12 Questions to Ask Your Audiologist

Can you walk me through my audiogram, line by line?

Understanding your own audiogram — what each frequency tested, what each line means, where the speech banana sits — is the foundation of every other decision about treatment, hearing aids, and accommodations.

What type of hearing loss do I have — sensorineural, conductive, or mixed?

Conductive loss may be medically or surgically treatable. Sensorineural loss is usually managed with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Mixed loss involves both. The label changes everything that comes next.

How is my speech-in-noise comprehension, not just my pure-tone thresholds?

Many people with normal-looking audiograms still struggle in restaurants and group conversations. Speech-in-noise testing (like the QuickSIN) reveals this and points toward specific accessories like remote microphones.

Given my lifestyle and where I struggle most, which hearing aid technology level is actually appropriate?

Premium hearing aids cost thousands more than basic ones — but the marginal benefit varies. Push your audiologist to justify the recommendation against the situations you actually face: quiet conversations, restaurants, meetings, music.

What's the trial period, and what is your refund policy if these don't work for me?

Most U.S. states require a minimum trial period (often 30–60 days). Find out the exact return window, restocking fees, and what's refunded vs. kept. Get it in writing before paying.

Can I see the real-ear measurements (REM) verifying that my hearing aids match my prescription?

REM is the gold-standard fitting verification — a tiny probe-tube microphone confirms the sound reaching your eardrum matches the target. Studies suggest only about half of providers do REM. Asking for it upfront filters for quality.

Which assistive listening devices or accessories would help me most — remote mic, TV streamer, telecoil?

A $200 remote microphone clipped to a partner across a noisy restaurant can outperform a $5,000 hearing aid alone. Don't let the conversation stop at devices that go in your ears.

Do my hearing aids have a telecoil, and how do I use it with hearing loops in public venues?

Many theaters, museums, houses of worship, airports, and ticket counters are "looped" — a telecoil-equipped hearing aid receives audio from these systems directly, free, with no extra device. But you have to know your aids have a T-coil and how to switch to it.

What communication strategies should my family and coworkers know to make conversations easier for me?

Hearing loss is shared — the people around you make a bigger difference than the device alone. Face-to-face speaking, reduced background noise, getting attention before talking. Ask your audiologist for a one-page handout to share.

What accommodations should I request at work and in healthcare settings?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 give you the right to effective communication. Specifics — written instructions, captioned video calls, a quieter exam room, a transcription tool, or an ASL interpreter — make a real difference. See our accessibility page for a starting list.

If I have tinnitus, can my hearing aids be programmed with tinnitus features, and do you offer counseling?

Many modern hearing aids include masking programs and tinnitus sound therapy presets. Counseling and tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) can reduce distress even when the tinnitus itself doesn't go away.

What's covered by my insurance, and what programs could offset the out-of-pocket cost?

Hearing aid bills are notoriously confusing — separate codes for the test (CPT 92557), the evaluation (92626/92627), and the device itself (V-codes). Ask for a written estimate. State vocational rehab agencies, the Hearing Loss Association of America, Lions Club, and other programs can offset cost — these aren't always advertised.