Madison: (256) 319-4327
Huntsville: (256) 489-0903

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What to Expect at Your Next Annual Appointment

by | 03/01/2023 | Frequently Asked Questions, Hearing Loss, Hearing Test, Patient Resources

annual hearing aid check

What happens at an Annual Hearing Aid Check?

While almost all our patients come twice yearly for routine appointments to maintain optimal performance of their hearing aids, the bare minimum is one annual appointment.

This annual appointment is absolutely necessary to ensure that your hearing aids are functioning correctly, are programmed properly, and to monitor your hearing loss.

• When you first come in, you’ll be asked to fill out a questionnaire going over medical history updates and if there are any concerns with the fit and performance of your hearing aids.
• While you’re filling out your questionnaire, your hearing aids will be thoroughly cleaned and put through our Redux system.

redux

• You’ll then meet with one of our Doctors of Audiology for a hearing evaluation to measure any changes in your hearing and update your hearing aid programming prescription.
• An electroacoustic analysis of your hearing aids will be completed to verify they are working like they did when they were brand new. If they are malfunctioning and an in-office repair doesn’t resolve the issue, we will send the aids to the manufacturer for repair and program loaner hearing aids as needed.
• Once we know your hearing aids are working like new, real ear measurements will be completed to verify that your hearing aids are set to the correct targets for soft, medium, and loud sounds based on your demographics and updated hearing thresholds.
• Lastly, your hearing aids will be put in our hearing instrument test box to measure the output of the devices at your settings for future reference.

what to expect at your next annual appointment

What if I think I’m not hearing as well as I used to with my hearing aids?

After everything else is completed, if your hearing has changed significantly or you feel that you’re not hearing as well as you were, we may also test your hearing ability in noise while wearing your hearing aids.

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If your scores are significantly lower than they used to be or your effort is much higher, we may suggest an assistive listening device, such as a remote microphone or updated hearing technology.

We will then retest your hearing ability in noise with the recommended assistive device to verify improvement before you invest in the technology.

After your appointment, you’ll leave feeling confident that your hearing aids are functioning optimally for your specific individual needs.

Schedule Your Annual Hearing Aid Check Today

If you would like to schedule an annual hearing aid check at Alabama Hearing, please call us at 256-319-4327 or submit a contact request, and we will reach you at our earliest availability.

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Dr. Susan Sheehy

Dr. Sheehy earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in audiology at the University of Alabama before beginning her career as a clinical audiologist in Huntsville. In 2005, she received her doctorate in audiology from Salus University. Dr. Sheehy is one of a specialized subset of audiologists certified in tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). By appointment from the governor, she has served as a member and chairperson of the Alabama Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

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    Madison

    (256) 319-4327

    Huntsville

    (256) 489-0903

    Real World Adjustments

    Your hearing loss didn't occur overnight, so it will take some time to adjust to the hearing aids. Your patience and persistence will be well worth it.

    Click here to learn more

    AHA Continued Care & Coverage Plan

    $395 Per Year

    Hearing Aids are not a quick fix, and better hearing is truly a journey.

    Our "Continued Care & Coverage Plan" allows you to have the continued support of a hearing expert throughout the year.

    Includes:

    • Dedicated team of hearing care experts at your service
    • Comprehensive Annual Visit including hearing assessment, hearing device adjustment, and 19-Point preventative maintenance evaluation
    • 100% moisture removal by Redux and cleaning
    • Two tele-audiology appointments
    • Bi-annual hearing aid software update and reprogramming
    • Hearing aid supplies (stock receivers, batteries, domes, and filters)
    • Access to our "speed of light" repair specialists within 2 business days
    • $100 discount on any out-of-warranty factory repairs
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    Assessing Outcomes

    To ensure the most success with your hearing devices, we measure the benefits of amplification at the end of your adjustment period—some of the surveys and tests included in the “Connect 365” Functional Hearing Assessment will be repeated to evaluate progress, quality of life, and patient satisfaction with the hearing aids. 

    Wireless Connections

    Most hearing aids automatically come with wireless streaming from smartphones and it has been a lifesaver for those that are working remotely and spending hours on teleconferences. As for other wireless accessories, the two most popular solutions are a small microphone used in less-than-ideal listening environments and a TV streamer that streams the TV’s sound directly into your ears—which can be a lifesaver when watching British TV shows or during football season. If your audiologist believes they would be beneficial for you, they will discuss your options and demonstrate the device in the office.

