Did you know that nearly 15% of Americans over the age of 18 reports some trouble with their hearing? Not to mention, almost 29 million Americans need hearing aids.
For many people, seeing an audiologist is life-changing. And it’s easier than you think to find an audiologist in Brooklyn. Don’t be afraid to do your research and get the information you need. Your health and hearing are important, and it’s important to find an audiologist that is suited for you.
If you need an audiologist but aren’t sure how to choose one, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about audiologists and how to choose the best audiologist in Brooklyn.
What Is an Audiologist?
Have you ever wondered what the actual audiologist definition is? Audiologists are healthcare professionals that work with people that having hearing disorders. They diagnose, assess, and treat people who have problems with hearing and balance.
An audiologist treats people of any age. An audiologist can see newborns in their practice, all the way up to older adults. Audiologists help you find the right hearing aids that will work for you. They can also help you with other types of listening devices.
Audiologists also help prevent hearing loss by providing protective hearing devices. They also educate patients on loud noise and hearing loss. Also, audiologists play a crucial part in the research and development of hearing disorders and devices.
Audiologist Education
To become an audiologist, you have to attend an accredited university and earn a master’s degree in audiology. Nowadays, many audiologists continue with their education to earn a doctorate in audiology.
Besides classroom education, audiologists also work in a fellowship position for a year. They also must pass boards to receive licensing and accreditation from working as an audiologist. Once they pass their boards, audiologists must participate in continuing education requirements each year to fulfill the licensing requirements.
Find a Referral
Now that you understand what an audiologist does, you can focus on what to look for when searching for an audiologist in Brooklyn.
One of the first things you can do is ask for a referral. Start with family members and friends who have visited an audiologist before. Family and friends with experience are a great place to start.
But if you don’t have any luck finding an audiologist through family and friends, ask your regular physician for help. They can help guide you towards an audiologist that is knowledgeable and gives excellent service.
Check Out the History and Online Reviews
When you’re searching for hearing clinics, take a look at their history. Find out how long they’ve been in business. Check out their website, and read the audiologist’s biography. Professional credentials such as Au.D., M.S., and M.A., are what you want to look for.
Google is your friend, so make sure you thoroughly research any audiologist you’re considering. Pay close attention to what people are saying about the audiologist and the clinic as a whole. And don’t forget many clinic websites include a section for customer testimonials.
Ask About Insurance and Payment Options
It’s important to know many health insurance companies don’t cover the cost of hearing aids, but some may offer coverage for hearing tests or hearing aid fittings. So make sure you check what coverage you have through your insurance.
Next, check with your audiologist to see what insurance plans they accept. If insurance isn’t an option, many clinics offer financing options such as CareCredit, which will allow you to pay for hearing aids through monthly payments.
Another option is the AARP hearing program which offers savings on hearing aids and various hearing healthcare products. If you’re a veteran, then be sure to check your local VA to see if you qualify for any hearing-related benefits. You also may have coverage options if you have Medicare Advantage or Medicaid.
A sign of a top-notch hearing clinic will work with you to find coverage options, set up payment plans, and have information on charitable organizations that offer assistance for hearing aids.
Excellent Communication Skills
When you look for an audiologist, you are investing in yourself and the future health of your hearing too. So it’s essential to find an audiologist that has excellent communication skills. An audiologist should be clear and explain everything they do in terms that you understand.
It’s also essential to find an audiologist that has an empathetic and friendly demeanor. It makes a huge difference when you find an audiologist that cares about you and wants to help versus one that is strictly business and only seems to care about your money.
Good Time Management
When you make appointments, the audiologist should also respect your time. You want to find an audiologist that doesn’t have appointments that regularly start much later than scheduled or that get canceled at a moment’s notice.
Poor time management can really throw your day off. The last thing you want is to have a problem with your hearing aids, and you’re not able to reach your audiologist for help.
Problem Solving Abilities
Look for an audiologist that uses problem-solving skills along with their medical knowledge to help solve your problems. A high-quality audiologist will work with you to find solutions that solve your hearing problems.
So, find an audiologist that isn’t afraid to think outside the box. Maybe you have tinnitus and hearing loss and need a different combination of devices to solve your problems.
Audiologist in Brooklyn
When you search Google for the best audiologist near me, look no further than the New York Hearing Center. We can test your degree of hearing loss and consider your lifestyle requirements to find the best hearing aids for you.
It’s time to take charge of your hearing and your life. The New York Hearing Center professionals can get you started, so make sure you contact us today!
