The patient completes some questionnaires before the appointment to establish a communication baseline and help guide us find the right solution(s). These questions assess the patient’s motivation to improve hearing, the social and emotional impact of the hearing loss, lifestyle, interests, and communication goals. Patients should arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out the forms.

We will then assess the patient’s ability to understand speech in a background of noise. After testing, we will spend the rest of the appointment reviewing the questionnaires and discussing options. We can provide demonstrations with hearing aids, personal sound amplifiers, and assistive technology. There are many devices available and we will recommend the most appropriate technology to meet the patient’s needs. The hearing aid or assistive device is only one tool to improve hearing. We will review the importance of improved communication strategies, aural rehabilitation, and realistic expectations with hearing aid use.

A hearing aid or assistive device fitting will be scheduled as soon as possible following the communication needs assessment. We are here to help answer questions any time.