What’s the Difference Between an Audiologist and a Hearing Aid Dispenser? – Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology

 The difference between an audiologist and a hearing aid dispenser is often confusing.
A hearing aid dispenser is an individual engaged in the fitting or selling of hearing aids to hearing impaired people. A hearing aid dispenser is focused on the sale of a specific item — hearing aids – and has the ability to test your hearing, but only as those tests relate to the fitting and sale of a hearing aid. Hearing aid dispensers are not required to have a degree in hearing health, while audiologists require a university degree (M.A., M.S., or Au.D.).
Audiologists are the primary health care professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss. They provide treatments by cleaning ear canal; fitting hearing aids and assistive devices; conducting auditory training, fitting and tuning cochlear plants; counseling patients and families; and conducting programs in aural rehabilitation.
More than any other hearing care professional, audiologists understand how the degree of hearing loss affects communication and quality of life. Audiologists understand the emotional and physical issues involved with hearing loss and can address the fears and problems that can arise from this condition.
They build their practice on the care of hearing- not on the sale of hearing aids. Rehabilitation and technical training offered by an audiologist result in a more holistic approach to solving hearing problems. Educating and counseling patients and their families about hearing loss is an essential part of an audiologist’s mission.
Our professional staff at Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology is here to help you communicate and lead better, more social lives. We make sure to give each patient an individualized solution based on their particular needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Call today, 661-253-3277, to schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists!