There are many steps that are part of a hearing aid evaluation. If you suspect that you might need a hearing aid, you will first need to have a hearing evaluation. At the time of the hearing evaluation, a case history will be taken to determine how your hearing impacts your day-to-day life as well as the lives of your family. Questions will be asked about when and how the hearing loss started, if there is ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and if you experience dizziness. You will also have to provide some basic information about your general health history.

The results from your hearing test will provide Dr Robbins with an outline of what sounds you may be missing or hearing, but the personal answers about your daily life and perception about your hearing provide the basis for a more comprehensive hearing evaluation. You may be referred to a medical doctor specializing in disorders of the ear if there are medical conditions that should be addressed before hearing aids are recommended.

If your hearing test reveals a permanent hearing loss, a hearing aid may be recommended for one or both ears. Dr Robbins will explain what sounds you may be missing and what hearing aids can do to help. It is usually at this appointment that you will get to see and touch different styles of hearing aids. You may be able to try hearing aids in the office, and even wear them home for a trial. Your audiologist will help you choose the best hearing aid style, features and level of sophistication based on your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.

Once you make a decision, we may take impressions of your ears if you selected custom hearing aids or behind-the-ear hearing aids that require earmolds. Hearing aids must usually be ordered from a manufacturer and then programmed to meet your specific hearing needs.