How to pick the best audiologist

Finding a hearing healthcare practitioner can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. The best audiologists and hearing aid specialists offer comprehensive services to their patients. These services include the latest technology and diagnostic hearing tests to figure out the cause and best treatments.

They can also ensure that the hearing aids you use are the best choice for your situation. Here are a few tips to make sure your experience at the audiologist or hearing specialist is a good one.

Ask friends and family

Many hearing healthcare providers rely on word-of-mouth recommendations for new clients. If your family member or friend has visited an audiologist, ask him or her for advice on who to see.

You may not know anyone that has recently been to a hearing healthcare professional. If so, you can ask your regular physician to help you find an audiologist. Your medical doctor will most likely be able to recommend a clinician who will give you great service. This can ease the anxiety of going to get your hearing checked.

Does your insurance cover a hearing test?

While some insurance companies will not cover hearing aids, some will pay for a hearing test. If you have this coverage, make sure you're going to a clinic that is in their provider network. Some insurance providers require you to get a professional referral to an audiologist before they will cover the services. Investigate these requirements before booking an appointment, so you don't get surprised with an unexpected bill. 

Consider a business with a history

A hearing clinic that has been in business for 20 or 30 years is likely to provide excellent service and care. This is because they have a long-term commitment to their community. You should do some online research to find patient reviews and check practice websites. Many will have online customer testimonials and reviews that provide you with additional support in determining which place to choose.

Read patient reviews of hearing clinics

Our clinic directory has thousands of verified consumer reviews of hearing clinics across the country. You also can look at each clinician's biography to determine their level of education and time spent in the industry. Professional credentials like Au.D., M.S., M.A., BC-HIS and CCC-A can ensure quality.

Do you need an audiologist with a specialty?

Most audiologists specialize in helping adults with hearing loss.

Subspecialties include pediatrics, balance and vestibular disorders, and tinnitus therapy.

Clinic profile pages usually will make it easy to determine if an audiologist has received special training.

Expect outstanding service

Audiologists and hearing aid specialists love helping people hear better. This satisfaction is often the reason they chose this profession. If you suspect the person you visited only cares about getting a product into your hand, reconsider your options.

Good hearing care is an art and a science. Finding a good audiologist means you'll be working with someone who takes the time to learn about your hearing, your lifestyle, and motivations for seeking help.

Buying hearing aids is a significant investment, but it is worth it if it improves your quality of life. A qualified audiologist will:

• provide follow-up care
• check to make sure your hearing aid is working properly
• confirm you are comfortable with how to use it

Your audiologist or hearing instrument specialist should also be ready to answer any questions you may have. Quality hearing care is an investment that will pay off in improved quality of life and peace of mind.

More: 10 questions to ask your hearing care provider