What is an audiologist and should I see an audiologist for my hearing needs?

An audiologist is a professional who diagnoses, treats and manages individuals with hearing loss.  All three of the audiologists at Sound Choice Audiology have obtained doctoral degrees in Audiology from accredited graduate programs.  Our academic and clinical training has prepared us in the areas of prevention, identification, assessment and non-medical treatment for hearing disorders in patients of all ages.  Audiologists dispense and fit hearing aids as part of a comprehensive rehabilitative program.   

Our education and training set us apart.  Audiologists are required to complete a full-time internship and pass a demanding national competency examination.  We also adhere to a strict Code of Ethics.  By virtue of our education and licensure, audiologists are the most qualified professionals to perform hearing tests, refer patients for medical treatment and provide hearing rehabilitation services.


What is the procedure for obtaining hearing aids?

First, you will need to have a comprehensive audiologic evaluation.  If you have had a hearing test at another center, the results should be dated within the last year. Test results greater than one year old may not be accurate and it is in your best interest to have another evaluation.  A hearing aid fitting should be based on up-to-date and accurate information.

Second, you should schedule an appointment for a Hearing Aid Evaluation (HAE).  This appointment is generally one hour long.  Please feel free to bring a family member or friend to this appointment.  At this appointment, your audiologist will talk to you about your listening needs in order to determine which hearing aids are suitable for you.  The audiologist will take impressions/casts of your ears (depending on the type of instrument selected) in order to fabricate a custom ear mold or hearing aid shell.

Third, approximately two weeks later you will come in for your Hearing Aid Fitting.  This appointment is also proximately one hour long. Please feel free to bring a family member or friend to this appointment. It is helpful to have an extra set of ears when learning this new information. Your audiologist will program your hearing instruments, and show you how to use and care for them.  Generally, a follow-up appointment is scheduled for one or two weeks after this appointment.


Do I really need two hearing aids?

When you have hearing loss in both ears, your best bet is to wear hearing aids in both ears.  Your brain uses information from both of your ears in order to give you the best representation of the auditory information.  There is a natural benefit for speech understanding in background noise when both ears are listening at the same level; we are able to “squelch” the unwanted noise.  Finally, in order to be able to localize sound (tell where it is coming from), both ears need to be listening at the same level.  This is not only a comfort issue, but a safety issue as well.  

There is significant research supporting a phenomenon called auditory deprivation.  In situations where a person with bilateral hearing loss wears a hearing aid in just one ear, some ability to understand speech is lost. The reason for this decreased understanding is that the pathways to the brain on the non-amplified side are not stimulated and become “lazy.”


What other devices are available?

Depending on your hearing loss and listening needs, hearing aids may not be the only solution.  Your audiologist will work with you to determine which alternative devices are appropriate.  Amplified telephones, television headsets and FM transmitter systems are just a few of the products available to enhance your listening experience.


I am looking to protect my hearing, how can you help?

We offer a full line of protective devices for occupation and recreational noise exposure. Included in that line are those devices designed especially for musicians - both protective devices and musician’s monitors.  Your audiologist will work with you to determine which device is most appropriate, based on your environment.