What to expect on your first Hearing Consultation with Audiology Associates

If you have never visited a hearing professional before you probably don't know what quite to expect.  It's not like going to the Doctors or Dentist as we have all engaged in that from a very young age.  Thankfully its usually a pleasant and liberating experience!

Our staff do a wonderful job of explaining the journey from testing to Hearing Aid purchase to our clients at the time of booking.  But if you considering a hearing test & the purchase of a private hearing aid and don't know what to expect, read on....

So, what does go on when you visit an Audiologist? 

It's completely normal to feel unsure of what to expect during your first audiology appointment.
Most people visit an Audiologist because they know in their heart, that they are not hearing as well as they once did.  They have taken the brave step of taking the advice from a specialist within their field.

Audiology Associates are slightly different from some other companies in that we only use fully qualified and accredited Audiologists.  Other companies use hearing aid dispensers.  What's the difference I hear you ask?  The primary difference is their level of training and scope of practice. 
Audiologists usually hold a masters degree or doctorate in the field of audiology, and as such have an extensive amount of training in just about everything relating to the ear.  By contrast, hearing aid dispensers have primarily on-the-job training in a less formal manner, they assess hearing and provide aftercare for hearing aids.  

What do Audiologists Do?

Audiologists are highly trained professionals who specialise in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing issues related to hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders. 
Audiologists use a complete range and variety of tests and procedures to fully evaluate the hearing ability and /or any balance issues of each individual. Our audiologists also fit and dispense hearing aids or other hearing devices.

Your First Appointment

At your first audiology appointment, our Audiologist will want to chat about your hearing  history.  This will include any relevant medical history, any recent complaints and symptoms you've experienced.

We welcome and encourage you to bring along a close friend or family member to the appointment, as some tests can involve hearing a familiar voice and testing your hearing with that medium.  I can also be beneficial to have someone else present to help you communicate with the audiologist and to help remember and write down information.

Audiology Associates will do three main types of tests:

This is where the fun begins and where you will gain categoric results relating to your hearing ability.

• Otoscopy - Our audiologist will look in your ear canal with an 'otoscope' and magnifying pen light. He will be checking for ear wax, blockages, or any problems with your ear canal or ear drum.
• Tympanometry - This will test your middle ear function. Our audiologist will be looking to see how well your ear drum responds to light pressure. The test can detect anything that would inhibit motion of the eardrum like fluid, infection etc.
• Audiometry - This test really consists of two types of tests: air conduction and bone conduction testing.  You will be asked to respond by pushing a button every time you hear a sound.  Air conduction determines the softest sound you can hear through earphones at several different pitches.  Bone conduction determines the softest sound you can hear by stimulating the inner ear directly (through a bone vibrator that is placed behind the ear).
  None of these tests should be uncomfortable and they shouldn't be painful at all, so don't worry. Afterwards our Audiologist will spend time explaining the results to you and what further services or referrals he recommends.
  Depending on your results, we may make referrals to other specialists or begin the journey of fitting you with an appropriate hearing aid for your needs.

Tempted?
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Our adult hearing tests are FREE, we run regular clinics in Cardiff, Ystrad Mynach, Abergavenny, Newport  & Ebbw Vale.  If you are unable to get to clinic we also offer home visits * for your convenience.

We offer a wide range of hearing aids which suit every need, from the tech savvy amongst us to those that just want to hear conversation more clearly in their home environment, we have a hearing aid to suit you.  

Before embarking on this journey...

Our advice would always be to do your research, learn about hearing aid options. 
Hearing aid technology is constantly advancing. You don’t have to rush in to a purchase, it's a big decision.  Audiology Associate offer a risk-free trial. (30 days)  There's no time like the present to give hearing aids a try. You can test out your new hearing aid in your environment without any distractions.  You will be able to find out for yourself how much better you can hear the TV, listening on the phone will be a breeze, voices that once seemed hard to hear, will be audible and clear.

If you would like to join us in rediscovering the freedom of hearing, please call us today and arrange your FREE hearing test. 

For those clients that have engaged in the journey to better hearing health with Audiology Associates we would love your feedback.  Did we do enough, could we do more?  We are always looking at ways to improve our service and you know we love to know how you are doing.  Drop us a line, give us a call. we would love to hear from you.
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* Domiciliary Hearing Tests do carry a charge, for a quotation call the office today 

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