How to Find a Hearing Instrument Specialist

Visiting a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) is a great idea if you want to have your hearing tested or you know that you need a new hearing aid or other hearing device. However, once you have decided that you want to make an appointment, you need to find the right hearing instrument specialist for your needs. You will want to find somewhere in a convenient location, with staff who can meet your needs. If you're not sure where to start, take a look at the three recommendations below to find the right hearing instrument specialist for you.

Get a recommendation

For many people, the best place to start when they're looking for any service is with their friends and family. Personal recommendations can usually be trusted, and they give you an idea of the real positive or negative experiences people you know might have had. You can ask family members and friends if they can recommend a hearing instrument specialist, or perhaps even colleagues or other acquaintances. People are usually happy to share and to recommend someone who they have had a positive experience with.

You can still assess any recommendations that you receive. If someone gives you a recommendation, make sure you ask them what they liked about their experience. You can also research the recommendation using other sources to find out more.

Search online

Another great way to find a hearing instrument specialist is to search online. Using your preferred search engine, you can simply use a search term such as "hearing instrument specialist” in your town. You should be able to discover at least a few results. If you're specifically looking for a HIS, make sure you pay attention to the search results that you get. You could also see websites for other hearing professionals, so try to choose the right options. You might find Google's map search useful.

Any reputable hearing instrument specialist should have a website that they keep up to date. If a site seems to have out-of-date information or looks old-fashioned, it could be that they're no longer practicing or they don't take the time to update their website. You should be able to find their address and phone number, and perhaps even make an appointment online.

Choose the right one for you

As well as finding a selection of hearing instrument specialists, you also need to be able to choose the right one. There are a few things that you might want to look for to choose the best HIS. Firstly, you might want to find out if they offer hearing screenings or full hearing tests. You might find both, but a hearing test is more in-depth. Another thing to look for is the variety of products on offer. If they have a range of brands and styles, you'll have plenty of choice if you need to buy hearing aids.

Compare your hearing instrument specialist options to find the right one for you. Use their websites to check what they can offer you.