6 quick tips to select the right audiologist for you.
An audiologist is a healthcare professional that specializes in hearing and balance disorders. Their services help to improve life for individuals suffering from hearing loss or that have balance issues.
Reasons to Find an Audiologist
If you begin experiencing the following symptoms, it may be time to visit an audiologist.
- Tinnitus or ringing of the ears
- Difficulty hearing speech when background noise is present
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Frequently turning up the volume on your radio and TV
- Difficulty hearing people who are talking in a low voice
- Experiencing sudden hearing loss
- Excess earwax buildup
- An avoidance of social gatherings
Whenever you need to see a healthcare professional, it’s natural to have reservations. It’s important to find one that you’ll be comfortable with. But how do you find one?
If you feel you may be experiencing hearing loss, and are looking for an audiologist, utilize these six tips to find the one for you.
Seek Audiologist Referrals
When looking for an audiologist, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from your primary care physician or from friends, family, and colleagues in your network. Ask them for a recommendation.
Read Audiologist Reviews
Testimonials are another form of referral. Another way to find an audiologist is to do a search online for an audiologist in your location. You can read the reviews left by other patients to get an idea of the services they provide and if they provide good customer service.
Review the History of Your Referred Audiologist
Whether you get the name of an audiologist from a search engine result or from a colleague, you should always check out the audiologist’s website or Google My Business profile to learn more about their staff as well as how long they’ve been in business, should you prefer practices with a proven track record.
Check the Credentials of the Audiologist
Credentials are essential to any audiologist. Audiologists are required to have an advanced degree in audiology, as well as sufficient on the job training. Professional credentials will highlight their education, so you might want to look these letters after their name. BCA (Board Certified in Audiology) and CCC-A (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology) are two standard ones.
Check if the Audiologist Can Conduct Hearing Tests in Their Office
Many people look for medical services that can provide a one-stop shop for all their needs. It can be inconvenient having to run from office to office taking tests and collecting reports. When looking for an audiologist be sure to check if your audiologist can conduct hearing tests in their office.
Hearing Aid Repairs
Your audiologist should be your go-to person for all things hearing loss related. Should your hearing loss require hearing aids, chances are your hearing aids may need repair over time. A good audiologist should be able to do quick and affordable hearing aid repairs for you, as well as provide you with replacement batteries and other accessories that you may need.
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, need to schedule a hearing test, or looking for a certified audiologist in your area, check out HealthyHearing.com to learn more.