Do You Need to See a Doctor to Get a Hearing Aid?

People who wear hearing aids didn’t just wake up and instantly decide that they should get some. It’s usually a process. It all begins with becoming increasingly aware that you’re struggling to keep up with conversations, because you can’t hear so well. Or perhaps your friends and family are telling you that you’re watching television with an increasingly loud volume, or that you’re saying what? more and more during your conversations.

Whatever the motivating factor, at some point, you may decide that you want to get a hearing aid. Even if you only have mild hearing loss, a hearing aid can make a big difference to the amount that you’re able to hear. Ultimately, it can make a big difference to your overall quality of life.

How you go about getting a hearing aid can vary, however. It’s sometimes possible to get a hearing aid over the counter; that is, without first consulting with an expert. While this is possible, it’s not recommended. There are many reasons why it’s better to consult with an expert. You don’t necessarily need to see a medical doctor, but you should meet with an audiologist.

Underlying causes

One of the reasons why it’s better to work with an experienced audiologist rather than buy your hearing aids independently is that they’ll be able to identify any underlying issues that may be causing you to experience hearing loss. The most common reason why people get hearing loss is that they’re older. You’re more likely to have hearing problems if you’re 65 or over. But there can be many other things that can cause hearing loss. An infection or a build-up of wax. It’s only when you get your ears examined that these issues will come to light. 

The extent of hearing loss

Hearing loss isn’t a condition, exactly, it’s a symptom. There are varying degrees of hearing loss. Some people only have mild hearing loss; for other people, it’s more severe. When you’re getting a hearing aid, it’s important that you’re getting one that’s right for your needs. The only way to know for sure which device will be correct for you is to have a hearing examination. This is the method by which the audiologist will understand the extent of your hearing loss. 

Buying them on your own

It is possible to buy a hearing aid entirely on your own, without any help from anyone else. But this is risky. As we said above, your hearing loss could be age-related, or it could be because of something else. An audiologist is specifically trained to deal with the ear. If they spot something that requires further investigation, they can recommend that you see a medical doctor for further evaluation. 

Types of devices available

As we mentioned, there’s not just one type of hearing aid available. There are multiple different types. The most popular options are behind the ear (BTE), in the canal (ITC) and in the ear (ITE). All of these different types have their own advantages. The one that’s right for you will be a blend of what the audiologist recommends and your own personal preference. If you’re getting a hearing aid on your own, then you’ll only have one thing to go off, your own preferences. That’s valuable, but there’s much that should influence your eventual purchase decision. 

On-going care

As well as having the right device selected and fitted for you, working with an audiologist will allow you to receive on-going care. Your hearing may be in a specific condition right now, but it could be that things begin to change over the years. When you work with an audiologist, it’s more than a simple customer transaction. You’ll build up a relationship that could last many years. Ultimately, they’ll know more about your hearing than anyone else, because they’ve been with you every step of the way. That’s not something that you can make the most of if you go your own way. 

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, then be sure to get in touch with Imagine Hearing Solutions. Our dedicated and experienced team will be able to perform a hearing examination to understand the extent of your hearing loss. From there, they’ll be able to guide you towards the right solution that’ll help to improve your hearing. If you’re ready to make an appointment, then give us a call today at (530) 392-4533.