What should I expect when I visit a hearing care professional?

If you notice the first signs of hearing loss, you should start by having the causes checked out. If you suspect that you may be affected by hearing loss, do not hesitate to contact a hearing care professional. This is the first step towards improved quality of life.

A hearing care professional or audiologist will determine whether you have hearing loss by offering a free hearing test. This includes an analysis of your personal situation and tailored advice on an appropriate hearing aid. The professional will accompany you throughout the whole process as your own personal expert: From the first discussion in the hearing clinic, to the fine tuning and regular maintenance of your hearing aid.

If you have had an on-site hearing test with a hearing care professional and hearing loss has been identified, you may also wish to consult with your general physician or ENT doctor. Your doctor can further investigate the causes of the hearing loss and may be able to  recommend suitable treatments depending on the type of hearing loss. With your permission, your Connect Hearing professional can coordinate with your docotor or ENT.

You should see a physician immediately if you are in pain.

Your visit to the audiologist will start with an individual lifestyle consultation, including a hearing test. The aim of this discussion is to gain an understanding of your personal hearing situation and your requirements. This includes both daily needs and leisure activities (e.g. meeting friends, watching television, theater, sport, etc.). You will be given comprehensive information and an individual hearing solution will be identified.

The hearing test does not take long and provides you with information on your hearing performance. You will be asked to sit in a specially equipped room, and sounds will be played to you through headphones. The audiologist will create a hearing curve based on your responses. This visual representation of your hearing ability is known as an audiogram. The results of the hearing test form the basis of subsequent personalized advice and procedures.

The measurements are then evaluated and an ear impression may be created for a special earpiece. Earpieces (earmolds) are individually manufactured to ensure optimum position and sound in the ear. They are combined with the hearing aid at a later stage.
 
Finally, the appropriate hearing aid is selected and adjusted. Our experienced hearing care professionals carefully match your hearing aid to your specific requirements using modern computer software.

Hearing care professionals and audiologists are required to complete a recognized professional training program. This training provides the knowledge and abilities that they require. A high level of empathy, friendliness, and good communication skills are also essential, as the audiologist’s everyday work involves direct contact with clients. Manual dexterity and an interest in technology and medicine are also key. Technical expertise must be complemented by commercial and social skills.
 

During their practical training, aspiring professionals learn how to provide their clients with the correct advice, how to support them in selecting the appropriate hearing aid, and how to adjust and maintain the devices. Once their training is complete, they work either at hearing aid companies, or for larger industrial hearing aid manufacturers.  

If you are interested in a career in hearing care, visit our Careers page to learn more.