Are you considering a hearing aid but are not sure how to begin?

The audiology department at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin can help.  Follow these simple steps:

1.    Get a referral from your primary physician for an audiogram (hearing test).

2.    Make an appointment for an audiogram to determine if you have a hearing loss that would benefit from amplification.  If you are a hearing aid candidate, an appointment for a Hearing Aid Evaluation should be scheduled.

3.    A Hearing Aid Evaluation is an appointment where you will meet with an audiologist and are given the opportunity to discuss the listening situations in which you are having the most difficulty.  You are also asked about the effects your hearing loss has had on your lifestyle and your relationships with family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances.  You will be able to discuss your cosmetic preferences, interests and activities that might affect your choice of hearing aid styles and features.  

The audiologist will review the results of your hearing test and provide you with basic information about hearing aids today:
    What is a hearing aid?
    How do hearing aids work?
    What cosmetic choices are available?
    Information about features and benefits of hearing aid technology
    Discuss the pros and cons of different styles and features
    Discuss costs of hearing aids
    
Then the audiologist will make a specific professional recommendation for the amplification system that is just right for you.  They will consider your hearing loss, listening needs, and personal preferences concerning style/aesthetics, cost and features when making this determination.  You are under no obligation to purchase a hearing aid unless you are ready to do so.

4.    If hearing aids are recommended and ordered, the audiologist may take an impression of your ears so that the hearing aids or earpieces can be made to fit your ear comfortably and securely.  You will then be scheduled for a Hearing Aid Fitting appointment.    

5.    At the Hearing Aid Fitting appointment, you will learn how to take care of and maintain your new hearing aids as well as how to put in the battery and how to put the hearing aids on and how to take them off.  You will also learn how to use any controls on the hearing aid or learn how to use any other assistive devices that are dispensed with your hearing aids. This appointment is the start of your 30 day trial period.  If you are not satisfied with your new hearing aids, you do have the opportunity to return the aids during this trial period.

     Payment for the hearing aid is due at the Hearing Aid Fitting appointment.  

6.    Hearing Aid Follow Up appointments with your audiologist are scheduled in the weeks following your hearing aid fitting.  These appointments allow us to meet with you and discuss your experiences with the aid(s) and give us the opportunity to make adjustments to the hearing aid settings if needed and to counsel you on any concerns you may be having with the aid and your communication needs.  Verification measures will also be performed to ensure that you are getting the best benefits from your new hearing aids.  There are no additional costs for these appointments while in your trial period or while the hearing aid(s) is in warranty.

7.    Hearing Aid Annual Evaluation- Patients are scheduled to come back annually for a hearing aid check up and also for a hearing screening.  This helps keep the hearing aids in good working order and ensures that your hearing aid(s) will be adjusted to accommodate changes in your hearing loss.