Aid Options

Everyone’s listening intentions are unique. The choice of hearing aid styles and features is based on several factors, including the type and degree of your hearing loss, your medical and audiological history, and your individual needs (such as lifestyle, manual dexterity, vision, and communication needs).

All of the hearing aids we fit are high level digital hearing aids. The cost may be affected by the size of the aid, but is primarily determined by the level of the circuit inside of it.  Hearing aids using higher level digital technology are more expensive than lower level digital hearing aids. The Audiologist will provide you with information on different options to suit your lifestyle, hearing loss, and budget.  

The Hearing Aid Fitting

When a final decision is reached, an impression of your ear may be taken and sent to the hearing aid lab to create an aid specifically for you.  Some styles of hearing aids are non-custom and do not require a mold. The hearing aids will be personally set for you during the hearing aid fitting. You will also be counseled on how to care for the aids as well as what to expect while using them over the next week.

Follow-up Care

During the adaptation period, you will wear your new hearing aids and evaluate their performance in your many different listening environments. It is recommended for you to return to the Audiologist to review your progress and any fine-tuning changes will be made to the hearing aid settings. Hearing aid evaluation follow-up appointments are a crucial step in the fitting process to help you adapt to the hearing aids.  Please contact us to learn more.