The field of audiology is vast. If you’ve never been to a hearing specialist before, it can be difficult to understand what a hearing specialist is and make an informed decision about which one you should choose.
Hearing aids are often the first choice for addressing hearing loss, but hearing specialists also offer other diagnostic and treatment options. With that in mind, below are the important factors to keep in mind when choosing a hearing specialist who can help find the best treatment for you.
Factor #1: Know the Two Types of Hearing Specialists: Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists
Audiologists are health professionals with a doctorate in audiology. They’re licensed under the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and registered with the state board of psychology or other governing body in the state where they practice.
Audiologists are trained to diagnose and treat hearing loss, balance disorders and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). They can also provide tests to measure your speech and language development, in addition to identifying and treating communication disorders.
Hearing instrument specialists (audiologists who also dispense hearing aids) can work independently as an Audiologist, or they may work in a hearing aid dispenser’s office. They are trained to evaluate and fit hearing instruments, including hearing aids and assistive listening devices (ALDs).
Factor #2: Recommendations and Reviews
Before you schedule an appointment with any health professional, check with your family physician, friends, and other health care professionals you work with to see if they’ve heard of the person and whether they would recommend seeing them.
Factor #3: Treatment Options
Hearing specialists may use a variety of methods to treat your hearing loss. If you are interested in hearing aids, you may want to check with your hearing specialist to see if you qualify for any free hearing aids from hearing aid manufacturers.
Whatever treatment suits your condition the most, it’s important to work with a hearing specialist who can offer options that meet your needs and help you make an informed decision.
Factor #4: Insurance Coverage
If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or any other form of health insurance, it is important to understand how your hearing specialist is covered. You may pay for the hearing exam, but then have to foot the bill for treatment or hearing aids on your own. Some hearing specialists are in-network with your insurance, while others may be out-of-network.
Keep in mind that hearing aids are usually not covered by medical insurance, so it’s crucial to find a hearing specialist who can offer options that can help cut off the budget in your overall bill.
The Bottom Line: Seeking the Right Council, Diagnosis, and Treatment from a Hearing Specialist
There are numerous options available to those who are looking to sharpen their hearing, or bring back their hearing after a variety of factors have caused hearing loss.
The key to choosing a hearing specialist is finding someone who not only matches your hearing needs, but also provides you with a variety of options, and helps you choose the best option for you.
How Can We Help You?
Hear More Associates is the country’s most trusted hearing care specialist. We provide care to patients throughout Lexington, Greater Boston, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. From hearing tests to hearing aids, we got you covered! If you’re looking for a hearing care solution, reach out to us today!
