Can I buy a hearing aid without a test?

No, it is not recommended to buy a hearing aid without a proper hearing test. A test ensures that your hearing aid is correctly tailored to your specific hearing needs, providing the best results.

How often should I have my hearing tested?

It is advisable to have a hearing evaluation test every 2 to 3 years if you don’t have any known issues. For people with existing hearing problems, annual tests are recommended.

How long does a hearing test take?

A standard hearing aid test typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If additional tests like speech or impedance audiometry are needed, it may take slightly longer.

Our 7-Step Hearing Care Process for Better Hearing

At Quality Hearing Care, we understand that your hearing is crucial to a happy life. We provide personalized hearing care and treatment for those who are experiencing hearing difficulties or just needing a yearly hearing checkup. We ensure that you feel comfortable and confident, while also offering ongoing hearing aid support after your hearing aids are fitted, regardless of the phase of development.

We have developed a 7-step Hearing Care Process to ensure you receive the highest quality hearing care. What does this hearing process mean? It’s a comprehensive and simple procedure that makes your life easier and ensures the best possible care.

We start by getting to know you through a detailed hearing aid consultation. We recognize that not all individuals have identical hearing requirements, and this initial meeting is essential in comprehending your specific needs.

Step 1: Detailed Hearing Aid Consultation and Assessment

You can be assured that you will feel comfortable upon entering. We will take time to go over everything related to your hearing difficulties, medical history, and lifestyle.

We will also ask questions such as:

What was your first experience of difficulty in hearing?
What are the different situations where you experienced difficulty in hearing, such as in noisy environments?
Is there a relative who has dropped off hearing?

As part of this, we will take note of any medical conditions, as some conditions, when not immediately addressed, are likely to affect hearing. We will also take note of any prescription medications that are being received. This quick and thorough process helps us determine your hearing needs and put appropriate measures in place.

Step 2: Personalized Hearing Checkup and Goal Setting

The next step is to take a close look in your ears. A simple Otoscopy is performed to visualize the ear canal and the pinna (the outer part of the ear). During this process, we look for earwax impaction and signs of infections or abnormalities that might influence your hearing. We will always address any concerns ASAP before moving on to further testing.

Setting Goals and Expectations: As soon as we have looked in your ears and confirmed they are healthy, we will move to the next critical component: establishing goals and expectations around your lifestyle, career, and personal needs.

Step 3: Comprehensive Hearing Test for Accurate Diagnosis

Once we have determined that your ears are healthy, we begin with a complete, comprehensive hearing test.
This will involve:

Pure-Tone Audiometry: Here, you listen to various tones through headphones to measure the softest sounds that you can hear at different frequencies.
Speech Test: We measure how well you can understand speech at different volumes, which gives us information about your speech understanding.
Speech-in-Noise Test: This measures how well you can understand speech in a noisy environment, similar to talking in a busy room.
Impedance Test: We will only do this if there’s an indication of a potential problem regarding the middle ear from previous observations.

At the end of these measurements, we will determine your treatment management plan for your best possible solution for your hearing problems.

Step 4: Hearing Aid Selection and Hearing Aid Trial

Explain Results: After testing is finished, we’ll explain your test results and discuss your treatment options.

Hearing Aid Options: If a hearing aid will benefit your hearing:

We’ll talk about what style you prefer — including custom hearing aids, premium hearing aids, and various options like ITE, RIC, and BTE.
We’ll educate you on the latest hearing aid technology and features that best fit your lifestyle and hearing needs.

Alternative Options: If we determine your hearing issue can be managed medically or surgically, we will refer you to the appropriate provider for assessment and further treatment.

Step 5: Custom Hearing Aid Fitting with Real Ear Measurement

Choosing a hearing aid is an important part of your hearing health journey, and we are here to walk you through all the choices through our detailed hearing aid selection process.

Based on the style and technology discussed above, we will provide a hearing aid trial in the clinic. This gives you the opportunity to try out the difference in your hearing, comfort, and handling ability before making any purchasing plans.

While you are wearing the hearing aids provided during the hearing aid trial, you will be able to assess their comfort, ease of use, and sound quality in the real world.

