As most of you know, I am an Audiologist, a Doctor of Audiology- hearing and balance systems, have been for 20 years. I have, for the last 15 or so years, done consulting work (even while I was working at other offices) for some very good hearing aid dispensers in the area in 4 office locations. This means I independently saw and tested patients for the insurance company to ensure they needed them and got what they needed. Why is this step necessary? Because Audiologists understand the entire hearing and balance system and are morally and ethically trained to do no harm. Hearing aid dispensers have no such disposition in general unless they choose to.
As I had to resign from doing consults due to a non-compete clause, the lady owner gave me grief, guilt trip, anger, bad mouthing the group who hired me, etc. To be truthful, I was surprised and want nothing to do with her in that attitude. In addition, she said hearing aid dispensers can do everything an Audiologist can do. That is ludicrous! 9 years of college on just the hearing and balance systems versus a 3 month course and passing a test to be a hearing aid dispenser. That shows either her ignorance or immaturity. I can diagnose, provide medical clearances, treat hearing problems, diagnose vestibular/balance problems and provide treatment, perform therapy, perform intraoperative monitoring, test for tumors, diagnkse and treat central processing disorders, diagnose and treat babies with hearing loss, teach and train about hearing and balance systems, evaluate work spaces for potential hearing harm, protect hearing from hearing loss, provide aural rehabilitation, etc.
So, I thought it might be helpful to know the difference between Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dispensers because even some dispensers don’t even know. It seemed necessary to show people the difference. I hope this was informative and please ask questions. Have a beautiful day!😃❤️
Tonya LaLonde 