Technology Pathway Explorer

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Tool · Hearing Technology Pathway Explorer

Explore hearing technology options to ask about

This educational tool helps adults with hearing loss explore broad categories of assistive technology to ask about with their clinicians. Options include hearing aids, implants, remote microphones, captions, public venue audio (including Auracast), and smartphone features. It does not decide candidacy or replace a medical evaluation.

5–8 minutes Mobile-friendly Adults, caregivers, & clinicians
What this tool can and cannot do
Important: This pathway explorer is for education only. It cannot diagnose, decide whether you are a candidate for any device, or replace advice from your care team. If your clinicians’ recommendations differ from anything you see here, their advice always wins.
Safety first: If you have a sudden change in hearing (hours–3 days), severe new dizziness/vertigo, new neurologic symptoms, or major injury, use the Emergency: Hearing, Tinnitus, and Balance Safety Guide.
Prefer to read? Video key points & text summary (no audio needed)

Key Takeaways (60-Second Walkthrough):

  • Step 1 — Safety First: Check for sudden hearing loss within 72 hours (≤3 days), severe vertigo, ear pain/drainage, or one-sided tinnitus/asymmetry. If present, use the Emergency Safety Guide right away.
  • Steps 2–5 — Your Journey, Challenges & Current Tools: Share where you are in your hearing journey (including an optional 60/60 audiogram screen), your hardest listening spots, current devices/accessories, and your readiness level.
  • Educational Conversation Starter: Get 1–3 broad technology pathways (hearing evaluation, OTC/prescription hearing aids + remote mics, or implant evaluation questions) to discuss with your audiologist or ENT—clinician advice always wins.

Video Transcript (0:00–1:00):

  1. (0:00–0:08) Wondering which hearing technologies might fit your life? The UCSF EARS Hearing Technology Pathway Explorer helps you compare broad device categories to ask your clinician about in five to eight minutes.
  2. (0:08–0:17) Step 1 starts with a required safety screen. If you have sudden hearing loss within 72 hours, severe vertigo, ear drainage, or one-sided symptoms, the tool routes you to urgent medical care before exploring devices.
  3. (0:17–0:26) In Steps 2 and 3, share where you are in your hearing journey—including an optional 60/60 audiogram check—and pick the daily situations that feel hardest, like noisy restaurants, meetings, or phone calls.
  4. (0:26–0:36) In Steps 4 and 5, check off any devices or accessories you already use—like over-the-counter aids, remote microphones, or captions—and choose whether you are just exploring or ready for an action plan.
  5. (0:36–0:45) As you answer, the results panel highlights one to three technology pathways to discuss with your team—from a baseline hearing test and hearing aids to remote microphones, public Auracast audio, or an implant evaluation.
  6. (0:45–0:53) Remember, this explorer is an educational conversation starter: it cannot decide device candidacy or replace a medical exam, and your clinician's advice always comes first.
  7. (0:53–1:00) Scroll down to Step 1 on this page to start exploring technology options to bring to your next appointment.

Tell us where you are right now

Answer a few short sections about your hearing situation. As you go, the panel on the right suggests technology categories to ask about with your audiologist or implant team.

Section 1 (required safety screen)

Urgent Symptoms & Safety Check

Before exploring hearing technology, we must check for symptoms requiring emergency medical evaluation or specialty clearance.

Section 2 (required)

Where are you right now in your hearing journey?

Choose the situation that feels closest.

 data-value="never_tested" data-multi="false" aria-pressed="false" role="radio" aria-checked="false">
I’ve never had a hearing test (or not in many years) No recent audiogram, or results haven't been reviewed recently.

Speech Clarity & Hearing Test Scores (Optional)

If you have worn hearing aids or have your audiogram results, this helps evaluate whether a cochlear implant evaluation may be a helpful conversation. You can also review your results using our Audiogram Guide.

Section 3 (optional)

What’s hardest right now?

Pick all that apply. This helps match technology ideas to real situations.

Section 4 (optional)

What devices or supports are already in your life?

Pick all that sound familiar. “No devices yet” is exclusive.

Section 5 (required)

How ready are you to change things?

There is no “right” answer. Readiness helps shape whether the pathway leans toward exploring, fine-tuning, or bigger moves.

 data-value="just_exploring" data-multi="false" aria-pressed="false" role="radio" aria-checked="false">
Just exploring I want options and language to bring to clinicians.

Tip: This tool cannot determine clinical candidacy, but it helps you enter your visit with clear questions and realistic options.

Suggested Next Steps

Prepare for Your Appointment

Get personalized questions and conversation guides for your visit with an audiologist.

Use Hearing Coach →

Explore Hearing Devices

Compare OTC devices, prescription hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive technology.

Explore Devices →

Urgent Symptoms?

Sudden hearing loss in 72 hours, severe dizziness, or ear pain requires prompt medical evaluation.

Emergency Guide →

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Medical Disclaimer: This resource is developed by UCSF Audiology for educational and informational purposes only. It does not substitute for clinical medical advice, formal diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a licensed audiologist, otolaryngologist (ENT physician), or primary care doctor regarding hearing health decisions. If you experience sudden hearing loss (within 24–72 hours), severe acute vertigo, or ear trauma, seek immediate medical evaluation at an emergency department or urgent care clinic.