Questions to Ask When Finding an Audiologist

Finding an audiologist can feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right information, references and questions you can easily find one to suite your needs. Curious what you should look for when selecting an audiologist? Consider the following questions as you work to choose the right audiologist for you.

• Where is the audiology practice located? When selecting an audiologist, it is a good idea to consider where the office location is. You want to ask yourself how long it will take you to get to the practice during different times of the day. How long will it take you to get there during rush hour traffic? How long will it take you to get there during the day and in the evenings? Many people advise finding an audiologist located near your work or home, so it will be easier for you to schedule and keep the appointments you make!
• What are the office hours of operation? Audiology practices generally offer similar hours during the workweek, but what about the weekends or evenings? Find out if the audiologist you’re considering offers any after-work appointment slots or designates one or two Saturdays a month for individuals who can’t take time off of work during the week. If you’re trying to decide between two different audiology practices, consider which office hours work best with your schedule.
• What costs are associated with the appointments? Check to see what costs are due or are associated with each appointment. Is there a cost for the initial appointment, but not for follow-up appointments? Or is there no cost for the initial appointment, but there is for follow-up appointments? Are there any other fees associated with the appointments, like cancellation fees, use of equipment fees or consumables used during the appointment fees? Check to see what kind of costs you may incur so you can be prepared.
• How does the clinic handle payments? While insurance companies are slowly beginning to cover hearing health, many still do not. When selecting an audiologist, ask whether the practice offers any kind of payment plans or discounts when purchasing hearing aids or assistive listening devices. Some audiologists offer loyalty programs that include free hearing aid check-ups and batteries when you purchase your hearing device through them. Because hearing aids are an important investment, it’s essential to know what kind of financing options you have available to you, if any.
• Who does the audiologist cater to? Check to see if the audiologist you are checking out meets your hearing health needs. For example, some audiologists specialize in pediatrics or balance disorders. If you’re experiencing something more than just hearing loss, it might be worthwhile to consider an audiologist with expertise in another area.

While finding an audiologist can feel like a daunting task, knowing what questions to ask and what you need from a hearing professional is a great start! Hearing loss doesn’t have to impact your life any longer, schedule an appointment with an audiologist in your area today.