Find a Professional
Congratulations on your decision to take the first step toward better hearing. A thorough hearing evaluation will tell you whether or not you have hearing loss, the severity of the loss, and which treatment options are appropriate for you.
Types of Hearing Specialists
There are several types of hearing professionals who specialize in measuring hearing loss and fitting hearing aids: an audiologist, licensed hearing instrument specialist, or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician. These hearing professionals are an excellent source of information and support for hearing health concerns and can prescribe hearing loss treatment such as hearing aids.
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Audiologist
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An audiologist has earned a master’s or doctoral degree in audiology from an accredited university and meets the state’s requirements to practice clinical audiology. (Certified Clinical Competence Audiologist CCC-A or Doctor of Audiology, Au.D.)
In addition to holding the national certificate of clinical competence or a doctorate in audiology, audiologists may also be board certified if they meet requirements established by the American Academy of Audiology.
For more information on audiology laws in your state, search on the following keywords: “Your state name, audiology laws.”
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Hearing instrument specialist
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A hearing aid dispenser or specialist is authorized by the state to measure hearing and to fit and sell hearing aids using an audiometer.
Requirements for hearing aid dispensers vary by state, but usually they are required to work as an apprentice to a certified dispenser and pass an examination given by the State Committee of Examiners in the Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments.
Fitters and dispensers may be board certified if they meet requirements of the National Board of Hearing Instrument Sciences (HIS).
Search the Internet using the following keywords to view the hearing aid dispensing laws in your state: "Hearing aid dispensing laws, your state name."
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ENT physician
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Ear, nose and throat physicians (ENT), or otolaryngologists, are physicians holding a medical degree (MD) or a Doctor of Otolaryngology (DO). They are trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck including the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. ENT physicians can perform a complete medical history and physical examination of the head and neck, hearing and balance tests.
ENT physicians may prescribe medications, perform surgery—including cochlear implants—and dispense hearing aids and related devices. The credential for otolaryngologists is board certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology.
Only 13% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss. If you suspect hearing loss, contact a hearing professional today.
5 Steps for Choosing the Right Hearing Health Provider
Consider the following criteria when evaluating hearing professionals.
- Choose a qualified hearing professional for a full screening.
- Seek a professional who wants to build a relationship with you.
- Find a hearing aid professional who knows hearing aid features and functions.
- Choose a provider who offers a written contract.
- Choose a provider who will follow up with you after purchase.