Hearing Haven
Who Should I Purchase My Hearing Aid From?
Audiologists, ENTs, Dispensers - Which One?
This may be one of the more controversial questions addressed on this web site, but we offer an unconventional answer!
When you visit an audiologists web site, they will tell you to go to an audiologist. An ENT (ear nose and throat doctor) will recommend a doctor, and a hearing aid specialist will offer his own specialty. Which is best?
Our suggestion is simply this: choose the one with the most experience! The fitting of hearing aids is more of an art or craft than a science. Hearing is a very subjective sense, and although fitting formulas help in selecting the circuit, each person has unique tastes and perceptions of sound.
Choose By Reputation
There are audiologists and hearing aid dispensers who are excellent hearing aid fitters. There are also those who lack the aptitude to properly fit hearing aids and never quite “get” it. If you are referred to an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser with high recommendations from a hearing aid wearer that obtained great results, that would be an excellent person to consider.
Look for someone who specializes in hearing aids; fitting hearing aids is their full time occupation. Don’t listen to what they say about themselves, listen to what other people say about their work. Go by reputation, not education. Look for testimonials, not self-promotion.
