How to choose an audiologist

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Sylvie66

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Hi everyone -
I'm HOH, and it's progressed to the point that it's really affecting my job. So, now that I've lived in denial for so long, how do I go about choosing an audiologist? I see ads all the time, but it strikes me that the commercialism is too great a factor. I mean, of course they're going to sell me hearing aids, over doing a good job of assessing my hearing loss. And then, does insurance ever help with hearing aids for people who are hard of hearing?

Plus, of course, I'm nervous. I feel like, 'oh, it's not so bad' - until I have a phone meeting with the PR department and can't hear half of them! or miss my plane because I couldn't hear the different gate announcements. :Oops: So, it'll help at work, I'm just feeling ... sensitive about it. Not sure why - maybe because hearing aids will mark me as different, like my hearing loss doesn't. :roll: yeah, I'll get over it.

Anyway, if you could help point me in the right direction, I would really appreciate it! The last audiologist I went to, went out of business!

- Sylvie
 
Initially, I received a referral to a local audi from my primary care provider. Once I had an initial diagnosis from that audi, I then shopped around for a specialist at a clinic within the best hospital in the area focused on our specific needs. If affiliated with a teaching hospital, you can sometimes get someone who is on top ofthe latest research and initiatives. My insurance has a list of approved audis, and after looking up their education and experience I asked around about specific individuals to get feedback on who's good, who's not so good.

Insurance covered the audi visits and mold fittings each month(minus the deductible and copay), but didn't help us at all with hearing aids and $100/apiece molds we needed to get every month. But, sometimes the larger clinics can get HA donations or can subsidize HA purchases. As we explored different HAs, we were able to borrow some as part of this program.
 
You should ask your doctor for a name of an audiologist , I would not go to a store or a company like Miracle Ear , they as only sell their brand and I had clients that where not happy with their Miracle Ear. I would never buy a hearing aid from a TV ad .
 
GrendelQ said:
Initially, I received a referral to a local audi from my primary care provider. Once I had an initial diagnosis from that audi, I then shopped around for a specialist at a clinic within the best hospital in the area focused on our specific needs. If affiliated with a teaching hospital, you can sometimes get someone who is on top ofthe latest research and initiatives. My insurance has a list of approved audis, and after looking up their education and experience I asked around about specific individuals to get feedback on who's good, who's not so good.

Insurance covered the audi visits and mold fittings each month(minus the deductible and copay), but didn't help us at all with hearing aids and $100/apiece molds we needed to get every month. But, sometimes the larger clinics can get HA donations or can subsidize HA purchases. As we explored different HAs, we were able to borrow some as part of this program.
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This is good advice. You could also ask your ENT specialist, they usually have audiology references on hand. A word of advice, don't buy the cheapest model you can find. I did that with my first digitals and I paid for it dearly. Get the best that you can afford. The right hearing aids make a world of difference.

Laura
 
I went with the one my ENT Specialist recommended. It wasn't the nearest, but they seem to know what they're on about ( or I sincerely hope they do :) )

I know the feeling with your hearing loss starting to impact on your job, I had it myself with my previous Employer, it's ok to be sensitive about it though, I know I am. Being HoH is a Disability, but not quite a disability enough........
 
Insurance depends on the state- some states require that insurance companies cover them, but others don't and that pretty much determines whether or not they are covered. You can see details for the states that do make sure they are covered here: State Insurance Mandates for Hearing Aids

If your state doesn't have it, you can check with your state's Office of Vocation Rehabilitation (OVR) or Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), which can help out.

I have the same problem with audiologist- when I was child and in a different state, I had a great audiologist at a place that has since closed. I didn't go to one for a veeeeeeeeeeery long time, and when I picked one because my ear molds fit too poorly to be functional, I wasn't really a fan. Good luck with your search!
 
Thank you all so much! I have an appointment next week with someone who has excellent referrals, but a terrible phone demeanor. I'll call my doctor today (though I rarely see her either, and she may not remember me...) My daughter suggested that if the local audiologist doesn't work out, I could travel to the nearest city where there are teaching hospitals. It's a 300 mile trip, but even that may be worth it if I can get real help. I am hoping that a frequency-lowering aid will make a difference.

Thanks!

Sylvie

PS the not-quite-a-disability is so true! I do fine as long as people stay in context and I can read their lips. I probably shouldn't have handed my daughter the tea when she gestured for the knitting next to it. She apologized for not facing me, so I could blame her, but I think maybe I should just get tested.
 
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