HOW IS AN AUDIOLOGIST DIFFERENT FROM A HEARING AID DISPENSER?
Hearing aid dispensers DO NOT have any formal education requirements. A hearing aid dealer can be identified by the initials H.I.S. following his or her name. Dealers commonly work out of retail stores and may be a salesperson for a particular manufacturer. • WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE AN AUDIOLOGIST? Hearing aids today are far more complex than in the past. Programmable and digital hearing aids can be precisely programmed to match your specific hearing loss. A complete understanding of hearing loss and the anatomy of the ear is essential to providing the most accurate fit possible. Hearing aids are not a cure for hearing loss; they should be part of a program which includes comprehensive testing, medical clearance, counseling, instruction, and follow up care. Audiologists use specialized equipment to obtain accurate results regarding your hearing loss. These tests should be conducted in sound-treated rooms, whenever possible, and with calibrated equipment. An audiologist is trained