Steps to Better Hearing:

Step 1: Audiologic evaluation (hearing test):
The first step is to have your hearing evaluated. An audiologist, a professional who specializes in evaluating and treating hearing loss, will use sophisticated tests to determine the type and degree of your hearing loss and your ability to communicate. Only audiologists are licensed and certified to perform this service.

Step 2 Medical clearance:
Obtaining medical clearance from your physician is in your best interest. The physician determines that your hearing cannot be improved by medical or surgical treatment. Before you can be fitted for hearing aids, you must obtain a written statement from your physician. (In some institutions, a medical waiver is accepted for individuals over the age of 18 years.)

Step 3 Hearing Assessment:
This assessment is based not only on your hearing test, but on a self needs summary which you fill out at home or in our office before your appointment for a hearing evaluation or after being referred following as Communication Assessment. The reason for a self needs summary, is the perception of sound by an individual is unique like a finger print, and as a result proper help can only be achieved only by profiling you the patient as an individual, not as a hearing loss. Too often the self-needs of a hearing impaired patient are overlooked, and that can lead to disaster.

It is the responsibility of AUDIOLOGY SERVICE ASSOCIATES to treat each patient as an individual, and to work with that individual towards better communication goals. We do not take this responsibility lightly.

Based on the finding of this Communication Assessment you and your audiologist will decide what plan of action will best assist your personal needs.

Possible Results:

No further action at this time.

Selection of hearing aid style and technology that will best service you. (This will mean take impressions of your ears so that the hearing aids can be custom fit)

The assessment may find that you are not a candidate for hearing aids, but that you would benefit from assistive listening devices, Such as a phone amplifier, television and theater system, etc.

If it is determined through your communication assessment that a hearing aid or Assistive listening device is necessary, then you and your audiologist will work together in a long term relationship to establish the best possible hearing benefits with whatever hearing profile that you have displayed. This relationship may take a few appointments with checkups scheduled on a regular basis, or it may be more involved. This will depend on your individual hearing goals and particular needs.

Just remember that this journey to better hearing will be taken with your audiologist. Therefore you can be sure that you are not alone. This journey may have some minor bumps along the way, but The Joy Of Better Hearing will make the trip all worthwhile.