Selecting the Right Audiologist

Are you getting ready for your first audiology appointment? If you’ve got hearing loss and you’re ready to get treatment, chances are good you’re going to visit an audiologist. An audiologist, after all, is a hearing healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, tinnitus and other balance disorders. They use an array of tests to determine the type and degree of hearing loss an individual has. From the test results, the audiologist will be able to suggest a treatment option, such as hearing aids.

If you’re about to see the audiologist for the first time, it’s a good idea to prepare some questions to make sure the audiologist meets your needs and expectations. Consider the following questions to help you build trust and repertoire with your audiologist:

List of questions

• What are your qualifications?
• What type of training do you engage in?
• What is your experience working with individuals with my problem?
• What is my main problem? What type and degree of hearing loss do I have?
• What kind of solution do I need?
• How much do hearing aids cost?
• Are all hearing aids the same? How do they differ?
• What’s the aftercare plan? How much help will I need?
• How long will it take to get used to my hearing aids?
• How will hearing aids change my life?
• When can I wear my hearing aids?
• How do I take care of my hearing aids?
• What are my other options?
• Do you accept insurance?
• Will my hearing loss ever get better?

The questions may seem over exhaustive, but rest assured knowing many audiologists will expect questions from their patients. After all, asking questions will even the playing field; audiologists will ask you questions as well. You can prepare ahead of time by jotting some notes down to the following common questions:

• What is your health history?
• What is your job history?
• Does hearing loss run in your family?
• When do you have trouble hearing?

Finding the right audiologist is crucial to getting the best treatment for your hearing health issues. From hearing loss and tinnitus, to custom ear protection and earwax removal, the audiologist will be able to diagnose and treat a number of your ear health issues.