Exploring Telehealth Options for Hearing Aid Wearers

Have you ever used telehealth services? The practice of using technology to interact with patients has been growing in use in recent years. But what exactly is telehealth, and what options does it offer hearing aid wearers?

Telehealth can be described as the delivery of healthcare from a remote location through the use of technology. In other words, patients receive consultations and treatment online or over the phone. During the pandemic, telehealth became the only way that some people could get the medical help they needed. While in-person consultations are back up and running, many people still favor telehealth.

For hearing aid wearers, virtual consultations and treatment may seem impractical. However, utilizing the latest technology makes telehealth a viable option for hearing aid wearers. Here are the different services the telehealth service delivery model can provide for individuals wearing hearing aids.

Consultations with a Hearing Health Professional

Getting to see a hearing health professional in person can be challenging for some individuals. Ill health, reduced mobility or simply a busy schedule can make attending a hearing health professionals office a challenge. Using telehealth services, such as video consultations, enables hearing aid wearers to access the services of a hearing health professional. The video consultation provides the added bonus of being able to lip read throughout the consultation.

Screenings and Diagnostic Testing

Advances in technology mean it’s now possible to provide screenings and diagnostic testing through telehealth services. With the use of a smartphone and specialist programming, hearing health professionals can carry out accurate hearing tests. However, individuals need to be comfortable with smartphone technology to enable their hearing tests to be carried out in this way. It is also essential there isn’t too much background noise during the test. Too much noise could impact the accuracy of the test and provide incorrect results.

Hearing Loss Diagnosis

The ability to carry out screenings and diagnostic testing through telehealth means it’s possible to provide a hearing loss diagnosis. This can be helpful for people who have recently started experiencing hearing loss. But it’s also useful for those wanting their existing hearing loss assessed. Being able to carry out these screening tests remotely is a really convenient way to detect hearing loss or changes to hearing loss quickly.

Hearing Aid Programming

Another advance in technology for hearing aid wearers is remote programming. As every individual who wears hearing aids may know, the correct programming of your hearing aids is essential to get maximum benefit from them.

Now that many hearing aids are compatible with smartphone technology, your hearing health professional can program your hearing aids remotely. This makes it much easier for you to get your hearing aids adjusted whenever you need.

Hearing Aid Maintenance

Your hearing aids only work correctly if they’re well taken care of. So, if you notice an issue or are unsure how to maintain them you need to seek help. Getting guidance on maintaining your hearing aids through telehealth is a convenient way to keep them working and getting the best performance from them for many years.