Asking questions is always important, especially when it comes to selecting an audiologist that will be able to meet your hearing loss needs. The questions below are absolute musts when you’re in the process of selecting an audiologist and should be kept in mind.

What qualifications do you have?

This is an easy question and you should expect an answer to right off the bat. However, if you don’t, that’s some cause for concern. You should expect the audiologist to state that their qualifications include an advanced degree in audiology and further training in the diagnosis and the treatment of hearing loss and possibly tinnitus or balance disorders.

How do you establish relationships with your patients?

This question is often overlooked, but is an important one to ask. Being comfortable and trusting your audiologist is perhaps the most important factor to consider when deciding on a professional. By asking how the audiologist establishes relationships with patients, you’ll get a small glimpse of how they interact with other individuals. This should give you a good idea of whether or not it’s the kind of audiologist you can trust in and be comfortable with.

Do you offer a variety of hearing technology?

When it comes to treating hearing loss, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. While one hearing aid may be the perfect treatment for one person’s hearing loss, it may not be as successful for your type of hearing loss. That’s why it’s important to find out if the audiologist you’re considering offers different devices from different hearing aid manufacturers. This will ensure you get the perfect hearing aid for your treatment – should you need one.

What kind of aftercare plan do you offer?

Once you purchase hearing aid through an audiologist, you should be given follow-up care and instructions. Any reputable audiologist will have a thorough, extensive aftercare plan that will include an appointment with you to go over how your hearing with your devices and if any adjustments need to be made.

Even if every aftercare plan is not generally the same as one you heard about from another audiologist, all of the ones who are reputable and have the proper credentials will offer one. Therefore, if the audiologist you’re currently speaking to does not have one, or can’t give you a straight answer, you should definitely go elsewhere.