How to Choose the Right Hearing Instrument Specialist for You

Many individuals often ignore their hearing loss, which can lead to further problems down the line. If you’ve been experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to visit a professional to address your hearing loss and provide you with some treatment. The question for many individuals minds is how to choose the right specialist for them.

What is a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

A hearing instrument specialist (HIS) is a licensed professional that primarily helps patients choose and fit their hearing aids. They have extensive knowledge of the ear and its delicate parts and can help evaluate your overall hearing health. They can also perform hearing examinations and determine the best course of treatment for you. However, they are not to be confused to be someone with a doctorate in audiology. While they are licensed, they can only treat adults with noise induced or age related hearing loss. If you are expericing either, they might be the right specialist to see for your hearing loss. But how do you choose the right one?

Look at Online Reviews

When it comes to deciding who will treat your hearing loss, it’s important to know you’re visiting someone that treats their patients well. Look through online reviews and read what people have said about their service, how professional they were and other things that are important to you when it comes to choosing a HIS. Don’t forget to take into consideration any bad reviews that are left when making your decision.

Ask for Referrals

One of the best ways of choosing the right hearing instrument specialist for you is by asking for recommendations from your friends and family. Find out who has had a positive and helpful experience with certain professionals, and don’t be afraid to call different practices before choosing someone. You could even turn to other health professionals you visit for recommendations on a good hearing instrument specialist.

Check Their Credentials

While a HIS shouldn’t practice if they aren’t licensed, it’s important for you to do your research. Hearing instrument specialists go through rigorous training and exams and then have to apply to the state they’re practicing in, so you don’t want to see just anybody. Knowing that their credentials are intact will help give you the peace of mind when making a decision on who to see.

Ask About the Services They Provide

Finally, it’s important to ask them what services they provide. While hearing instrument specialists can perform many different roles when it comes to treating hearing loss, they might not offer some of the services you’re after. If you prefer to keep your treatment to one hearing instrument specialist, then you should stick by your wishes and find someone that can offer that to you. Remember to think about after care as well as the appointment and treatment.

Choosing the right HIS is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Use this advice to make sure you find the right one for you.