• Questions for Your Hearing Specialist
• What to Expect at Your Visit
• The Seven Hearing Tests
• Understanding Your Audiogram
• Picking Up Your Hearing Aids

Questions for Your Hearing Specialist

If you have scheduled an appointment with a hearing professional, the following list of questions will help prepare you for your visit.

You can view, save and print the following questions to take with you to your appointment. When you print your list from your “My Saved Files” page, you may also add your own questions.

Questions About Your Hearing Loss

• Do I have hearing loss, and if so, what type?
• Is it medically treatable?
• Should I see a medical specialist for my condition?
• What are the results of my hearing tests? What’s my hearing threshold?
• Are there specific frequencies or types of sound I have more trouble with than others? View how to read an audiogram
• Did I receive a copy of my audiogram and other test results?
• What are my treatment options?
• Can I prevent further hearing loss?
• Is there anything I can do on my own to hear better?

Questions About Hearing Aids

• Will hearing instruments actually improve my ability to hear?
• What are the differences between hearing aid styles?
• Which hearing aid style will be best for me?
• Which digital features are indicated for my lifestyle needs?
• What are the benefits of hearing aid features—such as directional microphones, number of microphones, automatic volume and others?
• Can I operate all of the programs myself? (Do I have the vision and the manual dexterity to operate the hearing aid controls?)
• How many channels do the hearing aids have? How many do I need?
• Do the hearing aids I’m considering offer multiple or directional microphones for hearing in noise?
• How many memories do the hearing aids have? How many listening situations do I encounter?
• Do the hearing aids come with a remote control? Do I need a remote control?
• How do I use hearing aids with telephones and other assistive listening devices?
• Should I use a dehumidifier box for night storage?
• How do I keep earwax out of the sound bore on the hearing aid? More on how to care for your hearing aids

Questions About Hearing Aid Costs, Warranties and Return Policies

• How are hearing instruments priced? How do the costs break down?
• Does my insurance status provide any hearing aid or evaluation benefits?
• Which type/color batteries do my hearing aids need? How often do I have to replace the batteries? How much do batteries cost? Where can I buy them?
• What’s the return or trial period on the hearing instruments I’m purchasing? For more information on what your state requires, search on the following keywords: "Your state name, dispensing law summary."
• Will service fees be refunded if I return the hearing instruments? What is covered in these fees, and how much can I expect to pay?
• Do you provide a written contract or purchase agreement?
• Is there a warranty? Who honors the warranty, the dispenser or the manufacturer?
• Is financing available for buying hearing instruments?
• Can I get insurance in case my hearing aids are lost or damaged?
• What’s the average lifespan of digital hearing aids?
• What happens if my hearing aids stop working?
• If necessary, who will repair my hearing aids? What will it cost?
• How will I get my hearing instruments repaired when I’m traveling?
• Will I be provided with loaner hearing instruments while mine are being repaired?

Questions to Ask About Hearing Rehabilitation

• What is hearing rehabilitation?
• What kind of post-fitting and hearing rehabilitation programs does your clinic professional provide?
• How long will it take me to adjust to my hearing aids?
• Can I come back for minor alterations without additional charges?
• How often should I visit my hearing professional?
• What happens if my hearing changes?