Hearing Tests: Are They Required Before Buying Hearing Aids?

Before getting hearing aids for yourself, it’s critical to have a hearing test conducted by a qualified audiologist. This should always be the first step to take as it’s unwise to take matters into your hands without expert help. Statistics indicate that 77% of Americans haven’t had their hearing checked in two years.

Meanwhile, a more pressing concern is that some people order hearing aids without prior assessment. Below are some reasons explaining the need for a hearing test first.

It Helps in Determining the Right Hearing Aid for You

Due to the medical nature of hearing loss and the complexities that may arise, it is not advisable to skip a hearing test. It is the single most important assessment an audiologist conducts to help determine the appropriate aids for you. Although hearing aids are designed with a single purpose to improve your auditory experience, they are not the same.

Each type is designed to suit specific purposes. Therefore, by ordering a set without consulting, you may not be helping your situation. Below are examples of hearing aids and what they do.

In-the-Ear Hearing Aids (ITE)

The ITE is a small plastic shell case containing all the critical components needed to improve hearing. They are effective hearing aids that can be worn by persons with mild-to-severe hearing loss. Regarding the style of ITEs, you will find them in two distinct shapes. There is the first type which occupies the entry point of the ear. This is the part of the ear that takes on a bowl-shaped appearance.

The second style is designed to occupy only the lower half of the entry point. Each style has characteristics that make them ideal for some wearers. For example, the ITE may not suit a wearer with chronic earwax buildup. They tend to clog the speakers of the ITE hearing aids.

Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids (BTE)

BTE goes behind the ear with the help of a comfortable hook. This type uses a small tube to connect to the ear canal. According to the audiologist society, this style may be ideal for all degrees of hearing loss. However, it is more susceptible to wind noise than other styles. So, if you just ordered them online without a hearing test first, you could be dealing with unwanted sounds from the wind. 

In-he-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC)

The ITC is mostly suitable for mild to moderate degrees of hearing loss. Although it fits snugly into the ear canal, it may not be ideal if you have excessive wax buildup. Many considerations go into determining which hearing aid is best for your situation.

Contributes to a Better Assessment of Your Hearing Loss

The hearing test is an opportunity for the audiologist to determine the extent of the auditory loss. They can conclude if your hearing loss is age-related or due to other causes with their expertise. Additionally, the audiologist can determine with a chart whether your hearing loss has more to do with alternating pitch or not after conducting the audiogram.

It is worth noting that hearing loss can be sensorineural or conductive. The former deals with cochlea or nerve damage, while the latter deals with the eardrum or ossicle bone injury.

Admittedly, it is quite tempting to skip the initial stage of your auditory assessment, especially when hearing aids are available. Unfortunately, this also falls into the domain of self-prescription and if you know the associated disadvantages, you will find it prudent to avoid that option.

Reduces Risk of Worsening Hearing Loss

Hearing loss ranges from mild to moderate, severe and profound. The only way to determine where you belong is by having a hearing test, so keep this in mind. More so, it is how the audiologist can categorize your hearing loss. However, when you skip it and move straight to getting yourself the hearing aids, you may have yourself to blame.

A mild or moderate condition can easily progress to severe or profound. This makes it essential to conform to this standard initial procedure. Moreover, a hearing test offers peace of mind, so keep this in mind. You don’t need to endure the stress of not knowing the exact cause of your hearing loss.

Why don’t you use this opportunity to get your first hearing test? For detailed information, learn more about Gavin Audiology and Hearing Aids, or call us today at (914) 610-3440.