Having your hearing function tested regularly is an important part of a proactive approach to healthcare. By consulting a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) regularly, you can ensure that any signs of hearing loss are diagnosed swiftly. As well as reducing the risk of further hearing loss, you’ll also be able to access any treatment you need, or select from different hearing aids to improve your hearing function.

Of course, you’ll want to ensure that you visit a hearing instrument specialist you can trust. While all professionals complete extensive training, having a good rapport with your hearing instrument specialist can make for a great in-office experience. If you’re trying to locate a professional but you’re not sure where to start, take a look at these three ways to locate a hearing instrument specialist:

Search online

The internet is a valuable source of information, particularly when you’re looking for local services and amenities. By searching online, you can find hearing instrument specialists near to you in seconds. What’s more – you’ll be able to access a wide range of information about them too.

If your hearing instrument specialist has a dedicated company website, you’ll be able to find out more about the services they offer, as well as the range of hearing devices they carry. In addition to this, it’s easy to access practical information online, such as directions to their office or parking information.

Perhaps most importantly, you’ll also be able to view reviews and ratings written by other people. This gives you an insight into the experiences other people have had and allows you to make an informed decision about whether a particular hearing instrument specialist is right for you. Read as many reviews as you can and you’ll be sure to make the right choice.

Ask friends and family

Getting a recommendation from trusted friends or family members can give you a fast-track to finding a great professional. Choosing a hearing instrument specialist is an important decision, so it makes sense to ask for a recommendation from the people you trust the most.

When asking friends or family, you’ll be able to gain additional information about their experience and find out exactly what their visit entailed. With personal feedback from a loved one, you can begin to decide whether their hearing instrument specialist could also provide the advice and assistance you need.

Get a referral from a physician

When people experience hearing or ear-related issues, they often consult their primary care physician. Depending on the particular hearing issue they’re dealing with, it’s common for physicians to advise patients to seek help from a hearing instrument specialist. If so, you can ask your physician to refer you to a particular professional.

As well as giving you instant access to a trusted and reputable hearing instrument specialist, your physician will also be able to determine if you need to see a professional with particular skills or experience. This can be particularly useful if you require a rare form of treatment or symptom management protocol.

Finding a Hearing Instrument Specialist

When you’re looking for a hearing instrument specialist, you don’t need to use just one option. If you receive a referral from a physician, for example, you may want to ask friends and family if they’ve ever consulted with the professional in question. Similarly, you could search online for a hearing instrument specialist recommended by friends and family in order to gather more information.

Of course, one of the best ways to discover if a hearing instrument specialist is the right professional for you and your needs is to arrange a consultation with them. This gives you the chance to meet with them face-to-face and discuss any concerns you might have about your hearing. Similarly, the hearing instrument specialist will be able to carry out hearing function testing and provide useful information about potential treatments, hearing devices and hearing aid care and maintenance. 

When to Consult a Hearing Instrument Specialist

If you’re experiencing any hearing or ear-related issues, it’s important to consult a professional as soon as possible. However, you don’t need to wait until you’re experiencing symptoms to arrange an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist. Having annual hearing function tests ensures your hearing can be monitored regularly and gives you peace of mind that you’re being proactive about your health.

If you want to learn more about maintaining your hearing function or dealing with hearing loss, why not talk to a hearing instrument specialist today? Call Hearing Well Matters at (647) 247-2704 to arrange an appointment today.