Changes in your hearing directly impact your quality of life and ability to communicate effectively with others. If you’re considering hearing aids, consult a doctor who is well-qualified to test you and to deliver quality hearing instruments. Here are ten things to know about choosing a hearing aid doctor near you.
1.Check the Hearing Aid Doctor’s Qualifications
With today’s offers of hearing aids at supermarkets, drugstores, and online vendors, you could easily choose the wrong care at the wrong price.
So, choose a hearing aid doctor who is a licensed audiologist. Audiologists must earn a master’s degree or clinical doctorate and pass licensing exams to be qualified to practice. They may be referred to as “hearing aid doctors” but they do not have a MD degree – they have either a MA or an AuD (doctorate of audiology).
Licensed audiologists can perform hearing and balance evaluations as well as prescribe and deliver hearing aids which perform well for the long-term. Your audiologist should be associated with the International Hearing Society and/or the American Academy of Audiologists. Check out the audiologist’s qualifications online at the practice website and find out how long he or she has been in practice.
2. Ask If You Can Get Tested Onsite
The right doctor will offer in-person hearing and balance tests. Among these tests are pure/warbled tone assessments, bone conduction tests, speech discrimination evaluations, impedance hearing test,and more. These diagnostic assessments will tell the hearing aid doctor why you are experiencing hearing problems and if hearing aids are right for you.
3. The Right Hearing Aid Doctor Offers Quality Hearing Aids
Look for a hearing aid doctor that offers a wide variety of hearing aids that are high quality. Hearing aid options include in-the-ear, in-the-canal,open fit, and more. Frankly, you get what you pay for – so if a hearing aid deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
4. Your Hearing Aid Doctor Should Custom-Fit and Adjust Your Devices
The right doctor will custom-fit your hearing aids to ensure they stay in place and work accurately in many environments. The audiologist also will consider your manual dexterity, as smaller devices may be hard use. Many of today’s devices are fully programmable and can be adjusted to the exact frequencies you require to aid your hearing. The right doctor can do this in the office for you as needed.
5. A Good Hearing Doctor Will Explain Your Contract
Look for hearing aid contracts that have loss replacement and warranty against defect and damage. You want to ask questions like: How long is your guarantee? Can you return the devices within 30 or 60 days if they do not work out? Do you have to purchase your own batteries, or are they supplied free as part of your contract?
The right audiologist will ensure you understand the terms of your contract before you sign and be willing to answer your questions fully.
6. Consider Where You Get Service for Your Hearing Device
Is service done onsite, or are the devices sent to the manufacturer for replacement or repair? Can you walk in for service, or do you need to set an appointment? Is the doctor’s office convenient to get to from your home or workplace? Can you contact the doctor by email or by phone? These are all important questions to ask when selecting the right hearing aid doctor.
7. Is the Hearing Aid Doctor Associated with an ENT Physician?
The combination of an audiologist and an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) gives hearing loss patients the best of both worlds. ENTs are experts in medical evaluation of ears and audiologists are experts in precise testing of hearing loss. Look for an audiologist who practices with an ENT physician or refers to qualified ENTs in the area.
8. Choose a Hearing Aid Doctor Who Accepts Your Health Insurance
Many health insurance plans cover some of the costs associated with hearing loss–such as the testing fee with an audiologist. So, check with your insurance carrier and the hearing aid doctor ahead of time so you can avoid out of pocket expenses.
9. Select a Doctor with a Convenient Location and Office Hours
You don’t want to drive across town every time your hearing aid needs a tune-up. So, pick a hearing aid doctor located close to your home or work. Also, be sure the office hours work for you.
10. You Should Feel Comfortable with the Doctor and Staff
Friendliness, respect, and short wait times are must-haves for any quality healthcare provider. If you are not comfortable with the doctor or staff, move on to another choice.
Hearing Aids Doctor Near Me
Our audiologist – AbedaMueed, MA – works together with ENT physician Dr. Scott William Franklin to provide state-of-the-art hearing and balance assessments, hearing devices, and patient-focused care. If you choose us, we’ll work hard to prove you’ve made the right choice.
Call us today at (512) 869-0604 to learn more or to book a hearing consultation. You can also request a visit using our appointment request form. We look forward to restoring your hearing!
