Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
Latest posts by Bonnie L. Baehr, Au.D. (see all)
- When to Consider a Second Opinion for Hearing Health - March 25, 2025
- What to Know About Disclosing Hearing Loss - March 15, 2025
- Treating Hearing Loss Can Help Prevent Other Health Issues - March 5, 2025
If thoughts of getting a second opinion about your hearing health have ever crossed your mind, this is a sign to do it. Sometimes, the first hearing test or evaluation might leave lingering doubts. It’s natural to wonder if all the details were fully explored. Seeking a second opinion can provide reassurance or even reveal missing information.
A second opinion isn’t just for peace of mind; it can be necessary to get the best care. Whether someone is dealing with hearing loss, ear pain, or confusion over hearing test results, considering another perspective can help clarify the situation. But when should a person decide that it’s time to consult another hearing health professional?
Unexpected Hearing Test Results
Hearing tests provide great insights into ear health. However, when the results don’t match expectations, it’s reasonable to question them. A person may feel like they struggle with hearing, yet their test comes back within normal ranges. On the other hand, test results might indicate hearing loss, but the person isn’t experiencing symptoms that match the diagnosis.
Whatever the case, getting another expert’s perspective can help shed light on the situation. Different hearing health professionals might use varied equipment or testing methods, leading to a more complete picture or view of hearing health.
Symptoms That Don’t Improve
When symptoms like ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or hearing difficulty persist despite treatment, it may be time for a second opinion. Chronic symptoms that aren’t improving after a prescribed course of action can indicate that something was overlooked.
An experienced ear or hearing health professional can reassess the situation, offering different treatment plans or suggesting further tests. This second look could uncover underlying conditions that were missed during the initial examination.
Major Treatment Decisions
Before committing to a remarkable treatment like surgery or hearing aids, consulting another hearing health professional is often a good idea. Hearing aids, for instance, can be a big investment, and it’s worth ensuring that the device is truly necessary. A second opinion could recommend alternatives or even different types of hearing aids that might better suit an individual’s lifestyle.
The same goes for surgery or other invasive procedures. Before undergoing something so significant, it is important to feel confident in the diagnosis. A second opinion can offer reassurance or provide a new perspective on potential treatments.
A Desire for More Information
A second opinion is a great way to gather more information for those who like to feel fully informed before making decisions about their health. Some people may want to try additional treatments, hear about other options, or simply understand their condition in greater depth. Consulting another hearing health professional can provide this extra layer of information, allowing for more informed decisions moving forward.
Contact us today to learn more about hearing loss or to schedule a hearing evaluation!