What qualities should one look for in an audiologist?

Lorne Smith

Copyright 2005

This article stems from a discussion that began on the SWC World list. It was decided to compile the collective advice into a list for submission to SWC Online Voices in the hope that others may benefit from the voice of experience.

The question, asked by a woman who has had difficulty finding professional help for her hearing loss, was simple enough:

What qualities should one look for in an audiologist?
And who better to answer it than people who had a lifetime of experience dealing with hearing healthcare professionals? Suggestions started flowing immediately, and input came from people across the U.S. and Canada and overseas. The advice fell into three broad categories: customer service, people skills and value for money.

People with hearing loss have their own priorities. What is necessary for one person isn't important for the next person. Also, standard professional and business practices vary in many areas. Prime examples are the length of trial periods for hearing aids and the growing practice of charging a fee, usually 10 percent, on the return of aids after a trial period. Still, this list of 25 qualities that one should look for in a good audiologist can serve as a valuable checklist.
  1. Patience. A proper fitting of hearing aids and often earmolds takes repeated visits and considerable trial and error.
  2. Patient satisfaction. Try for referrals from friends, SHHH chapters, doctors, etc.
  3. Considerable experience dispensing a variety of hearing aid brands, models and styles, and not someone who's going to recommend only one brand of hearing aid.
  4. A generous trial period (30 days is required but some offer periods of 60, 75 or 90 days).
  5. No restocking fee for aids returned during the trial period.
  6. Extended warranties (some substitute standard one-year manufacturer warranties with their own warranties of up to three years).
  7. Walk-ins accepted for minor problems, cleaning, etc.
  8. Free cleaning and tube changing, even after the warranty period expires.
  9. Loaner aids to replace any aids sent out for repair.
  10. Ability and willingness to administer a hearing in noise test (HINT).
  11. Willingness to communicate and especially answer questions by e-mail.
  12. Willingness to answer questions from informed and knowledgeable customers.
  13. Provide information about hearing loss groups in the area.
  14. Have small groups of new clients meet with him/her in the office where the audi gives out all the information s/he can and answers questions.
  15. Explain the difference between analog, digital and programmable aids.
  16. Offer telecoils in all aids where they will fit, and explain their use.
  17. Have examples of assisted listening devices--preferably even sell them.
  18. Dependability - developing and sustaining a good working relationship.
  19. Easy to hear and understand.
  20. Have a holistic perspective: taking into account lifestyle needs, age, income and interests.
  21. Skill in diagnosing and treating tinnitus.
  22. Skill enough to understand the mental health issues associated with hearing impairment, and/or making an appropriate ongoing referral.
  23. Competitive prices, preferably with a price-matching guarantee.
  24. Offer interest-free or low-interest financing on purchases.
  25. Knowledge about sources of outside funding from government agencies and non-profit groups.

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