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Could someone help me with hearing aids fitting process?

My mom is beginning to lose her hearing and would like to know what it entails in the selection and fitting process fo hearing aids. She asked me because I am a Communication Disorders student which entails minimul Audiology study, however we have not discussedthis in much detail in my classes, so websites or other reasonable sources are much appreciated. Thanks much!!!

Public Comments

1. If she hasn't already done so, she should first go to an ear, nose, and throat doctor to have a proper ear exam and a hearing test. Sometimes something as simple as wax blockage can cause hearing loss. She will want to avoid places like Miracle Ear, Belltone as they are not actual ear specialists. Once it is determined she has hearing loss that can be improved with a hearing aid, she will work with a licensed audiologist to discuss the different models (behind the ear, in the ear, digital etc). They can range anywhere from $500 for basic and $1500+ for digital. They will take an impression of her ear, and then order a hearing aid. Once they receive it, she will go in and they will give her instruction and make any adjustments if needed. I worked for an ENT for 5 yrs. Hope this helps.
2. Well, you can check online for some wonderful prices and also you may want to check out the yellow pages. Just give a specialist a call and ask some questions.
3. My favorite website for consumers is listed below. She does not have to see an ENT first she can go to an audiologist. If the audiologist testing shows she may have a medical problem contributing to her hearing loss she will be referred to an ENT before the hearing aid process would be started. Anyways she will get a hearing test to find out if she even qualifies for a hearing aid. Then the audiologist can recommend what style aid is appropriate for her hearing loss. The audiologist should give her choices of several aids in a price range so she can choose how much money she wants to spend and what aid might be appropriate for her needs. Good hearing aids are a minimum of $1500 each and go up to $3500 each. She will get a trial period of 30 days so she can return the aids if she does not like them within 30 days or exchange and try something else. She should expect to be seen for hearing test, a hearing aid evaluation can be done at same time or is she may want to go back after giving it some thought for a second appointment where they decide on what aid to get make earmolds etc, hearing aid fitting appointment, and likely 2 followup appointment within that first 30 days.
4. I am also a Communication Disorders student in my senior year of school. From the classes I've taken, she should first get a hearing evaluation done at an Ear Nose and Throat doctor or a referral from the physician. From there, they can evaluate the results to see what type of hearing aid is needed or the next step to recovery.