Audiologist

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Losing your hearing is a scary experience, but early intervention and treatment from a specialist can make a significant difference. An audiologist or hearing aid specialist will not only assess your hearing but can offer you advice and recommendation for tools to help you. Learn more about what an audiologist does and how this hearing care professional can help you.

Overview:

What is a hearing care professional?
Types of hearing care professionals
What should I expect when I visit a Walgreens Hearing Center?
What makes a good hearing care professional?
What does it take to be an hearing care professional?

What is a hearing care professional?

A general title for someone who is trained to help people with hearing loss is called a Hearing Care Professional (HCP). There are several professionals within the field that specialize in testing for hearing loss, service hearing aids, and recommend hearing solutions. A HCP receives extensive training, participates in practical clinical and obtains state licensing prior to practicing. All of these factors ensure proficiency and professionalism in the field.

Types of hearing care professionals

In the U.S., there are three main types of hearing care professionals. They vary in training, certifications, and educational degrees. Each hearing care professional is licensed through the state in which they practice.

Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) or Hearing Aid Specialist (HAS): are professionals that have completed vocational training in theory and have clinical experience. They specialize in testing for hearing loss and are up to speed with the latest hearing aid technology. They recommend and prescribe hearing aids to hearing loss patients.

Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences (BC-HIS): Hearing Instrument and Hearing Aid Specialists are required to complete continuing education yearly. These professionals may choose to become in the Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences. Only dispensing professionals may apply and must pass the rigorous National Competency Examination and have at least two years of experience.

Audiologist (AuD) is a hearing care professional with either a Master's or Doctorate in the field of Audiology. They may also have specialized training in hearing loss, balance disorders, anatomy and physiology, and genetics. Audiologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders.

What should I expect when I visit a Walgreens Hearing Center?

Walgreens only staffs certified hearing care professionals. When you visit one of our centers, you will receive an assessment, hearing test, and a consultation with a hearing care specialist. This HCP will answer questions and guide you through the entire process.

Here’s what you can expect on the first visit:

Lifestyle assessment—This is an interview that will help the HCP gain a better understanding of your personal hearing situation. Some questions you can expect to answer are what your daily routine entails (socializing, watching television, theater, sports, etc). The more information you offer to your HCP, the easier it will be for them to customize your hearing solution and decide what treatment or hearing aids will work best for your lifestyle.

Hearing test—This will determine your hearing performance. During the test, you sit in a specially equipped room, and sounds will be played to you through headphones. An audiologist will ask you to repeat the words you hear or press a button on a keyboard. This information is used to create an audiogram (a visual representation of your hearing). Depending on the results of your hearing test, you may need more tests or procedures.

The results from your lifestyle assessment and the hearing test will determine the course of action your HCP will take. They will make recommendations for hearing aid solutions that will accommodate your needs. Hearing aids come in several options: behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal or in-the-ear. Each type will have its own set of functions and features like rechargeable batteries, tinnitus masking, and smartphone connectivity. The HCP will help you decide which is best for you.

To get the most out of your visit, we recommend downloading our FREE guide, "5 Crucial Hearing Health Questions" below.

What makes a good hearing care professional?

AudioNova only employs healthcare professionals with the highest standards of knowledge, ethics, and professionalism. We pride ourselves on our top-rated customer service. We focus on these areas in particular:

Expertise

Our HCPs are not only certified and credentialed, but they also receive continuous training on the latest breakthroughs in audiology and hearing aid technologies. They also have access to a large global network of professionals in audiology to get the best advice and best practices.

Patience

Testing can be long and tedious and the patient may have to visit their HCP serval times before their device is at its optimal comfort. Our HCPs are patient and compassionate. They treat every patient with patience, care, and are attuned with every client’s specific needs and requirements.

Sufficient time for testing

Since each device operates differently, our HCPs know that you will need sufficient time to test your hearing aid in different environments and to get used to the setting and options. You will always be offered plenty of time to get to know your device.

Experts for follow-up care

Your treatment doesn’t end when you walk out the door. Even after you find the perfect hearing aid, your HCP will keep in touch and is available for follow-up support. We are here to offer quick and competent help in the event of any problems with the device.

What does it take to be a hearing care professional?

A career in audiology is rewarding and exciting. If you are interested in entering a career as a healthcare professional, start by researching your state’s requirements for becoming a licensed hearing instrument specialist or hearing aid specialist. A great place to start a career in this field is as a Patient Care Coordinator here at AudioNova. Please visit our career page for more information.

During training, HCP learns how to advise patients, recommend the appropriate hearing devices, and how to customize and maintain hearing devices. After training and licensing, HCPs have the option to work in hospitals, clinics, hearing aid companies, or for larger industrial hearing aid manufacturers.