How to choose an Audiologist
The first important aspect to consider in choosing an audiologist is credentials.
All audiologists have a master's degree in audiology. However, most now have a doctorate and a few top doctors have Ph.D.s. The degree most audiologists have is the Au.D.--Doctor of Audiology. An audiologist must, obviously, have a license to practice audiology.
It is also important to check on the continuing competence of the audiologist. A competent audiologist should be up to date with the latest technology. It is important to find an audiologist who attends seminars or conferences that discuss new audiological technology or developments in hearing analysis. Audiology associations and consumer associations have patient satisfaction programs that evaluate the competence of an audiologist.
Periodically a certificate of clinical competence is awarded to audiologists who give up to date treatment adhering to professional ethics. Audiologists who constantly update themselves with the research and development of audio assistance aids will be better equipped to fit patients with newer and better hearing aids and will be able to program the instrument based on the need of the patient. An audiologist who attends courses and workshops will be a step ahead of the changing needs of his patient.
Several hearing aid manufacturers have centers where specially trained audiologists can fit the products of the company correctly and help the patient use advanced products in tune with the company’s advancement in product development.
All audiologists are legally licensed to dispensed hearing aids. Class II instruments like ready to wear disposable hearing aids are sold by licensed dispensers. An audiologist can only dispense hearing aids after proper diagnosis and evaluation of hearing loss.
The audiologist should give enough time to the patient to make a detailed evaluation of the level of hearing impairment on the initial visit. It is advisable to consult an audiologist who treats a number of patients without compromising on the amount of time spent with them. The audiologist should offer hearing aids with a trial period to evaluate patient comfort in different sound atmospheres. An assessment of whether the patient requires one or two hearing aids should be conducted. A detailed appraisal of what model of hearing aid will suit the patient and the amount of amplification which will be required should be the core competence of the audiologist. Many hearing aids have automatic data logging. A competent audiologist should positively respond to the data feedback and fine tune instruments according to the need of the patients. An audiologist should assist the patient with testing, fitting the hearing aid and the rehabilitation of the patient’s communication capabilities. The hearing aid fitted by the audiologist should be with reference to the shape of the outer ear, the depth of the inner ear and with enough ventilation so that the patient does not feel a clogged sensation in the ear. The audiologist should suggest fully automatic or simplified hearing aids for patients who do not have the manual dexterity to deal with complicated programs.
A periodical reassessment should be scheduled by an audiologist to understand the patients problems in varied hearing atmospheres and the hearing aid should be suitably altered or repaired as the case required. In complicated cases the audiologist can custom order hearing aids to help the patient with a better instrument fit. An audiologist should have the necessary cables, software and the ability to take careful ear mold impressions to help the patient have a more natural feel in the ear.
The audiologist should schedule an evaluation after one month of the fitting of the hearing aid. The patient should be monitored for a year so that the patient is assured of maximum comfort and maximum communication capability. Since the patient’s relations with the audiologist is an ongoing one it is best to consult an audiologist with a sliding fee scale.
Pediatric audiologists look after the hearing impairment and sound rehabilitation for very young children. The audiologist should take measures to accurately assess the level of hearing loss in a child and a suitable BTE (Behind the ear) instrument can be fitted so that child can lead a nearly normal communicative life. Parents should be governed by the experience that the pediatric audiologist has in working with children. A pediatric audiologist should be able to properly train parents and counsel them on helping the child cope with its hearing aid. A pediatric audiologist should make ear mold impressions accurately, dispense hearing aids on a trial basis and be ready to repair damaged hearing aids frequently.
Audiologists who work in centers established by hearing aid manufacturers have the advantage of having the most advances products at their fingertips. In all cases it is important to carefully choose an audiologist because the soundness of a patient’s communication capacity depends on the audiologist.
