How Can You Tell if You Need a HIS?

If you are experiencing hearing loss and are considering getting yourself a hearing aid to help you regain your hearing levels, you need to make sure you are following the correct steps to ensure you are getting the right care for your needs and speaking to a specialist who can help you to discuss the different hearing devices available to you based on your level of hearing loss. A hearing instrument specialist (HIS) can talk you through the different hearing aids on the market. As they are specialists in this field, they are uniquely placed to discuss the intricacies of choosing the best hearing device for your needs.

What Is a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

A HIS must have a high school diploma and complete a certification program. In some states, this professional must have an Associate’s degree. Hearing instrument specialists devote a significant portion of their training to learning how to perform on-the-job tasks such as basic hearing testing, hearing aid selection and fitting, and hearing aid maintenance and repairs. These experts are well-versed in locating the best piece of technology for your specific requirements. A HIS will be able to educate you thoroughly on your options and ensure you get the features most beneficial for your hearing loss, whether you are considering a behind-the-ear (BTE) model or prefer something discreet like an in-the-canal (ITC) device.

How Can You Tell If You Need to See a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

A hearing instrument specialist will typically work with people experiencing age-related hearing loss. However, they can work with a wide range of people. If you are experiencing any level of hearing loss, you should consult your doctor first to find the cause of your hearing loss. If there isn’t another medical cause for your hearing loss, you can see a HIS who can find the right hearing aid for you. You can see a HIS directly with or without a referral from your doctor. This can be beneficial if you are looking to have a hearing aid fitted to help you overcome any hearing loss. In many cases, a hearing instrument specialist will perform a hearing check to check on the level of hearing loss you are experiencing. Once they have the results from your hearing test, they can assess your suitability for different hearing aid styles on the market. When choosing your hearing aid, your HIS is ideally placed to provide you with in-depth knowledge and expertise, thanks to their training in all devices. Next, they can walk you through the fitting and how best to care for your new hearing device. They can also provide follow-up care, such as making alterations to the fitting once you have been wearing it for a short time to ensure you have the best and most comfortable fit possible. It is important that you get any sudden changes to your hearing investigated to determine the cause of the change you are experiencing. Your HIS can advise you on your next steps once they have performed a hearing test.