Questions for Audiology & ENT

[surreycccfan]

Hi All,

I was lucky enough to have an audiology appointment last week for my hearing aid. As I have had T and hearing loss for some time I have had a few audiology appointments so I am posting some of the questions I prepared beforehand in case they are of any use to others who have their 1st appointment coming up. Please feel free to add additional questions/actions in the comment. Stay Safe John

I will discuss:

- How my T and hearing loss is affecting quality of life and the mental health impact

- The particular symptoms of my T & hearing loss

Questions to ask

- Explain (so I can understand) the shape of hearing aid test and what frequency range and degree of hearing loss

- Ensure I can opt in to get copies of my letters, audiogram results, management plan, etc.

- What guidance can I give Occupational Health in relation to my T and hearing loss to enable me to transition and function well at work

- Do I have severe or profound hearing loss

- Do I need to have regular ear wax removal and if so how as no longer seems to be offered by GP

- Has hearing loss got worse since last hearing test and if so if this with normal age related norms

- For hearing aid - How do I get it adjusted, What about batteries, Who do I contact if I have questions, is it bluetooth enabled and what information do I need if I want to get a private hearing aid

- How do we build a management plan for my T & hearing loss (refer to NICE guidelines)

Want to leave session with

- Next steps and management plan for hearing loss and T

- When do I need to come back for another hearing test (normally every 3 years) and how do I book

- A printed copy of my hearing test

- Any other local help for my T and hearing loss (outside of local BTA group)

[doglover1973]

Hi John. Thank you for this very comprehensive list of questions. I've made some notes as I'm hoping to go to ENT / audiology for the first time at the end of the year.

[Mags1417]

Thanks JohnI have a face to face audiology appt coming up middle of October - first one was a telephone appt.

my added question would be:

- what is the best way to manage build up of wax - to reduce need for removal e.g by suctioning.

While my tinnitus sound had started prior to suctioning due to ear blocked with wax. It started really loud the following day - For whatever reason. Have been asked to ensure ears are clear for audiology appt. so have booked suctioning appt. ( as GP says can’t see ear drum re wax). But there is however anxiety over whether it will happen again - and if other ear develops a sound. I currently use Earol once a week as advised by suctioning audiologist.

[Mags1417]

Sorry my initial reply is more about my anxiety rather than helpful questions for the audiologist! As I don’t know what triggered my t - just linking by association.

My question would be around what I can practically do to safely help my ear health - whether that is regular suctioning of excess wax or drops etc as I know that wax affects my hearing and then my T.