As human beings, our sense of hearing plays a vital role in our daily lives. It connects us to the world around us and allows us to communicate with those we love. So, when it comes to choosing a hearing care provider, you want someone who will give your ears the attention they deserve! Choosing a professional who follows best practices is crucial for maintaining optimal hearing health and preventing further damage. In this blog post, we’ll explore why selecting the right hearing care provider can make all the difference in your quality of life.
The Importance of Real Ear Measurement
It is estimated that only 10-20% of people who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them. One of the main reasons for this low uptake is that many people are simply not aware that they have a hearing loss. Even when people are aware of their hearing loss, they may not be motivated to seek help because they either don’t think it’s a big enough problem or they don’t want to wear hearing aids.
One of the most important things you can do when choosing a hearing care provider is to make sure they follow best practices, which includes performing real ear measurement (REM). REM is a diagnostic tool used to measure how well a hearing aid is amplifying sound at the ear level. It allows the provider to fine-tune the hearing aid so that it provides the best possible amplification for the individual.
While most Hearing Care Professionals (HCPs) perform REM, there are still some that do not. If your HCP does not perform REM, it’s important to ask them why. There are a few different reasons why an HCP might not perform REM:
1) They are not trained in how to use the equipment. This is unfortunately more common than you might think. While most HCPs receive some training in how to use REM equipment during their education, many do not receive sufficient training to feel confident using it.
2) The equipment is too expensive and/or difficult to use.
Staying Up to Date with Technology
Your hearing care provider should always be using the latest technology. This means they should have digital hearing aids and be able to offer other digital services like online appointments and virtual consultations.
Also, they should be keeping up with the latest research. A good hearing care provider will stay up-to-date on the latest studies and make sure their practices are based on the most current evidence.
Finally, they should be constantly improving their services. A good provider will always be looking for ways to improve their offerings so that their patients can get the best possible care.
Customizing Treatment for Your Unique Needs
If you are one of the millions of people in the United States who suffer from hearing loss, you know how important it is to find a hearing care provider who follows best practices. With so many providers to choose from, how can you be sure you are getting the best possible care?
Here are four things to look for when choosing a hearing care provider:
1. A comprehensive evaluation.
A good hearing care provider will give you a comprehensive evaluation that includes a medical history, physical examination, and audiological testing. This evaluation will help the provider determine the type and severity of your hearing loss and what kind of treatment would be most effective for you.
2. Individualized treatment plan.
Once the evaluation is complete, the hearing care provider should develop an individualized treatment plan just for you. This plan should take into account your unique needs and goals for treatment.
3. The latest technology.
Hearing aids have come a long way in recent years, thanks to advances in technology. A good hearing care provider will offer the latest and greatest hearing aids with features like Bluetooth connectivity, directional microphones, and noise reduction capabilities.
4. A commitment to continuing education.
Choosing a hearing care provider who follows best practices is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for your hearing health. A qualified and experienced hearing aid specialist can provide you with personalized advice and help you find the right solution to meet your individual needs. By selecting a provider who adheres to best practices, you can be confident that you will receive quality services from someone equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to identify any underlying issues related to your hearing loss so that they can be addressed appropriately.