Struggling with hearing can greatly impact the quality of your life or a loved one’s. Not only do you feel anxious and self-conscious about your hearing impairment, but you may start to avoid social events, listening to the same music, or watching the television shows you love.
You’re also not alone. In the United States, 3.6 percent of people consider themselves deaf or hard of hearing. In the Rochester area alone, 40,000 people are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
If you relate to this, it may be time to consider New York hearing doctors! Read on as we outline the top five qualities you need to look for to find the best audiologist in NYC.
1. Good Communication
Your audiologist and their office should be able to communicate with you effectively. For instance, when you schedule an appointment with them, you should get appointment reminders as well as know what to expect and where to go for your first appointment.
During the time of your appointment, it’s also important that your audiologist is willing and able to answer all of your questions. For instance, if you’re considering New York hearing aids but are unfamiliar with them, they need to be able to supply you with information on the different types and styles.
Your doctor should also understand that the people at their office experience hearing difficulties. For this reason, they should be able to speak slowly and loud.
Communication should also extend outside the office. If you need to cancel or change an appointment, is it easy for you to do, or do you spend time on hold?
You may also have questions about finances later on, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments. For this reason, make sure you schedule an appointment with an audiologist that is able to communicate with you consistently.
2. Great Service
Even if you find an audiologist that’s able to take your insurance and has good reviews, it’s important that’s easy for you to find an opening in your schedule. If you constantly have to leave work in the middle of the afternoon or choose inopportune times for you that may make you miss appointments, it may not be a good fit.
It’s also important that you’re not waiting for more than a half-hour in the waiting room. Your audiologist should be able to start the appointment with you on time so that the rest of your day isn’t thrown off. They should also be able to answer all of your questions once the appointment begins while also being aware of the rest of their appointments for the day.
This can be a careful and hard balance for busy offices. However, you’ll find that experienced hearing doctors are able to juggle their time well.
3. Top-Rated
When you’re looking for the best audiologist, it’s important that you take some time to read the reviews on their website. You’ll also want to pay attention to their Google My Business page ratings and reviews. If you find that they have a low rating and overall negative reviews, this is a red flag to stay away.
On the other hand, top-rated audiologists with plenty of positive reviews can usually be trusted. Make sure that most of the reviewers offer details of their experience. This is a good indication that the reviews are genuine.
4. Friendly and Kind
From the moment you contact the office to the time you speak with your doctor, you should be treated with respect and kindness. Consider whether you feel welcomed by the office staff and whether they’re willing to take the time to answer your questions. Regardless of your age, race, background, or level of hearing loss, you should always feel comfortable on the phone with staff or in the office.
You can get an idea of your doctor’s background by visiting the About page of most websites. There should be a brief description of the doctor’s education, how long they’ve been practicing, and what drew them to the practice. Some audiologists will also describe their views of hearing loss and what you can expect if you schedule an appointment.
5. Flexible Financial Options
We understand that an audiologist in NYC out-of-pocket isn’t cheap. Hearing tests alone can be as much as $250 without insurance. Since audiologists are specialists, this price can be higher compared to a clinic.
For this reason, make sure you find an office that’s able to take your insurance as well as Medicare or Medicaid. If you don’t have insurance, some locations will be able to work with you on a sliding scale or offer to finance the costs so that you’re not hit with a huge upfront cost.
These financing options are usually done through third-party providers that will do a soft credit check. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if you need more information.
Finding the Best New York Hearing Doctors
You no longer have to worry about you or a loved one’s hearing impairment. Experienced hearing doctors will be able to take a look at your ears and see if you need to be fitted for hearing aids.
They can also see whether your hearing loss is temporary due to an infection, allergies, or another underlying disease that should be treated. This is why it’s always recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice long-term hearing loss.
Start by searching online for top-rated audiologists in your area. Then, make sure that they’re able to accept your insurance as well as offer flexible financing offers if you need to pay out-of-pocket. Most importantly, you need to see an experienced doctor that consistently treats you with kindness and respect.
Ready to skip the long search for New York hearing doctors? Contact us today if you have any questions or to easily schedule an appointment online!