Step 6: Precision Hearing Aid Programming and Verification

After choosing your hearing aids, we will proceed with the hearing aid fitting to ensure they are tight, secure, and comfortable. But we don’t stop there.

We’ll utilize Real Ear Measurement (REM) technology to verify that your hearing aids are delivering a sound level that precisely matches your hearing-related situation.

What is REM?

REM is a way for us to fine-tune the hearing aid’s sound gains to exactly match your hearing loss. It allows us to measure the sound output in your ear canal while you are wearing the hearing aid, steadily adjusting the sound with the goal of providing the optimal hearing function.

Why REM is Important:

Personalized Sound Settings: Real ear measurement ensures your hearing aids are providing the exact amplification recommended based on your individual hearing loss.
Enhanced Comfort and Clarity: It optimizes sound quality, improving your ability to discern speech or reduce background noise in a variety of listening environments.
Correct Fit: REM makes certain your hearing aids are properly calibrated, delivering the best performance and comfort level.

After the initial adjustment is made with the REM, we proceed with hearing aid programming to fine-tune settings for maximum effectiveness.

You will also receive orientation covering:

Cleaning: Ensuring you know how to clean your hearing aids properly for optimal performance.
Battery Replacement: How to replace batteries, so you can continue to use them without interruption.
Volume Adjustment: How to adjust volume based on different environments.
Using your Hearing Aid in Various Settings: Tips for maximizing performance in various listening environments.

After this orientation, you will feel confident using, maintaining, and properly caring for your hearing aids for the best daily experience.

Step 7: Continuous Hearing Aid Support and Care

Your journey doesn’t end when you walk out the door with your hearing aids.

We schedule follow-up appointments to check in with you, ensuring your hearing aids are working at their best. If any adjustments are needed, we’ll happily make them.

We also offer ongoing hearing aid support whenever you need advice, adjustments, or repairs. Your hearing aids are an important investment, and we want to ensure you enjoy the best sound quality and performance every single day.

Through our meticulous process including real ear measurement, use of the latest hearing aid technology, and expert hearing aid verification, Quality Hearing Care is committed to offering you a life of clearer, better hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I maintain my hearing aids?

To maintain your hearing aids, simply clean them on a regular basis and utilize your batteries optimally. Make sure to keep your devices dry at all times so that they run smoothly and their functioning remains intact. In case of any problems, get them to our clinics for a quick checkup.

What should I do if my hearing aid stops working?

Firstly, do not panic if your hearing aid suddenly stops working. Calm down and try to understand what may have caused it. Dead batteries, earwax buildup, or technical issues can cause such disturbance easily. At any given time, feel free to contact us for a hearing aid consultation and our audiologists can troubleshoot the issue.

Can hearing aids be reprogrammed if my hearing changes?

Yes, hearing aids can be reprogrammed if your hearing ability changes. With evolved hearing or simple lifestyle changes, you need to update your device as well. To ensure uninterrupted listening, you should get regular hearing evaluations to monitor any changes.

How long does a hearing evaluation take?

At QHC, we usually take around 60 minutes during which our audiologists conduct a comprehensive hearing test based on real ear measurement, check background history and hearing concerns, and provide recommendations.

Do I need an appointment for a hearing consultation?

Yes, it’s better to attend any clinic with an appointment to avoid waiting. This way, we can also make sure that we dedicate the time necessary to evaluate your hearing and provide proper recommendations.

How much does a hearing test cost?

QHC offers competitive pricing which is affordable and reasonable. You can freely discuss any insurance or payment options that may be available to you. Based on the number and types of tests, the entire package may differ.

Are hearing tests covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans do cover hearing tests, though coverage can vary. It’s better to check with your insurance provider to see if your plan includes hearing evaluations. In case of doubts, reach out to our team and they can also guide you to navigate it.

Can I try hearing aids before purchasing them?

Yes. We offer a brief hearing aid trial period where you can test the devices in your daily life. This way, you can conclusively decide if you’re comfortable with the hearing aids and their performance.

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Schedule Your Audiometry Test Today

Book your audiometry test in Mumbai with Quality Hearing Care today. Our expert audiologists are ready to help you achieve better hearing and a more fulfilling life.