- Hearing aid assistance is a service we provide at Arizona Otolaryngology Consultants (AOC).
- Patients who suffer from age-related hearing loss, an ear disorder, or an ear injury may require a hearing aid.
- In this blog, the team at AOC explains what patients can expect from hearing aid assistance at the clinic.
There are many reasons why patients may require hearing aids, some of which include trauma, infection, an underlying condition, or something as simple as age. Whatever the reason, it’s important patients who are scheduled to receive a hearing aid device keep a few things in mind during the process. There are different expectations you may have or questions that are likely to develop as you meet with your AOC physician.
First, patients must understand no matter how technologically advanced a hearing aid may be, most devices are not capable of restoring your hearing completely, especially if you suffer from a relatively severe condition. In mild cases, however, hearing aids can produce a normal level of sound.
Second, there are many different types of hearing aids that help different conditions. If you suffer from a mild condition, you wouldn’t be fit with something like a cochlear implant, which requires extensive surgery and is generally reserved for patients with extreme hearing loss. We will work with to you determine the types of hearing aids that are covered by your insurance plan, so you are getting the most out of your money.
Third, expect to go through one or more trial periods with your hearing aid device. Many times patients leave the office enjoying their hearing aid experience only to discover the device doesn’t fit properly or it requires a sound adjustment. This is normal, and although the physicians and audiologists are expertly trained in this area, hearing aid adjustments or returns can happen from time to time.
Lastly, it’s important patients see an ENT specialist for this service. Although family doctors or primary care physicians are knowledgeable in many areas, they may not be well equipped to handle your condition. Call AOC to schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists. We would be happy to help you find the best device for your condition.
Arizona Otolaryngology Consultants (AOC) is a comprehensive ENT clinic that provides care for all diseases of the ears, nose, throat, and sinuses. The physicians at AOC have the highest level of training and expertise in ENT care and ENT subspecialty care, which includes the management of pediatric airway, cancer, skull base surgery, advanced head and neck surgical and reconstructive procedures, craniofacial surgery and more. Call 602-264-4834 to request an appointment today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.