Visiting a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) is an important step in your journey. While there are many different reasons for experiencing hearing loss, for example, age, exposure to loud noises or a health condition, a HIS is an expert in their field and will be able to tailor a solution to best suit your needs.
What Is a HIS?
A HIS is someone who you visit if you are experiencing any level of hearing loss, or are concerned you are experiencing early warning signs, such as difficulty in following conversations. A HIS has had substantial training in their field and will conduct an assessment and hearing test, to determine the next best steps for your hearing solution, for example, a hearing instrument recommendation and which device would best suit your needs and personal circumstances.
If you are feeling hesitant, then here are four reasons to visit a HIS.
You Are Experiencing Hearing Loss
Anyone, at any age, may experience hearing loss and require a visit to a local HIS. Hearing loss can be experienced by any individual, and can be caused by several reasons, for example:
- Age
- Exposure to loud noise
- A side effect of medication
- Health condition
Some of the common sign’s individuals tend to experience that you should look out for are:
- Turning the TV or radio up louder than usual
- Missing out on important information
- Misinterpreting what people are saying to you
- Difficulty following conversations
You Need to Get a Hearing Aid Fitted
Hearing aids, while comfortable and easy to use, do take a little time to get used to at first. Your HIS will schedule an appointment to fit your hearing aid, to ensure that it fits correctly and comfortably and you do not have any issues.
There are different types of hearing aids available the most used are:
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
- In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids
Your HIS will also be able to advise on how to use your hearing device, best practices for care and some important and helpful information for first-time users. The initial consultation and fitting is an important process, as it may sound or feel strange at first, as your brain has to get used to how information is being sent to your brain.
You Need Advice About Your Hearing Aid
You don’t just need to speak to a HIS when you get your hearing device. As they are specialized in their field, they will be able to support you at any point in your journey, especially if you have any queries after the initial fitting. They are there for you if you need any additional information, need support in talking to loved ones, find it difficult to use the device or would like more information on how to take care of it properly. A HIS will also be able to help you find support groups with people to talk to if you feel that is something you would benefit from, as well as provide helpful information on how to prevent any further hearing deterioration.
You Need Your Hearing Aids Adjusted
Hearing loss can vary from person to person, and it may also change over time. This could be for several reasons, for example:
- Continued or increased exposure to loud noises
- Deterioration with age
- Ear infections
- Damage to ear
This means that at some point after you have had your hearing aids fitted, you may need to return to get your hearing aids adjusted accordingly. You may also need to visit if your hearing device has been damaged or stopped working. HIS are specifically equipped and trained to deal with a variety of issues with a hearing aid, so the problem can be fixed or adjusted efficiently and you can get back to your life. In the unfortunate event that it cannot be fixed, then you will more than likely be issued with a replacement.
The main goal of seeing a HIS is to help you with your hearing loss experience; whether it is something you are experiencing for the first time or have experienced hearing loss for quite some time. An HIS will be able to get you up and running, and back to engaging in your life again as normal.
To learn more about The Hearing Aid Place, contact us today at 510-768-7091.
