Learn More About Getting Hearing Aids in Cincinnati, OH
Do You Need a Hearing Test or Prescription to Get Hearing Aids?
A common question patients ask is whether they need to schedule a hearing test and get a prescription for their hearing aids. While you can purchase over-the-counter hearing aids to help manage your hearing loss, they’re not as effective because they’re not custom fit for your needs. The hearing care professionals at Ohio Hearing & Audiology understand the importance of scheduling a comprehensive hearing evaluation appointment to get hearing aids that help you hear the world around you more clearly. Below, our experts have explained the process of getting hearing aids and the difference between OTC and prescription devices. Contact the friendly team at Ohio Hearing & Audiology today to learn more about scheduling a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
Where Do I Get Hearing Aids?
Adults with mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase over-the-counter hearing aids without seeing a licensed hearing care professional or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor. If you’re younger than 18, you must obtain a prescription for hearing aids. You can also get hearing aids from a hearing care professional, such as an audiologist. When you visit an audiologist for your hearing aids, they will conduct an in-depth assessment and hearing aid evaluation to ensure you’re matched with the right devices for your needs and preferences.
Do I Need a Medical Exam for Hearing Aids?
If you’re under the age of 18, you will need to have a medical exam and prescription to obtain hearing aids. Adults don’t need a medical exam to purchase hearing aids, but it’s the best way to ensure you get the most benefit from your devices. At Ohio Hearing & Audiology, we’re passionate about helping patients with hearing loss. We understand the importance of conducting a thorough evaluation. When you visit one of our hearing care centers, your hearing test results will allow our audiologists to match you with the right devices, improving your hearing and overall quality of life.
Should I Consult with a Hearing Care Professional?
Although a hearing evaluation isn’t required for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, an audiologist can determine the type and degree of your hearing loss to match you with the right hearing aid. Any licensed ENT doctor can perform a medical examination to rule out any medical reason for your hearing loss, such as ear wax in the canal, injury, or infection. An evaluation conducted by an audiologist involves a hearing test to determine the specific hearing loss that isn’t caused by a medical condition. Some signs you should schedule an appointment for a comprehensive hearing evaluation conducted by an audiologist include the following:
- You ask people to repeat themselves often
- You get confused and can’t follow conversations in large social gatherings
- You’re always turning the volume up on the TV or radio
- Sounds seem muffled and unclear
The Difference Between OTC & Prescription Hearing Aids
When it comes down to it, there is a big difference between OTC hearing aids that can be purchased without an exam, fitting, or prescription and ones that are custom fit by a hearing care professional. These devices aren’t programmable like prescription hearing aids are. Your prescription hearing aids will be accurately programmed at each frequency based on the results of your audiological evaluation.
Consult with Our Hearing Professionals Today
While it’s possible to purchase OTC devices to improve your hearing, it’s usually best to schedule a consultation with a hearing care professional to determine the type and degree of your hearing loss. At Ohio Hearing & Audiology, we’re committed to providing a hassle-free experience from start to finish, whether you’re scheduling an appointment for new hearing aids or starting a treatment plan for tinnitus. We offer a full suite of professional audiology services for patients throughout Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment for a one-on-one consultation with our hearing care professionals.
