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The three different provider types for hearing healthcare are briefly described: (1) private practice Audiologist, (2) ENT physician, and (3) dispenser’s office.
Audiologist
Audiologists have received as a minimum a Master’s Degree (many have Doctorates) and specialize in the assessment and rehabilitation of hearing loss. The profession of Audiology began when WWII veterans sustained hearing loss from artillery and combat noise exposure. Since adult onset hearing is only 5 % surgical/medical and 95% rehabilitation, private practice audiologists play a major role in the assessment and rehabilitation of adult hearing loss and comprise the largest growth sector for hearing healthcare in our country today. Audiologist must be licensed in the State of Georgia and must also pass a national examination from either the American Speech and Hearing Association or be a member of the American Academy of Audiology.
Ear, Nose and Throat Physician (ENT)
The second type of hearing healthcare provider is the ENT physician, who specializes in diseases and surgery of the ear. Patients who experience sudden onset hearing loss, hearing loss in only one ear, chronic ear infections, pediatric ear infections, ear drainage, vertigo and dizziness associated with hearing loss require an exam by an ENT physician.
Hearing Aid Dispenser
The third type of hearing provider is the hearing aid dispenser. Although dispensers have no formal academic training, they are licensed in the State of Georgia and require an apprenticeship from another licensed dispenser. Dispensers have provided valuable services in rural communities that otherwise would be underserved.
Suggestions for improving the chances of a successful outcome with hearing
aids.
The purchase of a hearing aid should be based on the merit of the service provider not the product. If the hearing healthcare provider has been chosen carefully, the product will be chosen with thought and intention and reflect the needs of the patient. A money back guarantee or trial period should be considered standard. Choose the right provider and the chances of a successful outcome are high; choose a product and the chances of a successful outcome are random.
- Ask acquaintances in the community where they purchased their hearing aid and determine their outcome. Professional reputation in the community carries a powerful message. Patients that have received excellent patient care will tell others.
- Choose a hearing healthcare provider with longevity. Longevity suggests stability and that the provider has made a commitment to their patients.
- Avoid practices that represent the manufacturer (i.e, Beltone, Mirace Ear, Audibel, Starkey). These practices represent the manufacturer; not the patient.
- Check the credentials of the service provider. In the State of Georgia, all service providers for hearing aids require a license. Determine what type of license (i.e., a dispenser’s license; Audiology license)
- The best practices provide resources for auditory training. Hearing aids can not completely restore hearing function and many patients can benefit from listening training to improve their ability to hear in difficult listening environments.
- Be practical when using choosing the size of the hearing aid and place function as a higher priority over size. Although most patients prefer a smaller hearing aid to a larger hearing aid, the smallest hearing aid lacks features that can provide benefit from background noise. Open hearing aid fittings provide an excellent substitute for the smallest size and do not compromise function for the sake of cosmetics.