Private audiology practices can be independent or connected to an ENT practice. Dispensing chains, however, are usually owned by hearing aid companies, or they are part of other stores, like the hearing centers inside Sam’s Club and Costco.
If you have complex hearing needs, such as recurrent ear infections or a sudden, unexplained hearing loss, it’s probably best to go to an audiologist. Otherwise, it’s probably best to consider the quality of care, cost, location, and rapport with the provider when choosing.
Keep in mind that audiologists often work for a hearing aid dispensing chain (I know many that do), and both audiologists and dispensers can provide excellent quality care. Like any profession, the quality of care will vary from individual to individual. Something to consider, though, is that the primary goal of a hearing aid dispensing chain is always to sell hearing aids, whether or not this addresses your issues.
How to Choose a Hearing Aid
Often, patients come into my office with a specific preference regarding their hearing aid style. However, style is more than a matter of appearance. Different hearing aid styles suit different levels and types of hearing loss, which means I can only recommend a particular kind after assessing a patient’s hearing and lifestyle needs.
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