Selecting a Hearing Aid Clinic

audiologist offering helping hand or handshake

It is important to select an Audiologist who can determine whether you might have an underlying medical issue (such as a bacterial infection, impacted earwax, or a tumor in your ear) that is causing your hearing loss and refer you to a physician if necessary. Some people who notice they’re having difficulty hearing start with their doctor or an otolaryngologist – a board-certified doctor who specializes in ear, nose and throat problems – and then gets referred to an audiologist.

The audiologist will conduct a comprehensive case history interview and a hearing evaluation to assess your hearing health needs. They will then match those needs – which include your ability to understand speech, your listening needs, and more to make an appropriate hearing aid recommendation.

Both audiologists and hearing instrument specialists can evaluate your hearing needs and fit your hearing aids however their training can vary significantly.

Working with a Provider

  • The provider or office should have convenient business hours, offer walk-in repair service, and make it easy to schedule an appointment.
  • You should take notes and bring a family member, significant other, or friend to your appointment.
  • The provider should discuss the effect of hearing loss on your lifestyle and relationships. The conversation should include how well you hear on the phone.
  • The provider should ask about your manual dexterity and vision problems that could affect your ability to handle the hearing aids. They should also discuss realistic expectations and ask about your lifestyle, which can affect your choice of style and features.
  • The office should test your hearing in a soundproof booth and conduct other hearing tests, and give you a copy of the results.
  • The provider should say which hearing aid brands they work with, why they recommend a particular brand for you, and review the pros and cons of the different aids.

Schedule an appointment

Schedule an appointment with one of our trusted Lifestyle Hearing Network Members.