Navigating the hearing health care market is more confusing than ever before. Hearing aids are only as effective as the clinician who evaluates your hearing loss and fits your devices. Below are three key questions you can ask when scheduling an appointment to confirm that the clinic truly prioritizes your hearing health.
1. How Much Do You Charge For A Hearing Test?
As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as a free meal. If a clinic offers free hearing tests, it’s likely retail-focused. Their goal is often to get you in the door “for free” and sell you top-of-the-line hearing aids regardless of your specific communication needs.
To put it simply, a free hearing test is a classic bait-and-switch sales tactic.
2. Do You Complete Speech-In-Noise Testing?
A thorough hearing evaluation should include Speech-in-Noise Testing, which measures how well you understand speech in background noise and real-world listening environments. This test is the primary way we determine which level of technology is most appropriate for you.
Without this test, we have no way to know how much control over background noise you need—and therefore cannot recommend premium technology knowledgeably. If a clinic does not complete Speech-in-Noise testing yet recommends premium hearing aids, their focus is on selling devices rather than helping you hear your best.
3. Do You Complete Real Ear Measurements?
Real Ear Measurements (REM) are a critical part of best-practice hearing aid fitting. This procedure verifies that your hearing aids are programmed according to your unique ear canal shape and size. It also ensures the hearing aids are safe and not at risk of causing further hearing damage.
Imagine you, an NFL linebacker, and a U.S. gymnast all have the same hearing loss. The hearing aids might be programmed identically, but because ear canals vary in size and shape, they will sound very different. If a clinic does not use Real Ear Measurements, you cannot be certain the devices are properly fit, safe, or performing to their potential.
Unfortunately, it’s estimated that fewer than 30% of hearing care providers perform Real Ear Measurements.
I hope you use these questions to find an audiologist you can trust to help you hear your very best! Schedule an appointment with our team to begin your personalized hearing care journey and learn more about the services we offer.