When it comes to your hearing health, you want to make sure you’re in good hands. Searching for an audiologist can feel overwhelming whether you have too many options or simply don’t know where to start. There are a number of simple ways to locate an audiologist in your area, try these four easy methods:

1. The internet

Finding an audiologist in your area is as simple as opening your favorite web browser and typing in a few key terms. Start by opening Google (Safari, Chrome or whichever browser you prefer) and type in “audiologist” and your city. Once you click enter, you should see a list of audiologists in your area. Feel free to click on the audiologist’s website and view crucial information, such as: location, hours of operation, services offered and patient reviews. The website will provide a quick glimpse into the environment and care of the office.

2. Your family and friends

Talk to your family and friends and find out if any of them (or someone they know) has visited an audiologist. Hearing loss and tinnitus are incredibly common issues impacting individuals today, so you might be surprised to find out how many people you know have visited an audiologist. Make sure to ask them about the different things they liked and disliked about the audiologist and if they recommend them to you or not.

3. Your primary care physician

You can also talk to your primary care physician about finding an audiologist in your area. Your general doctor has already built a trusting and comfortable relationship with you, so you can rest assured they will only recommend someone they have confidence in and feel would be a good fit for you. Because they work in the healthcare setting, general physicians typically have a network of specialists like audiologists they can recommend to patients.

4. Your insurance company

While health insurance typically does not cover the cost of hearing aids for adults, more and more providers are beginning to offer assistance for hearing testing and evaluation. Call your insurance company and find out if they cover any type of hearing healthcare costs, and if so, what providers are included under your plan.

Finding an audiologist in your area doesn’t have to be a difficult task. The above four methods are easy and pain-free ways to locate an audiologist in your area and allow you to start your path to better hearing!