Matt Hinsley, M.D., Peter Shepard, M.D., David Brown,
M.D., and Tom Thomason, M.D.
LOOKING FOR AN
AUDIOLOGIST IN SANTA FE, NM?
When you compare hearing aids, the first questions are NOT whether you want to buy analog or digital hearing aids, which brand or style you are going to buy, or any other question about hearing aids themselves. Instead, you need to ask who the right person to assist you is, and what you should look for when finding a highly trained, experienced audiologist that is right for you.
Your success with hearing aids is directly related to the relationship you have with the audiologist who assesses your hearing, recommends, then fits you with hearing aids. The audiologist should be experienced and a good listener. He or she should coordinate the team who will be caring for your hearing, including any Ear, Nose & Throat physician(s) who ensure you are medically cleared to be fit with hearing aids. In addition, the audiologist should have a dedicated support team who will care for you and your hearing aids, providing walk in support and triage for any issues you may have.
Who might treat you when you are looking for hearing aids?
- Audiologists have a Doctorate or other advanced degree. They are highly trained to evaluate the entire auditory system. Additionally, they perform diagnostic assessments to help rule out any medical issues that can have serious consequences. A Doctor of Audiology is a six-year (or greater) degree indicated by an Au.D. or Ph.D. behind their name. The Audiologist must be certified and licensed in the state.
- A master’s level Audiologist has a five-year degree; you will most commonly see M.S or M.A. behind their name. The Audiologist must be certified and licensed in the state.
- A hearing instrument specialist is required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, minimal training and pass an exam to be certified to sell hearing aids.
The person you select should also have the educational background and the practical experience you need. She/he also needs to be a good communicator and a great listener, capable of translating your experiences into a technical solution to resolve important communication issues. She/he needs to be patient and committed to helping you hear as well as you possibly can. The last thing you want is a professional who is delighted to sell you hearing aids and then avoids you when you need adjustments or coaching, or doesn’t have the experience to troubleshoot any issues you may have.
We recommend you research the professionals around your area to find the best and most supportive hearing care professional for you.
- Ask for a referral from friends you know who have been successful with hearing aids. Did they respect and trust the person who fit them with their hearing aids?
- Ask your Primary Care Physician (PCP) which Audiologist or practice they refer patients to for hearing loss and to purchase hearing aids. Your PCP will be careful in their choice of hearing professional as the experience you have with the hearing professional will reflect on your PCP.
A recent Consumer Reports article (http://www.consumerreports.org) indicates that patient’s benefit and satisfaction rates were highest when they purchased hearing aids through a medical practice. Yet only 20% of all hearing aids dispensed in the United States are from Audiologists working in partnership with an Ear, Nose & Throat practice.
At Southwestern Ear, Nose & Throat (SWENT), we strive to be your hearing care choice in Northern New Mexico. Using a team approach (Audiologists and Physicians), we take care of your hearing –ensuring no physical abnormalities are affecting your hearing, testing and diagnosing the reason for your hearing loss, as well as fitting you with the appropriate hearing aids that reflect your lifestyle and your budget. Our five Audiologists and two Support Staff are available Monday – Friday to triage any issues you may have. The experience and support you receive at SWENT is superior to any other in the area. Our practice has been treating patients in Northern New Mexico for more than fifteen years.
Contact an Audiologist in Santa Fe, NM today by calling (505) 819-0617.
Please Note: Before consulting with an Audiologist or any hearing care provider, it is recommended you visit a physician or Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist to receive a medical clearance to be fit with hearing aids. (http://www.fda.gov/)
