We’ve worked with patients in the greater San Diego area for over 20 years and we know that your first appointment with an audiologist can be intimidating. Our staff aims to make your time with us comfortable, informative, and relaxed, and we pride ourselves on the relationships we cultivate with each of our patients.
The process of a hearing evaluation and consultation might bring up a lot of questions for you, but rest assured we will walk you through each and every step. Through a combination of state-of-the-art hearing tests and a detailed conversation to address your concerns, we’re experts at identifying the best solutions for your unique needs. Understanding your priorities and expectations for improved hearing is our highest priority.
Before Your First Appointment
Each patient brings with them unique hearing loss and an equally unique medical history. Before you see one of our professionals, we’ll ask you to complete a new patient form so we can identify any injuries, trauma, or exposure to loud noises that might be currently affecting you. We will also need to know about any medications you’re taking.
At Sonus we realize that hearing impairment can affect an entire family, and we encourage you to bring a loved one with you to your appointment. We’re happy to answer any questions that you or your family might have, and often times your friends and family can help you to better select a plan of treatment that makes the most sense for your life.
During the Hearing Evaluation
We’ll begin your visit with a review of your medical history and will take the time to understand your concerns regarding your hearing impairment. A comprehensive hearing evaluation at Sonus takes between 30 and 60 minutes, and will begin by examining your ears to check for any physical obstructions or abnormalities. This is a brief and painless look into your ear canal to make sure everything is clear and healthy. Checking your ears is an important step since something as simple as cerumen (earwax) build-up could block sounds from entering the ear, causing temporary hearing loss.
Hearing Testing
The team at Sonus offers a comprehensive hearing test, designed to evaluate both the volume and frequency limits of sound that you’re able to hear. Using a pair of specialized headphones, you will hear various tones and be asked to indicate when you can hear them. These tests reveal the extent, type, and details of your unique hearing loss, if any is present at all. Since there are different types and degrees of hearing loss, each needs to be treated in a specific way.
The hearing evaluation may include any of the following tests:
- Air conduction testing
- Bone conduction testing
- Speech testing
- Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) testing
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing
- Tympanometry or acoustic immittance testing
Reviewing Your Results
Once we’ve completed your hearing test, we’ll review our findings together using our “Communication Assessment”. This document summarizes your current ability to hear and will outline suggested treatment options. Hearing impairment can take many forms and the ways to treat it can be quite varied. Our audiologists will demonstrate the latest in hearing aid technology and make recommendations as to what might work best for you. Our goal is to give you information about all of your options, and we respect your priorities when it comes to which hearing aid might best suit your budget and lifestyle.
After Your Visit
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to fully adjust to your new hearing aids, depending on how often you wear them at first. During this acclimation phase, we recommend taking a gradual approach and wearing your hearing aids for increasing periods of time each day.
At Sonus Hearing Care Professionals we have an open-door policy with all of our patients and encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns at any point after you begin wearing your hearing aids. We’ll also schedule follow-up fitting appointments with you during the first few months to make small adjustments and ensure your instruments are performing their absolute best. Click here to learn more about our fitting process.