Thanks Lucy. Good information. You and I both go back to the time when audiologists did not fit hearing aids. The prescribed them and certified hearing instrument specialists fit them. That changed in the 90s when audiologists lobbied for the right to be involved in the entire procedure. Much has changed since then because hearing instruments have gone from analog to digital. They have added BlueTooth for streaming, etc. It's been a fascinating experience to participate in these changes.

Now, we have audiologists and hearing instrument specialists doing basically the same thing in most states when it comes to fitting hearing aids. Our dilemma becomes one of figuring out whether or not we are being properly tested for fitting. We are going to see more and more advertisements for over the counter hearing aids now too; those that come without any testing at all. They may help people who have mild to moderate hearing loss and need only slight amplification, but will do little for people whose hearing loss is moderately severe or worse when they need clarity and amplification.

People should know that those who call themselves audiologists with an AuD behind their names, have doctorate level degrees from accredited university programs. Those with MS-CCC-A after their names have master's degrees plus certification from university programs. Those with no credentials, or HIS (hearing instrument specialist) behind their names do not have degrees in audiology. They are licensed in most states, but may have little more education than a high school diploma with a brief internship with another HIS. Many of those people are employed at big box stores that sell and fit hearing aids. Some of the big box sellers do have AuD or MS-CCC-A audiologists, but that's not common. The only way you know what kind of training a provider has, is to ask them and be aware of those credential initials.

To make this more confusing, I will say that many HIS providers are good at what they do. They understand technology because they are technology oriented and trained. It's kind of like 'learning computers'. Some people just 'get it' while others don't. The modern hearing aids are a lot more like computers today then they were 30 years ago. Regardless of where you go, or what kind of education/training your provider has, know that you have a mandated trial period to try hearing aids. If they are not helping you enough to justify their cost, take them back. Ask to try something different. Ask for your audiogram/test results so you can go to a different provider if you wish to. You have a right to that piece of paper. Google for information about real ear measurement testing. And, talk to other people who use hearing aids successfully about their experience. Getting a proper fit is challenging, but well worth the time for trial and error to get it right.