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Hearing loss can happen to anyone, at any age. As it often comes on gradually, many don't even realize how much it has impacted their lives until it impedes communication with those around them. Getting hearing aids is an important step in improving hearing and communication - and it makes a difference who you get your hearing aids from. There are significant advantages to being evaluated and treated by a Doctor of Audiology versus buying a one-size-fits-all hearing aid online. Here are some reasons why it's worth investing in customized care from a hearing healthcare professional.
Audiologists undergo extensive education and training to become qualified hearing healthcare professionals. To practice as an audiologist, an individual must complete a doctor of audiology (AuD) degree. This is a 4-year postgraduate program that builds upon a bachelor's degree. Audiology programs provide in-depth coursework in areas like anatomy, physiology, physics of sound, auditory disorders, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and vestibular function. Students also complete a rigorous clinical practicum (called externship) where they evaluate and treat patients under supervision. Overall, Audiologists receive the most thorough academic and practical preparation for hearing aid fittings.
Audiologists are experts at diagnosing different types of hearing loss and determining the root causes. They have access to specialized diagnostic equipment and can perform a variety of hearing tests. Advanced training allows audiologists to provide comprehensive services related to hearing loss prevention, identification, assessment, and treatment. Patients can trust that an audiologist has the background and expertise to properly diagnose hearing issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
One of the biggest advantages of getting hearing aids through an audiologist is that they will program the devices specifically for your hearing loss and needs. An audiologist will conduct a comprehensive hearing evaluation, which assesses the type and degree of hearing loss you have. They will examine the shape and structure of your ear canal. Based on the results, the audiologist will determine which make and model of hearing aid is optimal.
The audiologist will then fine-tune the hearing aid settings while you are wearing the devices. This programming is personalized and tailored to your hearing loss pattern and lifestyle needs. An audiologist can adjust settings like amplification, frequency response, and noise reduction. Using something called Real Ear Measurement, they will measure the sound in your ear canal with the hearing aids in. They will modify these settings until the hearing aids deliver the maximum hearing clarity and comfort for you. Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach from an online retailer, audiologists provide customized hearing solutions. This attention to detail makes all of the difference when it comes to your daily listening experience.
Getting hearing aids is just the first step - ensuring they are working properly and adjusted for your needs is key for long-term success. Audiologists provide ongoing care and maintenance for hearing aid users through follow-up appointments.
During these appointments, audiologists will make any needed adjustments to the settings and programming of your hearing aids. As you get used to wearing them, you may notice certain sounds are too loud or quiet, or the aids aren't picking up speech clearly. The audiologist will tweak the settings based on your experience and feedback.
They'll also perform maintenance like cleaning and checking the hardware. Wear and tear can affect performance, so it's important to get your hearing aids inspected regularly. The audiologist will replace any worn out parts and ensure the aids are functioning properly.
In addition, they can reprogram the hearing aids if your hearing changes over time. Our hearing sensitivity can fluctuate as we age, so the programming should be updated to match your current level of hearing. The audiologist will run tests and make adjustments accordingly.
Ongoing care helps optimize your hearing aids and ensures you're getting the most benefit from them. Audiologists have the expertise to fine tune them precisely for your needs and catch any issues before they become problems. Their continued support can improve your experience and satisfaction with hearing aids.
Audiologists are also trained to diagnose and treat underlying conditions that may be causing hearing loss. They will perform a full evaluation of your hearing to determine if any medical conditions are contributing to the hearing issues.
An audiologist can spot these issues early and recommend appropriate treatment options or refer you to another medical professional if necessary. This allows you to address the root cause of hearing loss, rather than just masking the symptoms with hearing aids. Treating underlying conditions improves the long-term prognosis and helps prevent further hearing deterioration.
Audiologists also stay up to date on the latest research into causes of hearing loss. They can provide recommendations based on emerging evidence of ototoxic drugs, genetic factors, and other newly discovered contributors to hearing issues. Their comprehensive expertise allows for a fuller understanding of each patient's unique situation.
Choosing an audiologist over a hearing aid dispenser provides several critical advantages. Audiologists have extensive training, typically holding a doctoral degree in audiology (AuD), which equips them with a deep understanding of auditory systems and comprehensive diagnostic skills. This advanced education allows audiologists to identify and treat a wide range of hearing issues, including those that may be medically complex.
