@gulzar

Hello,

This is long and has to do mainly with your relationship with an Audiologist. First, find out how long your Audiologist has been in the profession as experience is an important factor.

@arrowshooter gave you valuable links for your first appointment as it is important that you understand all the practical aspects of finances, cost,
office policy, brands they deal with etc. before you even go into a hearing test (if you have not already done so).

I have 40+ years of experience wearing bilateral aids with a current profound loss and have dealt with Audiologists with their own private practice, those associated with a clinical or medical practice and also several very experienced independent (not a chain) hearing aid providers who were wonderful programmers.

Audiologists in private practice have a financial stake in selling hearing aids and those connected to a medical or clinical practice are salaried. I have had good and bad providers in both settings. Most Audis have a bias to a certain brand because they believe that particular brand works the best but that doesn’t mean they should try to sell you on that brand.....just be aware of that.

This is an expensive undertaking and, once you get all the practical considerations out of the way, it’s time to asses your Audi. Your Audi should be extremely patient and willing to work with you and should absolutely be available for adjustments for the lifetime of the aids. This is included in the price of the aids. I would not work with an Audi where the adjustments and follow ups are limited in any way. You may need one or two or you may need 21or 22 adjustments. You should feel at ease and comfortable and not rushed...at all. If you sense any impatience before the end of the trial period, I wouldn’t purchase them. Thirty days is not enough time for a trial period but that seems to be the norm and you should be back in the office in 2 weeks for a follow up. I have had Audis on the phone with the brand reps for advice while I was in the office...that’s a good Audi. But you can sense if the Audi is uncertain what to do with you.

It’s hard to describe what you are hearing or not hearing. So I would write down, before your first appointment, what exactly you are experiencing ...what things sound like (muffled, shrill etc) ...what situations are you in where you are having the most problems. This also goes for when you try your first brand.
This helps the Audi immensely. The aids are programmed per your audiogram but it doesn’t stop there. While in the office, the Audi should be tweaking them to your benefit so don’t leave until you are satisfied. They will sound different out in the real world as your brain adjusts. Be sure you know all the buttons and controls on the aid (which should have a Tcoil).
Also be aware that the assisted devices on most of these brands are proprietary...you can only use them with that particular brand. There should be a trial period on those too.

Research hearing loss in general, go on blogs or forums like the Mayo and you will start understanding the world of hearing loss which will help you help the Audiologist.

Let us know how it goes and when you have decided to purchase one (or two). We can help you with any questions after that. Remember , two people with identical audiograms will have entirely different needs and adjustments and brands. Only you will know what you need and want. It also helps if you can bring someone close to you with you who can give some input.

FL Mary