Over 5% of the world’s population have disabling hearing loss, and by 2050, this will increase to 10%.
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, it may be scary at first. But thankfully, we have modern technology to help make up for any auditory deficiencies.
A medical professional who can help you do so is an audiologist.
If you don’t know how to seek one out, then here’s a quick guide on how to find an audiologist.
What Does an Audiologist Do?
First things first: what does an audiologist do?
As the name suggests, an audiologist is a healthcare professional who deals with hearing loss. Not only that though; they can also help you with balance disorders.
To help diagnose you and find what’s the root cause of your hearing or balance issues, they can perform hearing exams and prescribe hearing aids and treatment for your balance disorders. They may also offer hearing and speech rehabilitation programs.
Now that you know what an audiologist can do for you, maybe this has reaffirmed your need for one. Read on to find out how to find one in New York.
How to Find an Audiologist
You know what an audiologist is, but maybe you haven’t the faintest clue how to find one near you in New York. But not to worry; here are some useful ways to find an audiologist in your area.
Ask Friends and Family
Considering some hearing loss is hereditary, there’s a good chance someone in your family has already experienced hearing loss and has an audiologist they use. This is an excellent way to ensure you go to someone good, as your loved ones already have experience with them.
If you have friends who have hearing loss or balance issues, you can ask them if they have a good professional they use as well. Leverage the power of social media; make a post asking for audiologist recommendations and you might just get a few.
Ask Your Local Medical Center
Give your local medical center a call and speak to the ENT department. They should have some resources for you. Most likely, they’ll be able to provide you with a list of quality audiologists in New York.
You can also do the same with your GP. Chances are, they’ve had patients who need referrals to audiologists, so just ask them and they’ll probably have some good ones to refer you to.
Look Online
The power of the internet is amazing; we can find so many things and answer so many questions with just a few keystrokes and some clicks.
You don’t even have to type in “audiologist near me.” All you need to do is enter “audiologist,” and Google will generate all nearby results for you.
Not only will you be able to see how close they are to you, but you can also check out other things, like their reviews, hours of operation, and their websites.
How to Pick an Audiologist
Now that you know how to find an audiologist, you probably have a few on your list. But how do you find the best audiologist? Below are some helpful tips.
Check Their Certifications
Your hearing is probably vital to not only your daily life but also your work. So you need to find a professional who knows what they’re doing.
A reputable audiologist should have a license, not just a certificate. They should have a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) title.
Check Their Experience
This is not to say that audiologists with less experience aren’t as good. But usually, the ones with more experience tend to be better at what they do. Because they’ve seen more cases, they’ll be able to pinpoint your issues a lot more efficiently.
Hearing centers that have been around for a while not only have more experience but most likely have better service as well. It’s true that you’re going in for something medical, but this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t provide good “customer” service.
Hearing might be a sensitive subject for you, so you don’t want your anxiety to be exacerbated by an audiologist who has a reputation for being cold and abrasive. A hearing center that’s been in business longer will probably have medical professionals that give their patients exemplary service.
Check Their Reviews
A reputable audiologist won’t be afraid to display their reviews. They’ll be completely transparent about their experience.
If you don’t see reviews on their website, feel free to ask them for references. They should be more than happy to provide you with some glowing reviews from previous patients. If not, then that could be a red flag.
You can also go online and check out third-party review sites, like Yelp and Google Reviews. Here, you can find a wealth of information, as previous patients will have rated their services.
Do remember that one or two bad reviews are normal and not anything you should be alarmed about. Some people are impossible to please, after all.
But if there are scores of bad reviews, then you’ll want to avoid the audiologist.
Find an Audiologist in New York Today
Now you know how to find an audiologist, so the next step is to get to researching. Make sure you gather some good information on these professionals and even call around if you want.
Don’t feel rushed into making a decision, and certainly don’t get pressured into it either. If you don’t feel comfortable with a hearing center, don’t feel guilty if you cross it off your list. Just move onto the other choices and don’t ever settle; make sure you’re 100% comfortable and sure of a place before moving forward with an appointment.
Would you like to get a hearing test soon? Then make sure you book an appointment with us! We’re experts who can provide you with the best in hearing aid technology.