Hearing aid dispensers, on the other hand, often have less formal education and training, focusing primarily on the sale and fitting of hearing aids without in-depth medical expertise.
Due to their training and allowed scope of services, audiologists can typically offer other hearing-related services to patients, such as tinnitus treatment, balance and dizziness treatment and cochlear implant evaluations.
Purchasing hearing aids online may seem like an appealing option due to lower costs and convenience. However, there are some significant drawbacks to consider:
- Lack of customization - Online hearing aids are mass-produced and cannot be tailored to your specific hearing loss type and severity. Real Ear Measurement, for example, is not something that can be done remotely by an online retailer. Real Ear Measurement is the gold standard in hearing aid fitting and ensures that your devices accurately and effectively address your hearing needs. An audiologist will customize the settings and features based on your hearing test results and needs, while an online retailer will hope that they are programmed correctly.
- No local support - Hearing is a personal and present experience, and it is critical to be able to consult on an ongoing basis about comfort, sound quality, maintenance, and adjusting to your new hearing aids. If anything goes wrong with hearing aids you got online, you’d have to get in touch with online customer service for troubleshooting. On the other hand, if you treat your hearing loss with an audiologist, you can simply schedule an appointment and receive in-person care, attention, and immediate solutions.
- Fitting issues - Hearing aids need to fit your ear canal properly to work well. In our practice, we often coach our patients on proper hearing device insertion techniques. Without an in-person fitting, online hearing aids may lead to discomfort, feedback, irritation, or poor performance. With audiologists, you can expect a reliable and professional hearing aid fitting that is both a good physical fit within your ears and also an accurate fit in terms of programming.
- Hearing evaluation - An audiologist will conduct a thorough hearing test to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Online retailers may rely on old tests, unreliable online tests or your own basic hearing self-assessment. Inaccurate results can lead to improperly programmed hearing aids, which often cannot be reprogrammed by your local audiologist. Audiologists provide the best fittings because of their in-depth training in evaluating hearing needs.
- Follow up care - An audiologist will schedule follow-up visits to monitor how you're getting along and make any needed adjustments. Online retailers offer ongoing fine tuning and care, but without being able to see you, check the device or run more advanced testing, they are limited in their ability to ensure success.
- Less effective - Overall, audiologist-fitted hearing aids are proven to provide better sound quality, comfort, and long-term satisfaction compared to online hearing aids.
- Less reliable - Advanced Hearing Center is a 3-time winner of Sugar Land’s Reader’s Choice Award. While some online shops have flashy websites and promise the world, many of them have already come and gone, leaving their customers with the service and support they were promised.
The expertise, customization, and ongoing support from an audiologist is well worth the investment for most hearing aid wearers. Consider visiting an audiologist first before looking into cheaper online options.
The cost difference between purchasing hearing aids from an audiologist compared to an online retailer can seem significant at first glance. However, there are several important factors that account for the higher price tag from audiologists. In-person clinics provide comprehensive services and care. This includes the initial hearing evaluation, custom programming and fitting of the hearing aids, follow-up appointments to adjust settings, counseling on communication strategies, and ongoing support. These value-added services represent a significant portion of the total costs from an audiologist.
Online retailers provide the hearing aid but minimal additional services. The consumer is responsible for programming and adjustments, often with phone support. But there is no expert customization, no Real Ear Measurement or long-term care plan included.
So in summary, the cost of hearing aids from audiologists covers far more than just the hearing aid device. Patients receive specialized expertise, customization, and ongoing support to address their unique hearing needs over time. The added value provided by audiologists accounts for the higher overall investment.
Getting hearing aids from an audiologist is the best option for most people with hearing loss. Audiologists like Dr. Terry Snook have extensive medical training to diagnose and treat hearing issues. They can customize hearing aids to your specific needs and provide ongoing adjustments and care.
Audiologists also recommend communication strategies and address any underlying medical conditions causing hearing loss. While online shops or strip mall retailers might seem like a good option, you sacrifice the expertise and personal care from an audiologist. The long-term benefits are well worth the investment.
If you think you may have hearing loss, schedule an appointment with a licensed audiologist at Advanced Hearing Center. Getting properly fitted hearing aids can tremendously improve your hearing, quality of life, and ability to communicate. Don't put it off any longer - take control of your hearing health today and schedule a consultation with us today.
