How to Choose the Right Hearing Healthcare Professional for Your Needs

If you have suspected hearing loss finding the right hearing healthcare professional can be difficult. To do this, you must not only focus on choosing a suitable audiologist, but you must also identify the best option for your personal needs. Use the following checklist for guidance and you will be sure to find the right hearing health professional quickly and confidently.

Think About Location

Firstly, you will want to find an audiologist that is conveniently located. After all, several appointments may be required to complete hearing exams, hearing aids fittings and ongoing patient care. Traveling hundreds of miles for this service multiple times over the coming months probably isn’t on your agenda. A little research will quickly highlight the locations of all audiologists in your area. As well as the location, you’ll want to consider accessibility and parking lot conditions.

Find a Hearing Healthcare Professional with Solid Credentials

Before worrying about whether an audiologist is the right fit, you must first confirm that they are a suitable candidate for the diagnosis and management of hearing loss or related conditions. An experienced hearing health professional with a solid reputation is the only person you should trust. You can check how long the business has been running, confirm what qualifications they have and read testimonials to gain all the insight you need.

Speak to Family or Colleagues

If you have suspected hearing loss, you will have a unique hearing profile. However, it is likely that your hearing loss is familial or caused by lifestyle situations, such as working conditions that have left you exposed to loud sounds. Therefore, speaking to relatives or colleagues could be the key to finding the right expert.

Think About Your Hearing Health Requirements

Most audiologists can offer hearing examinations to all adults. However, you may need a hearing health professional that specializes in pediatrics, tinnitus, balance disorders or senior hearing. Likewise, you may need someone that understands the unique impacts of your career – for example, if you work in music.

If you need something more than a general approach to hearing examinations, you will want to check that the audiologist can provide it.

Investigate Insurance Claims

Hearing tests and tinnitus evaluations can be covered by various forms of medical insurance without the need for a primary care physician (PCP) referral. If you plan to make an insurance claim or make a claim through your employer, you’ll want to check the situation with any chosen audiologist.

It’s not an issue that all patients have to worry about. For those that do, it’s important to have the right conversations in advance of booking an appointment.

Confirm That a Comprehensive Service is Offered

Hearing tests may be completed in various audiology centers. First and foremost, you deserve accurate results. But what happens if hearing loss is confirmed? Frankly, it is always better if the hearing health professional can follow up on the diagnosis with the appropriate management plan. Having to use multiple services can be very unhelpful.

An audiologist that can provide follow-up appointments to discuss hearing aids, arrange fittings and provide continued support should be the preferred option.

Research the Manufacturers they Work with

If hearing aids are deemed necessary or beneficial for you, it’s vital that you get the right hearing aids. The hopes of finding the best ones will be far greater if the hearing health professional has an extensive range of options that they could offer. Checking which brands they stock is potentially a huge step toward success.

An audiologist should be able to offer in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE) and in the canal (ITC) models, including modern hearing aids with advanced technology features. This will translate to a better quality of life.

Check Their Availability

If you suspect that you may be experiencing hearing loss, prompt answers to your concerns are important. However, it can be disappointing if you’re unable to secure an appointment with an audiologist for several months due to their time management. In such cases, it is recommended to reach out to the receptionists and inquire about their availability as well as the estimated wait times between appointments. This proactive approach will help you gather the necessary information and gain a better understanding of the scheduling process.

Book a Hearing Test in Nashville Today

If you need the help of an audiologist and want to learn more about hearing loss or hearing aids, the Brentwood Hearing Center will help you hear the sweet sound of clearer hearing in no time. Call us at (615) 866-0431 now to arrange your appointment.