Choosing the right hearing healthcare provider can seem like a daunting task, especially if it is your first visit to an audiologist or hearing healthcare provider. Do your research and find the professional that offers the best hearing loss solutions for you.

Here are some helpful tips for selecting a qualified hearing healthcare provider who meets your needs:

Who Should You Trust?

When initially dealing with their hearing loss, many adults are comfortable consulting with their primary care physician first. Likely he or she will refer you to an audiologist or an ENT (ear, nose and throat doctor), but if not, you can make an appointment with a specialist on your own. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) recommends consulting an audiologist because they are highly trained and the most familiar with hearing loss concerns.

Choosing an audiologist is the most important decision you will make when it comes to your hearing health. Selecting an audiologist who is licensed, highly educated, well trained and communicates clearly is vital to your successful treatment. An audiologist’s specialized education provides a broader scope of practice and medical understanding of your hearing loss, a deeper understanding of solutions and how a hearing aid can benefit your specific needs.  

Questions To Ask (That Require YES Answers)

  • Are you a licensed, certified Audiologist with a masters or doctoral degree in Audiology?
  • When necessary do you refer for medical evaluation to rule out the need for medical or surgical treatment?
  • Do you provide a thorough review and explanation of your test findings and options for treatment, which may include the recommendation and fitting of hearing aids?
  • Will you send a report to my primary care physician with the test results?
  • Does your practice provide choices in manufacturers (as opposed to a hearing aid franchise that sells only one brand of hearing aids)?
  • Will I receive instruction and counseling on operating and caring for my hearing aids and how to adjust to wearing them?
  • Will you monitor the performance of my hearing aids with scheduled follow-up appointments?
  • Will you accept my insurance and do you take responsibility for the claim filings?

Make sure that the professional you trust with your hearing health has the proper education, is well trained, has the experience you deserve and treats you like a patient, not a consumer!