Need to Call an Audiologist Doctor? 5 Steps to Take If You’re Experiencing Hearing Problems

You and your friend are walking through the mall. It’s been a pretty quiet walk, or at least you thought it was until your friend is waving their hand in front of you to get your attention. Apparently, they’ve been talking this entire time but you couldn’t hear them over the other people talking in the mall.

Not being able to make out speech against background noise is an early sign of hearing loss. It might be a good idea for you to head to an audiologist doctor to get a jump on your condition early. Keep reading for a few more signs that you need to go to an audiologist.

5 steps to take when you’re experiencing hearing problems

When Is It Time to Call an Audiologist Doctor?

Just like you would go to a doctor for your teeth and eyes, you go to a hearing doctor when you start experiencing hearing problems. These doctors are called audiologists.

They can diagnose your level of hearing loss and come up with a treatment plan for you. Here are a few signs that you would benefit from seeing one.

You Have Tinnitus

Tinnitus can best be described as a constant ringing in your ears. It’s not always a ringing. Sometimes it’s scrapping, clapping, or whirling sound.

There are two different types of tinnitus. The first one is exogenous. It can be detected by using special listening equipment.

The second type is endogenous. It can’t be detected by listening equipment because it’s made up in the patient’s head.

No matter which type you have, a hearing loss doctor can help calm your symptoms. Usually, by fitting you with hearing aids.

You Have Built-Up Ear Wax

For the most part, your ears are pretty good at cleaning themselves. There are a few special circumstances where the wax will build up though. A lot of times this happens if you wear a hearing aid or if you sleep with earplugs in.

A professional audiologist has tools that are made for cleaning wax out of a person’s ears.

You Just Need a Checkup

You may have top-notch hearing now but this will change as you get older. That’s why you should periodically head to the hearing doctor to get a checkup.

They can help you deal with the hearing loss that comes with aging and create a treatment plan for you.

You’re Experiencing a Sudden Loss in Hearing

There are a variety of reasons why you might be experiencing sudden hearing loss. These reasons can range from simple to quite serious so whatever you do, you shouldn’t ignore it.

Seeing your audiologist is the first step to take when you’re experiencing hearing loss. Here are 5 more steps that you should take.

1. Check Your Insurance Policy

Your first step after seeing your audiologist is going to be to check your insurance policy. Most companies cover hearing loss to some degree. We will tell you that not a lot of them cover the cost of hearing aids but it never hurts to ask.

2. Figure Out Your Type of Hearing Loss

Now that you know what your insurance will cover, it’s time to determine what kind of hearing loss you’re dealing with. Most of the time it’s a gradual loss that comes along as you age.

Not everyone gets the smooth and slow process though. There may be something wrong with the structure of your ear that can only be corrected with surgery. You may have built-up ear wax that needs to be cleared out.

Your audiologist will run a hearing loss test to figure out what kind of hearing loss you’re dealing with for sure. From there, they can administer treatment. Most of the time, your only option is going to be hearing aids.

3. Choose Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss. It’s not easy to pick out the right kind of hearing aids. There are a ton of different ones on the market.

Each one comes in their own unique shape, size, and capabilities. The good news is that most companies will allow you to try out their hearing aids for around 30 days before you decide to make your purchase.

Don’t toss out a pair if they don’t work well for you during the first two days. It takes your brain a little while to adjust to using them.

Your audiologist can help you get through this adjustment period. They can also assist you in picking out hearing aids. Always ask for their opinion.

4. Talk to Others with Hearing Loss

It takes a while to cope with hearing loss. Talking to others who have been in your shoes before is a huge help. They understand where you’re coming from and will be willing to make your situation easier in any way that they can.

If you don’t know anyone with hearing loss, your doctor can set you up with someone. You can also look for online groups and chapters full of people who are dealing with hearing loss.

5. Keep Going to the Doctor

Whatever you do, keep going to the doctor for your condition. Again, it will take a while to adjust to your condition and your hearing aids. An audiologist can help you with that.

They don’t just set you up with hearing loss treatment and send you on your way. They provide aftercare as well. You’ll need their help and support.

Take Care of Your Hearing

Do you think you may be experiencing hearing loss? You’re not alone. It’s a pretty common sign of aging.

Whatever degree of hearing loss you’re experiencing, an audiologist doctor can help. They’ll run tests to determine the severity of your condition and administer treatment. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment.

Your hearing isn’t the only thing that will go when you start to age. Check out the medical section of our blog daily for more articles like this one.