Read This Before Buying Hearing Aids

Many questions should be asked before making the investment in hearing aids.

Most important is to choose the right hearing healthcare professional.

Today, Audiologists graduate with a Clinical Doctorate (AuD).

This is usually 4 years of an undergraduate degree and another 4 years in a doctoral AuD program.

A hearing instrument specialist is also licensed to fit and dispense hearing aids but has a high school degree and may also have additional college training depending on the requirements of that state.

So choose the professional who you feel is most qualified to provide nonmedical treatment of the hearing problem.

No one audiologist can fit every brand of hearing aid as a Family Physician can’t treat every medical condition.

So choose the professional who will have options in deciding on the best technology for the hearing loss, the lifestyle and budget of each patient.

Make sure verification testing is done to determine both the improvement in hearing levels and speech clarity in noise.

Make sure you are counseled regarding realistic expectations for your hearing loss and what can be expected from the level of technology chosen.

Also there should be ongoing follow-up care every 4-6 months for several years following the fitting to provide maximum benefit especially as hearing may change.

Thus you are making a great investment in time, cost and outcome.

So choose the most qualified hearing care professional for you. Never hesitate to get a second opinion if you have doubts. Looking for the best and least expensive hearing aids could result in a very expensive mistake.