In this blog article, I would like to begin by introducing myself and over the course of the next few months explain what happens in a hearing test, what the different tests are for, discuss some of the considerations you should make when deciding upon a hearing aid along with some very important questions to ask to make sure you get the right product for your needs. I will go through some of the breakthroughs in hearing aid technology as hearing aids can now do far more than just pick up sound. However, for some people isn’t that all you want? There is myriad information out there which becomes a quagmire for those who just want an answer that they understand.
I am Tina Dennett, an independent Audiologist who has been practicing for over 25 years in both private and public audiology. I studied at Melbourne University first obtaining my Bachelor of Science and then a Post Graduate Diploma in Audiology. For the past 25 years I have worked with children of all ages, performed diagnostic adult hearing tests (this is when you just want to know why your ear hurts, or why you can’t hear in background noise but you don’t feel you need a hearing aid), hearing aid fitting and rehabilitation, tinnitus counselling and more. After 25 years I felt it was time to start up my own practice, Echuca Moama Hearing, to offer a truly independent locally owned Audiology Service. My goal is to understand exactly what difficulties you are having and why and then give you comprehensive feedback that is in your language so that you know how you can move forward. It is not always a simple easy fix but if you know what the steps are to get there you have more chance of success.
What are some of the reasons you might have a hearing test?
- Intermittent or constant tinnitus in one or both ears or even in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems (vestibular problems)
- Unable to hear the TV at the same volume as others
- Difficulty hearing in background noise
- Difficulty hearing on the phone
- Difficulty hearing in the car
- Other people say you have a hearing problem even if you don’t think you do. (Prove them wrong…… or right)
- A blocked ear
- Sudden hearing loss (Very Important you have this checked straight away as medical intervention may bring it back)
A hearing test takes an hour of your time. Did you know the earlier you do something about your hearing the more successful the outcome. In my next blog article, I will discuss what happens at that first appointment (for adults).
