Why You Should See a Hearing Specialist Instead of a General Practitioner

Unlike your eyes, dental and other health screenings that most people have performed annually, hearing isn’t something people book an exam for unless they are experiencing noticeable issues. In many cases, a person’s first call is to their general practitioner, which is only natural.

However, while knowledgeable about the ears and hearing, general practitioners won’t have the in-depth training to thoroughly assess your auditory health and give you a definite diagnosis and confirm hearing loss and the severity, if applicable. For a more detailed evaluation of your hearing, booking an appointment with a hearing specialist can be a great place to start.

Experience and Expertise

A hearing health professional will have had many years of training and studying behind them in all aspects of the ear and hearing, not just a general overview. Your ears are complex organs, and as such, you want to trust a provider who has the necessary training to be able to look at your ear as a whole and how it is working. Hearing health specialists will have undergone practical training and examinations to be certified by the state they operate in to provide hearing and ear care services.

Check Your Hearing Health

As mentioned above, your ears are complex and have many tiny components that must work in sync to allow you to hear. If any one part is damaged or not working as it should, you can expect to experience a range of symptoms, including hearing loss, tinnitus, dizzy spells, pain, and more. Your hearing health professional won’t just look for hearing loss; they will give you a thorough examination to diagnose the root cause of your issues and ensure you are getting the correct treatment going forward.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

Choosing a specialist means you can benefit from the latest diagnostic equipment to check your hearing health and any auditory conditions you might be experiencing. They can use this technology and equipment to conduct a more thorough assessment and give you greater insight into your hearing health. When it comes to learning more about your auditory health or associated conditions, you want to be confident your provider is using only the latest in technology.

Treatment Recommendations

The hearing health professional will have a lot of experience in dispensing hearing aids, and they will be knowledgeable about the style and functions available for patients who need to wear the devices. You can lean on this when making decisions about your hearing health and choosing a hearing aid. They can discuss the pros and cons and how different styles and features can benefit your life. This allows you to make a more informed choice about the hearing aid you wish to wear, which may include one of the following popular styles: behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) or in the canal (ITC).

You might also need to know how different features can benefit you. Some hearing aids come equipped to connect with apps meaning you can control your device from your cellphone, or you might need directional microphones if you are frequently in busy, crowded spaces to help you determine who is talking ad what is being said when facing someone without other distractions or you might need noise limiting capabilities to reduce background noise or even tinnitus reduction technology to help you minimize any tinnitus symptoms you might be having.

Support and Fitting

Your hearing care provider will be there to work with you to ensure you get the proper treatment and care. Be it medical procedures and treatments for ear health, such as removing impacted earwax or treating an inner ear infection, or talking you through how a hearing aid can benefit your lifestyle.

They are there to ensure you have a positive experience every step of the way, from your first point of contact through to the aftercare of your hearing aids and ongoing checkups and follow-up appointments. You can ask them anything you are unsure of, get expert advice on caring for and cleaning your hearing aid, and talk to them about any concerns you might have about your hearing.

You shouldn’t take your hearing for granted. At the first sign of a hearing problem, pain, or discomfort, you should contact your hearing health professional to check your ears and ensure you are attending regular hearing screenings to stay on top of your hearing health. Our friendly and experienced team at Park Place Hearing Center is on hand to help you discuss your concerns and get the treatment you need. Call us today at (707) 283-7853 to learn more about our services.