“I didn’t want to make an appointment with an audiologist to have my hearing tested because I knew he or she would tell me I needed hearing aids.”

This is something patients say a lot and I think to myself, “Well, no. Not necessarily.” A good audiologist will consider more than just your hearing when making recommendations. During an evaluation, a clinician should get an idea of your lifestyle, financial situation, and hearing needs. You may be a hearing aid candidate but that does not mean that you will be bullied into purchasing devices. It is up to you and your clinician to weigh the pros and cons of technology levels, monaural versus binaural fittings, and cost versus benefit outcomes.

I often tell borderline candidates that the choice is up to them. I believe that hearing aids offer a substantial benefit to most people who are fit correctly; however, I understand that some people can make it by without hearing help and that hearing aids may be a formidable financial obligation. With each one of my patients, I try to determine who should very seriously consider making the leap and who can squeak by for a few more years. Occasionally, I offer more frugal alternative options when they are appropriate. I am not out to rob you of your money and I suspect the majority of audiologists in the world are in the business of healthcare—not exploiting you for their own personal financial gain.

Don’t let fear stop you from being tested. Don’t make assumptions about the severity of your problems. Have your hearing abilities properly evaluated and go from there. You make the final decisions for your own healthcare.