Hearing loss affects many people worldwide, with more than 37 million adults in the United States alone. It occurs in all ages, from children to seniors, in varying degrees. People who suffer from the condition can benefit from hearing aid, and it’s important to seek the help of a specialist.
Seeing a hearing aid doctor can be beneficial for many reasons. Let us explore some of the top benefits here and where you can find the best hearing aid doctor in Georgetown, TX.
1. Accurate Diagnosis
A hearing aid doctor can provide a comprehensive diagnosis of your hearing loss. The three types of hearing loss are:
- Conductive – caused by a malformation or obstruction of the outer ear, middle ear, eardrum, or
- ossicles
- Sensorineural – due to damage to the inner ear, nerve pathways, or brain
- Mixed – a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
Your hearing aid doctor can perform audiological tests to identify any underlying medical issues causing the problem.
Your diagnosis may include:
Behavioral Audiometry Evaluation
This test will evaluate your ability to respond to sounds and can help the doctor determine the type of hearing loss you have.
Tympanometry Test
This is a test that measures ear pressure to assess middle-ear function.
Acoustic Reflex Testing
This is used to measure the reflexive contraction of muscles in the middle ear when a loud sound is presented.
Auditory Brainstem Response Test
This test examines how the auditory nerve works in response to sound.
A Physical Exam
Your doctor may also conduct a physical examination of your ears to look for any possible signs or issues that could be causing the hearing loss.
2. Personalized Treatment Options
A hearing aid doctor can offer treatment options based on their diagnosis. They can provide advice on the best type of hearing aid for you.
They can also recommend lifestyle changes that can help improve your hearing. These include:
- Reducing your exposure to loud noises
- Quitting smoking
- Managing any underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure)
3. Professional Care and Support
A specialist can provide the support and care you need to manage your hearing loss. They can offer advice on how to use and care for your hearing aid properly.
Your doctor can also answer any questions you may have about the device.
In addition, they can provide tips on communicating effectively with others and adjusting to any lifestyle changes.
These tips include:
- Using visual cues when communicating
- Speaking slower and more clearly
- Turning off background noise when conversing with someone
- Finding compatible hearing aid styles that fit your needs
4. Ongoing Care
Lastly, a hearing aid doctor can provide ongoing care. They can evaluate your progress with the device and make any necessary adjustments.
They will also monitor you for any side effects or potential issues from using the hearing aids. This ensures that you get the best possible outcome from treatment.
The Different Types of Hearing Aid
Hearing aid come in different styles and sizes. Here are some of the most common types:
- In-the-ear (ITE) – small devices that fit directly into your ear canal
- In-the-canal (ITC) – fits partly in your ear canal and are less visible than ITEs
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) – fits behind your ear and connect to an earmold that fits into your ear canal
- Receiver-in-the-canal (CIC) – fits entirely in the ear canal and are almost invisible
Your hearing aid doctor can help you find the device that suits your needs. They will help you decide based on:
- Your hearing loss type and degree
- The size of your ear canal
- Your lifestyle needs
When to Visit Your Hearing Aid Doctor
It’s important to visit a specialist if your hearing has changed. This could be due to age, illness, exposure to loud noises, or any other reason.
Your hearing aid doctor can provide the necessary care and advice needed to help manage your hearing loss. They can help you find a suitable hearing aid as well.
You should also visit them if:
- Your hearing aid need to be adjusted
- You’re experiencing any side effects or issues with your device
- You’d like to discuss other treatment options
The Best Hearing Aid Doctor in Georgetown, TX
Looking for the best hearing aid doctor near you in Texas? Look no further than the trained and experienced healthcare providers at Georgetown ENT.We have a board-certified ENT surgeon and a licensed audiologist who can provide for your hearing needs at our Georgetown Better Hearing Center. We provide comprehensive care, which includes guidance on how to wear and adjust hearing aid and devices.
We are the only hearing aid retailer run by both an otolaryngologist and an audiologist. Find out what our ear and hearing specialists, Dr. William Franklin and audiologist AbedaMueed, can recommend to you. To schedule a consultation, call our ENT clinic today at (512) 869-0604 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
