What Should You Consider When Selecting an Audiologist?

As life goes on, everyone experiences different things throughout the aging process. If you happen to be experiencing hearing loss or think you are beginning to develop the condition, ensure that you seek the care of an audiologist. An audiologist will use their skills and training to determine your needs and treat any issues that may be present.

When you can hear, your world opens back up to you. More opportunities for human connection are available simply because you are better able to hear those around you. Conversations with loved ones, dining out and conversing in a crowded restaurant with ambient noise, and speaking on the telephone are all attainable and enjoyable activities when you can hear well.

Thanks to the evolution in technology, hearing aids have created bridges for individuals experiencing hearing loss to connect with their world again. These devices come in an array of styles, but require the expertise of an audiologist to help you select the right model for your needs.

What should you look for when choosing an audiologist?

• Ask for an audiology referral from both friends and your primary healthcare provider. Talk with your friends or family members for word-of-mouth recommendations. They can often give you commonsense guidance on how to find the best audiologist for your needs.
• Look at online reviews from popular review websites and the audiologists’ sites, as well. They can give a good insight into the quality of service you may receive.
• Contact your insurance company or look on their website to determine whether they cover a specific professional to maximize your insurance benefits. Always ask your insurance company if a primary care provider referral is necessary before receiving audiology coverage.

What types of hearing aids are available?

• In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are custom-made devices. They are fashioned by taking an impression of an individual’s ear canal and the area of the ear that surrounds it. All of the hearing aid pieces are housed in a plastic case or shell that is inserted into the ear canal. They are comfortable and discreetly skin-toned in color.
• Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids sit behind the ear and connect to an in-ear piece or mold by a length of clear tubing.
  • BTE hearing aids are well-suited for children and can be easily replaced as the child advances in age.
• In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids have all of their pieces completely contained in a plastic shell that is available in full and half sizes. These hearing aids are slightly larger than their canal which makes them easier to handle if you have dexterity issues.

Live your best life. Sometimes, to do so you will seek the help of an experienced audiologist to get what you need to hear your surroundings with greater clarity. Give yourself the gift of experiencing all that life has to offer, including the beautiful sounds of the world all around you.