Managing Your Hearing Care from Home: 4 Benefits of Telehealth Audiology

Finding time for a hearing appointment can be difficult when you’re juggling a busy schedule and the demands of everyday life. Add in a long drive, canyon traffic, or winter weather, and even a routine visit can take more planning than expected.

At The House of Hearing, we understand that traveling to the clinic isn’t always easy. That’s why our teleaudiology services offer a convenient alternative, connecting you with a hearing professional remotely so you can access support without disrupting your routine.

Through video appointments and mobile app technology for compatible hearing aids, teleaudiology makes it possible to discuss your hearing concerns and access certain follow-up services without traveling to the office. Existing patients can get help managing their devices, while new patients can discuss their concerns and learn about possible next steps.

1. Convenient Care Built Around Your Busy Schedule

A hearing appointment doesn’t have to take up your entire morning. Virtual visits remove the need to travel to and from the clinic, giving you more flexibility to fit hearing care into your day.

For busy parents, that can mean less time juggling childcare, while working adults may be able to schedule a consultation without losing hours to travel. And if you rely on someone else for transportation, connecting from home can also make accessing care much easier.

With teleaudiology, you can stay in touch with your hearing care team while spending less time organizing your day around an appointment.

2. Real-Time, Remote Hearing Aid Adjustments

Do conversations sound unclear in your living room, or do everyday sounds feel uncomfortable while you’re working in your home office? These experiences can offer valuable insight into how well your hearing aids are working for you.

If your devices support remote programming, your hearing care professional can adjust their settings during a virtual appointment using a compatible smartphone app. You can describe what you’re experiencing in your problematic listening environments and share feedback as adjustments are made, helping your specialist fine-tune your hearing aids to better suit your needs in every location.

Whether remote programming is available depends on your hearing aid model and smartphone compatibility; the team at The House of Hearing can help you check if your devices are suitable.

3. Greater Accessibility for Every Stage of Life

Getting to a hearing appointment isn’t always easy, particularly for older adults with mobility challenges or families managing busy schedules. For those living outside larger centers like Salt Lake City or Provo, the added travel time can make accessing care even more difficult.

Teleaudiology offers a more convenient way for Northern Utah residents to access certain hearing services even if they’re not able to travel to our clinic. Virtual appointments provide an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns, and receive guidance from the comfort of your home.

Having a family member or care partner involved can also be helpful, especially when discussing recommendations or planning next steps. Depending on the appointment, they may be able to join remotely, even if they live elsewhere in Utah.

Let our team know if you’d like someone to participate so we can help arrange the details!

4. Continuous Support Between In-Clinic Visits

Questions about your hearing aids can arise at any time, whether you need help navigating your device’s app or want advice on caring for your hearing aids.

Rather than waiting until your next appointment, virtual check-ins give you a convenient way to discuss these concerns with your hearing professional, who can offer troubleshooting guidance and help you feel more confident using your devices.

While some issues, such as hands-on repairs or certain hearing evaluations, still require an in-person visit, teleaudiology complements your ongoing care by making it easier to get advice and support from your specialist when you need it.

Getting Started with Teleaudiology

Booking a virtual hearing appointment with The House of Hearing is simple.

Contact our team online or by phone to arrange a consultation at a time that works for you. We’ll then email you a link to join your appointment, along with any instructions to help you prepare. If your visit involves compatible hearing aid technology, we can guide you through any necessary app setup beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What can a teleaudiology appointment help with?

A: Virtual appointments allow you to discuss hearing concerns, explore communication strategies, and get help troubleshooting certain hearing aid or app issues between clinic visits.

If you use compatible hearing aids, your specialist may also be able to adjust your device settings remotely. The specific services available to you will depend on your hearing technology and individual care needs.

Q: What technology do I need for a virtual hearing appointment?

A: You will need a smartphone, tablet, or computer that has a camera and a microphone, plus a reliable internet connection. Make sure you’re in a quiet, well-lit space where you can communicate comfortably.

If your appointment includes hearing aid adjustments, you may also need a compatible smartphone and the manufacturer’s app installed in advance.

Q: Can a family member or care partner join my virtual appointment?

A: Yes. Including a family member or care partner can be helpful when discussing hearing concerns or learning to use your hearing technology. Let us know when booking if you’d like someone to join your appointment, especially if they’ll be participating remotely from another location.

Source:

• ASHA: Telepractice