    Orientation, Counseling, and Follow-up

    Dr. Cliff (the creator of the Best Practice Pro Network) said it best:

    “Having a detailed orientation can dramatically improve how much success you have with hearing treatment.  Counseling & Follow-up care can also ensure that you have success for years to come.  Regular visits to a hearing care provider who spends the time to discuss treatment related information and who will maintain your devices is extremely important.”

    During the orientation, your provider will give you the tools you need to be a successful hearing aid user. Everyone has different learning styles and we want to make sure whatever works best for you is what’s used. After the 75 day adjustment period, routine checkups are necessary to maintain the hearing aids and to ensure optimal hearing healthcare. 

    What Is Real-Ear Measurement?

    Real-ear measurement (REM) is how an audiologist knows that hearing aids are working the way they should in each patient’s ears.

    Ears are as unique as a fingerprint. Because of this, every ear will collect sounds differently.

    Even if I had two patients with the exact same hearing loss and hearing aids, there’s almost no chance the hearing aids would be programmed the same way.

    Read More
    How do I know my new hearing aids are working properly?

    Without verifying that the hearing aid is working correctly from the start, all of the other steps in the hearing aid fitting process are useless. The most sensitive quality control measure is something called Electroacoustic Analysis. We complete EAA on every new set of hearing aids, before delivery of repaired devices, and on an annual basis.

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    Prescription Hearing Technology with a Methodical Plan

    Our community understands better than most what can be achieved when you combine technology with human intelligence and persistence. It is much the same with hearing technology.

    The latest prescription hearing aid technology is incredibly powerful, offering stellar sound quality and performance. Wireless connections allow phone calls, music and television to stream directly to your hearing aids for exceptional clarity.

    But hearing aids do not fit and program themselves! For best outcomes, you also need the human touch and expertise provided by our Doctors of Audiology.

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    A Comprehensive12-Step Functional Hearing Assessment

    If you struggle to understand conversations in social situations, restaurants, or other noisy environments, you do not need to schedule a basic hearing test. You certainly don’t need to schedule a “free” hearing screening or online hearing test.

    You need to schedule a “Connect 365” Functional Hearing Assessment at Alabama Hearing Associates!

    Read More
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    ALL INCLUSIVE PLAN

    $7,280

    Comprehensive 5-Year treatment plan with premium prescription hearing aid technology

    If you want premium “out of this world” technology and the highest level of service and expert support, our All-Inclusive treatment plan is the right investment for you.

    The All-Inclusive treatment plan offers long-term value for your on-the-go lifestyle, providing everything you need to connect with family and friends for years to come.

    Includes:

    • Stellar  prescription hearing devices from top manufacturer (rechargeable option available)

    • Wireless accessory included at no charge

    • Comprehensive Annual Visit including hearing assessment, hearing device adjustment, and 19-Point preventative maintenance valutaion

    • Bi-annual hearing aid software update and reprogramming

    • Same day diagnosis and in-office repair during weekdays for devices dropped off before 3:00 p.m.

    • 5-Year full-service repair warranty

    • Unlimited remote hearing aid adjustments

    • 100% moisture removal by Redux and cleaning

    • Hearing aid supplies (stock receivers, batteries, domes and filters)

    • $1000 contribution towards purchase of upgraded technology within 48 months

    • 3-Year replacement warranty for loss or damage (no deductible)

    • Dedicated team of hearing care experts at your service

    • Unlimited teleaudiology appointments

    • Access to our “speed of light” repair specialists

    Basic Hearing Test

    A basic hearing test begins with an air conduction test. You will be seated in a soundproof booth and single-use, foam earphones will be inserted into your ear canals. The Audiologist will ask you to push a button or raise your hand when you barely hear a series of beeps (tones) presented at various frequencies (pitches) to obtain your air conduction thresholds.

    To determine whether your hearing loss is a conductive (mechanical) loss, sensorineural (permanent) loss or combination of the two, we perform a bone conduction test.  

    For this test, a head band is place on the bone behind one of the ears to obtain your bone conduction thresholds. This process provides a different form of sound transmission using vibration, which bypasses the eardrum and the middle ear bones and directly stimulates the auditory nerve. When you hear the beeps/tones, you will push a button or raise your hand.

    If bone conduction thresholds are better than air conduction thresholds (through the foam inserts), you have a conductive hearing loss. This suggests a problem with the mechanical structures (moving parts) of the ears.

    Conductive hearing loss is often a medically treatable condition for which we will provide you with a referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician. However, if bone and air conduction thresholds match, it indicates a sensorineural hearing loss (permanent), and the treatment will likely involve hearing aids.