A hearing instrument specialist (HIS) is a professional with knowledge and expertise that relate to changes in your hearing as well as the devices used to help people hear more effectively. This includes everything from traditional hearing aids to more advanced sound-masking technology. Here are some of the reasons why you should see a HIS. 

Changes to your hearing 

If you notice a change to your hearing, then it can be worth contacting a hearing instrument specialist. A change to your hearing, whether minor or significant, can relate to a variety of different occurrences. Your hearing can change for a number of reasons, from the aging process to loud noise exposure. It’s quite common for hearing to change significantly as you get older. Often, it will be a loved one, family member that notices a change like this. Your brain adjusts to compensate for the change, and that’s why it’s often beneficial to get a hearing test by a HIS. They will be able to tell you exactly how your hearing has changed and what treatment you may require. 

In need of advice

If your hearing aid has changed due to age or even because you have been exposed to loud noises, then you may need to explore treatment options. The right treatment option will ensure that your hearing remains unaffected and allow you to get the best support. You might assume that there is only one type of hearing aid. However, this is not the case. 

Instead, there is a range of different hearing aids that could be relevant for your needs. For instance, you could be experiencing something like tinnitus. With tinnitus, you hear sounds that are not there. While it’s not often possible to make these noises go away, they can be treated using masking technology in hearing aids to cover up the noise. A HIS will advise you on this possibility. 

Help with your hearing aids 

Finally, you might want to think about speaking to a HIS if you need help with your hearing aids. Hearing aids, like any technology, require regular maintenance. If your hearing aids stop working, you might also need to troubleshoot to solve a variety of problems. The good news is that most issues are easy to handle. However, it can still be worth speaking to an expert. A HIS will also be able to advise you if you require replacement hearing aids or if you need to think about upgrading your devices. Often a HIS will also save you from a repair by fixing your hearing aids at your appointment. 

We hope this helps you understand when you should see a HIS and how they can help you in a variety of different situations. By contacting a HIS, you can get the expert advice you need and ensure that you are taking the right steps to ensure that your hearing remains unaffected.