First Appointment What to Expect
ASH Audiology is taking every precaution to ensure the safety and health of our patients and staff. Below are new guidelines for patient care and the procedures we have implemented for sanitation and to minimize person-to-person contact.
How to prepare for your appointment
· All paperwork will be completed electronically. Please have all paperwork completed prior to your appointment.
· Everyone present during the appointment is to wear a mask if everyone has not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All ASH Audiology staff members will wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
· Patients who need assistance may be accompanied by only one caregiver.
· We sanitize the equipment used between each appointment.
What to expect at your appointment
1. We’ll discuss your case history form, your hearing lifestyle, and your goals. Individuals who regularly attend parties or large events will have different goals than people who prefer to socialize in smaller groups or one-on-one. We’ll briefly discuss how our brain processes sounds. Then Dr. Magann Faivre will look in your ears and make sure everything looks healthy. If earwax is present, she will remove it. (30 mins)
2. You’ll wear headphones and listen for soft beeps as well as words and repeat them aloud. We may also complete additional tasks, like asking you to listen to sentences with background noise and repeat them back. Dr. Magann Faivre might conduct immittance measures, which is a quick and simple pressure check that ensures your eardrum is moving properly and that your hearing reflexes are working. Otoacoustic emissions may be evaluated to confirm a part of your inner ear is functioning well. If you have bothersome tinnitus or a sound sensitivity, we’ll conduct measurements to quantify your concerns. (30-60 mins)
3. After your hearing evaluation, Dr. Magann Faivre will go over your results and explain what they mean. If you do have hearing loss, we’ll discuss which treatment options are best for you, including hearing aids, middle ear or cochlear implants, surgery, assistive listening devices, and/or rehab exercises you can complete at home. If hearing aids are recommended, we’ll fit you with a loaner pair for two weeks. (Note: Your functional and communication needs assessment costs $175 and is non-refundable.) If you have bothersome tinnitus or a sound sensitivity, we’ll discuss various treatment options to reduce or eliminate your symptoms. (30 mins)
4. Doctors and people who have worn hearing aids before know that completing a simple hearing test and fitting you with hearing aids don’t lead to successful hearing in all real world environments. ASH Audiology is committed to serving each person’s individualized communication needs to ensure you thrive in any situation, and we go the extra mile to make sure this happens. In addition to a typical hearing evaluation and discussion of hearing aid options, you’ll also receive a comprehensive communication needs assessment that discusses your goals and expectations, listening lifestyle, communication strategies tailored for your specific needs, and solutions to your concerns. Because we know hearing is related to your overall health, we will also conduct a functional needs assessment that optimizes your communication success beyond just your hearing. This may include screenings and testing for cognition, vision, dexterity, tinnitus, sound sensitivity, auditory processing, and vestibular/balance functioning as well as discussions regarding tech savviness, motivation, safety alerts, falls prevention in the home, and more. Rest assured knowing where you stand with your health, obtain easy specialist referrals when needed, and have peace of mind knowing your loved one is in good and safe hands.
We graciously thank you for your cooperation and look forward to serving you.
