If your hearing hasn’t been the best lately, it may be time for you to get your hearing checked by a hearing instrument specialist. A HIS is a state-licensed hearing care professional that has been trained to know the common types of hearing loss that adults of all ages face. They can dispense hearing aids as well. While their jobs and licenses slightly vary depending on each state, their end goal is to help you evaluate your hearing.

What can HIS do?

All hearing instrument specialist is required to do the following tasks:

  • Select and Repair hearing aids for patients.
  • Take ear impressions.
  • Give hearing tests to patients as well as interpret the results.

These are only some of the tasks that license hearing instrument specialists can do. There are plenty of reasons why a patient may need to visit their local HIS. These are four signs that you should visit one.

Your Hearing Aid Is Broken

If you’re currently wearing a hearing aid then there’s a high chance that you may have already seen a HIS previously. Hearing instrument specialists can repair hearing aids, administer new ones and discuss with the patient what some options are for hearing aids. You can also visit one just to try out different hearing aids. There are plenty that look modern and discreet, whether your hearing loss is mild to severe. It can be common for hearing aids to wear down and break over time and the HIS can easily repair it for you.

Getting Tested

If you’ve noticed some changes with your hearing over time, you can visit a hearing instrument specialist to have your hearing tested. You’ll be asked about your medical history, lifestyle and hearing habits too. All information that’s given will help the HIS determine what could have possibly happened with your hearing. You will undergo a series of hearing tests and evaluations for each ear to narrow down the range of recommended hearing aids and the cause of the hearing complications.

Getting Fitted

Once the hearing test results are back, your HIS may suggest for you to begin wearing a hearing aid. You’ll start the fitting process which includes figuring out how much assistance will be needed from your hearing aid. This may include tube insertion or even a hearing aid device. You’ll then receive instructions and advice on how to properly care for and operate the hearing aid. Usually, a week or two after receiving the hearing aid, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with the HIS to see how you’re getting adjusted with the hearing aid.

You Need Advice for Using a Hearing Aid

Whenever you’re visiting a hearing instrument specialist, you’ll have your hearing aid get fitted. This often happens after getting your hearing tested, but it doesn’t have to be necessary if you were already previously wearing a hearing aid when first meeting with the specialist. HIS can give thorough explanations of how to properly operate a hearing aid, this is ideal for those who are completely new to hearing aids. Hearing instrument specialists can provide information and help for those who are struggling with their hearing devices.