We take our hearing for granted, and like our sight, once it’s gone, there’s really no way of getting it back. We naturally lose our hearing with age, but there can be scenarios and life events that can subject us to impact and noise-induced hear loss earlier on in life. With that being said, it’s important to get in touch with a hearing care professional if you feel as though your hearing is not quite the same as it used to be. But why choose a hearing instrument specialist above anyone else?

What’s a hearing instrument specialist (HIS)?

A HIS is a healthcare professional who specializes in recommending and fitting hearing aids. They have the training and experience needed in guiding you through the process of finding the right one for you. We’re all different, and some concerns of ours might differ to those of other individuals who are looking at getting a hearing aid. From having the latest technology, to having a budget-friendly option. Our priorities can differ, and so it’s good to have someone who knows every and anything to get the right one for your needs. Hearing instrument specialists will be up to date on all the technology out there when it comes to hearing aids and what devices are readily available for you. They also have the experience of performing and evaluating the hearing tests that you get done. Most states will require a HIS to be board-certified or licensed, so you know you’re getting a pro to look at your ear health.

Benefits of picking a hearing instrument specialist

Picking a hearing instrument specialist does have its benefits and it’s good to know what advantages there are when it comes to choosing an individual like this instead of someone who is an audiologist.

Training and knowledge

With a hearing instrument specialist, you get the advantage of them being trained and educated when it comes to the expertise needed for assessing and fitting hearing aids. They specialize in the hearing aid technology and fitting procedures, something that audiologists don’t do so specifically. They might have some knowledge, but by picking a HIS, they have extensive and up-to-date knowledge that you can rely on. They can explain both the advantages and disadvantages of all the devices available so that the choice you make is more precise to you and your needs.

Performing & evaluating tests

When approaching the subject of getting hearing aids, it can be a little nerve-racking. That’s why you want to have the best individual who can put your mind at ease and guide you through the process as comfortably as possible. Going to a hearing instrument specialist can be good for those who are brand new and might not even know how good or bad their hearing quality might be. Pure-tone testing, which is measuring the balance and level of your hearing loss, is something they’re highly trained to be able to do. After performing the test, they can then discuss with you in detail your results and what is best for your level of hearing loss. It’s good to have it all laid out in front of you, rather than having to make some decisions yourself and not quite knowing what you’re deciding on.

Picking the right device

The right hearing aid device is important because you’ll be spending money on something that’s going to hopefully better your hearing. The last thing you want is to purchase something out of your budget range or one that’s perhaps not good enough for your needs when hearing. A HIS is very professional in knowledge when it comes to the devices, but they’re also solely focused on matching the right hearing aid to the individual. It’s not so much sales driven in wanting to make the most money possible. Your happiness and satisfaction are important to them as they will rely on word of mouth and having prior patients that are satisfied with the experience and results.

Troubleshooting the hearing aids

After you’ve picked your hearing aids, you’ll probably have one or two troubleshooting issues to deal with. This is something that the HIS will be able to assist with both after your get your hearing aids and even further down the line on an ongoing basis. The support could be via the phone, email or in person. It’s not just the adjustments and changes but also the emotional support that they offer too.

Do you need to see a HIS?

If you’ve noticed some degree of hearing loss, then it’s always important to get in touch with a hearing instrument specialist to figure out whether you need a hearing aid. You can find out more by getting in touch with The Hearing Guy at (828) 333-5781.