How to Select an Audiologist

If you suspect you may be experiencing a problem with your auditory health, whether a loss of hearing or tinnitus, you want to find the right professional to diagnose and treat your condition. An audiologist is a hearing health professional that extensively studies ear anatomy and all conditions associated with it. This also means they are the most knowledgeable professional to treat your condition. But before you get to this point, you have to choose an audiologist. When it comes to picking the right one, what factors do you need to consider?

Their reputation

Their reputation will always precede them. If you're looking for the ideal audiologist, it's best to go with a clinic that has been in business for a long time. This means that they are more likely to provide customer service and long-term care. It's important to do some research beforehand, either online or in person. Not just so you can scope out the practice for yourself, but you can see if they've had positive referrals from customers in the past. Many websites will have customer testimonials giving you a more comprehensive opinion.

Their credentials

Credentials are integral to any good audiologist. An audiologist is required to have an advanced degree in audiology, as well as sufficient training hours spent on the job. Audiologists tend to be members of professional organizations such as the American Academy of Audiology. Professional credentials will highlight their education, and it is also worth looking for the letters after their name. BCA (Board Certified in Audiology) and CCC-A (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology) are two common ones. But you need to find out if their experience is up to code with your standards. To schedule an appointment with an audiologist for the first time, you can get a referral from your general physician. It's important to note that some insurance companies will only cover the cost of audiology services if you get a referral from your doctor. As your doctor could refer you, it is likelier that they will recommend the more reputable practitioners in your immediate area.

Their dedication to you

An appointment with an audiologist is the first step, but it's likely you will be making visits to your audiologist over a long period of time. It's crucial for you to establish their abilities in customer care and common courtesy. Poor customer service isn't something you should put up with. If the staff in the clinic leaves you frustrated by ignoring your phone calls, cancel your appointments at the last minute, or you endure long waiting times, consider these as red flags. And even after you've finished your appointments with your audiologist, you should look for a place where there the after-sales service is second to none. Your relationship with an audiologist is a long-term one; you need to trust and respect them, and they need to do the same to you. It is not just about a one-off transaction, but a good audiologist can provide you with assistance and guidance whenever you have any issues, as well as offering servicing and repairs to your device.

Their location

Depending on where you live, there may not be as many options for a good audiologist. At the same time, you don't want to travel too far to get to your appointment. You will also need to consider if you have ongoing issues with your hearing aids, or you need the device serviced or cleaned. If you find somewhere that's close to the audiologist, not only can you make your appointment with ease, you can have the device cleaned or repaired with minimal effort.

Their impression on you

Last, but by no means least, you need to make a shortlist of your preferred audiologists, and get in contact with them to see if they make a good impression. The first impression they make on you can go a long way. The best audiologist will use your hearing test results to recommend the best hearing aid for you, but you also need to find one that will listen to your concerns. They need to have an understanding of your unique problems and opinions. If you visit an audiologist and don't leave with a good impression, this can speak volumes.

While selecting an audiologist can be a lengthy process, you should pick the right one for your needs. Ultimately, they need to show dedication to you and need to work with you so the problems are diagnosed and the solutions provided as much clarity as possible. To get more information about our audiologists and diagnosis and treatment process, call us at:

• Poulsbo: (360) 697-3061
• Port Townsend: (360) 379-5458