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Hearing Aid Doctor

Our organization provides access to experienced and educated physicians who have experience with all conditions related to the ears, nose, and throat. One of the most commonly experienced symptoms in this area of medicine is hearing loss. Many patients feel overwhelmed with the thought of determining the cause of their hearing loss, finding the best treatment, and caring for their hearing aids. Let our physicians help you through this process by providing you with accurate diagnosis, treatments that are tailored to you, and ongoing support for your hearing loss.

What is a hearing aid doctor?

Although there are various types of doctors that assist with the ears, the most common type is called an otolaryngologist or ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT). An otolaryngologist can help patients determine whether or not a hearing aid is needed. They also help to fit, adjust, and select the hearing aid that will be most useful.

Other doctors are able to help with getting a patient set up with hearing aids, but seeing an ear, nose, and throat specialist is the best way to ensure total attention to your situation.

Why should I see a hearing aid doctor?

Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of different reasons. An ENT will be able to help determine which cause is resulting in hearing issues. You should schedule an appointment if you experience drainage in the ear, sudden or gradual hearing loss in one or both ears, and excess earwax. These can all be signs of medical issues that require attention.

A hearing aid doctor can help you figure out if the hearing loss is conductive or sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss is often fixed via medical treatment or surgery, and is caused by a problem in the ear canal, eardrum, or the bones connected to the eardrum. It is a mechanical block of sound, such as excess earwax or fluid that is located behind the eardrum.

For sensorineural hearing loss to occur, the problem has to be damage to the inner ear - called the cochlea - or any of the auditory nerves. These are the issues hearing aids are meant to help with. Often, this happens with aging, but it can occur from head trauma or an illness.

Are doctors the best places to buy a hearing aid from?

The doctor you go to should be a licensed ear doctor. However, there are no laws about who is able to sell you a hearing aid. In addition, the FDA suggests that you get a medical exam before you buy. The law in the United States is that anyone looking to buy a hearing aid for any purpose has to have an exam done to rule out a medical problem. However, a waiver can be signed if you do not want to have an exam and rule out a medical purpose. Again, the FDA is strongly suggesting that everyone looking for a hearing aid get tested first. Seeing a hearing aid doctor is the best way to ensure that you are receiving the best possible treatment and equipment for your issues.

Which types of questions should I ask about hearing aids?

If you are told that a hearing aid will be the best aid, there are a few questions you will want to ask. These include, but certainly are not limited to:

  • How long is the warranty, and can it be extended?
  • Will I need a hearing aid for both ears?
  • How do I take care of my hearing aids?
  • Is there a trial period for these hearing aids?

You may want to write down any other questions you think of to ask your hearing aid doctor so that you do not forget them.

If you believe that you are experiencing hearing loss that could be helped by a hearing aid, be sure to make an appointment with our office. We can help you figure out the best type of hearing aid that will help you and teach you everything you need to know about keeping the hearing aids clean and replacing the battery. If there is another cause for your hearing loss that will not be helped by a hearing aid, we will be able to provide you with a thorough diagnosis and a treatment plan that is tailored just for you.

If you have any questions about hearing aids or our staff of physicians, or if you would like to make an appointment with our office, please contact us at your earliest convenience.