Choosing the best audiologist for your needs isn’t necessarily an easy task. You need to be sure that you can be comfortable with them, that they will understand your degree of hearing loss and are an overall good healthcare provider.

Getting a referral from a friend or family member

One of the best ways to figure out if an audiologist is right for you is by speaking to a friend or family member and seeing if they can recommend one. Referrals from friends and family members are helpful because you can get an inside perspective on the audiologist before scheduling an appointment.

Experience goes a very long way

Consider experience when looking for an audiologist. While being a new or veteran audiologist doesn’t necessarily make you better equipped to treat hearing loss, one might be a better fit for your personality or hearing loss.

Additionally, if you’re struggling with things more complex issues like tinnitus or balance disorders, you’ll benefit from finding someone with experience treating those ailments. 

Look for an audiologist’s specialized education credentials

Check into your audiologist’s credentials before settling on one professional. You want to make sure they have an advanced degree, state certification and any additional professional credentials needed to practice. This is a good habit to follow with any healthcare professional you see, but especially important when trusting someone with your hearing health.

Accessibility and available equipment

You should ensure that the audiologist you are currently looking into for yourself or a loved is located close enough to you. Other items to consider include: how accessible the office is in terms of parking, ramps if a wheelchair is needed and if any evening or weekend hours are available.

What to look for in an audiologist

Selecting the right audiologist doesn’t have to be a stressful task. Keep in mind that while all of the above factors are important to consider, finding an audiologist you’re comfortable with is the number one priority. The audiologist you select will be responsible for documenting your medical history, current hearing loss symptoms and other personal information, so it’s crucial to select someone you trust.

If you’re still unsure which audiologist in your area is best to treat your hearing loss, don’t hesitate to call the office and schedule a meeting to talk about their practice and experience. Your audiologist will want you to be comfortable with them, so speaking beforehand is an excellent way to ensure you select the right professional.