A hearing test by an audiologist is the first step in getting help for hearing problems.

Hearing Tests

The first step to getting help for hearing problems is to see an audiologist. An audiologist is a health professional who specializes in the identification, evaluation, rehabilitation and prevention of hearing impairment. All audiologists must hold at least a master's degree in audiology and complete a clinical fellowship.

Don't hesitate to verify that the person you are seeing is, in fact, an audiologist. Any professional should have their diplomas, certification and registration displayed in their office.

The State of Colorado requires that anyone who dispenses hearing aids must be registered with the Department of Regulatory Affairs. Both audiologists and hearing aid dispensers must register.

Because Colorado was one of the last states to require that people register to sell hearing aids,there were a few unqualified and unethical dispensers in Colorado. Some had criminal records and some had been banned from practicing in several other states. While such unscrupulous practices are uncommon, there is still a wide range of people in Colorado who sell hearing aids.

You can find out what credentials an individual practitioner has and whether any disciplinary decisions have been found against them by calling 303-894-2464 or checking the Department of Regulatory Affairs web site: www.dora.state.co.us/audiologists.