Because the right relationship matters as much as the right device.
There are many skilled audiologists in our community, and they go through rigorous training (including a doctorate-level education). But the “best” audiologist isn’t a generic title—it’s the one who’s the right fit for you.
Here’s what to look for.
1) They ask about your real life, not just your audiogram
A trustworthy audiologist will want to understand:
- Where you struggle most (restaurants, meetings, TV, phone calls, groups)
- What “success” looks like for you
- Your comfort with technology (apps, streaming, rechargeable vs. batteries)
- Your budget reality (so they can recommend options, not pressure)
If they don’t ask these questions, they can’t truly personalize your care.
2) They explain your test results in plain language
You should leave understanding:
- What kind of hearing loss you have
- How your speech understanding scores affect real-world clarity
- What hearing aids can—and can’t—do for your situations
3) They make recommendations that match your needs (not just a price tag)
You should hear things like:
“Here are 2–3 options that fit your hearing test and lifestyle.”
“This higher tier may help more in noise because of stronger processing.”
“This level is likely enough if your speech scores are strong and you mainly need audibility.”
A good audiologist helps you invest wisely.
4) They treat fitting as a process (and schedule follow-ups)
The best outcomes come from:
- follow-up visits,
- real-life feedback,
- and fine-tuning over time.
If you’re still struggling with clarity, the response shouldn’t be, “That’s normal.” It should be, “Let’s troubleshoot—has your hearing changed? Do we need programming changes? Do we need to adjust high frequencies?”
5) They are transparent about your rights and trial periods
In California, consumers have protections, including a 45-day warranty/trial period for hearing aids.
A trustworthy provider makes sure you understand the timeline, paperwork, and what to do if things aren’t working.
6) They welcome questions—and even second opinions
A confident professional won’t pressure you, rush you, or talk over you. They’ll invite your questions, help you understand your options, and support you in making the decision that’s right for you.
Red flags to watch for
- You feel pressured into top-tier devices immediately
- Your speech testing results aren’t explained
- You are
Hearing aids are an essential tool for the 30 million people who suffer from hearing loss in the U.S. There are a variety of different types of hearing aids that work in different ways, but most function by receiving sound through a microphone and amplifying it for the wearer. Though modern technology has made these devices incredibly durable, they are still vulnerable to moisture damage — in fact, this is one of the most common reasons why hearing aids need to be repaired. If you wear hearing aids and have plans to swim or engage in any other water activities, it’s important to protect your ears from trapping moisture — especially if you use hearing aids with ear molds.
Keep Hearing Aids Safe from Damage
Hearing-impaired people deserve to enjoy swimming just like anybody else. As you’re planning your trip to the beach or a day spent by the pool, you may wonder how to deal with your hearing aids when you enter the water. Though there are some hearing aids that purport to be completely waterproof, in most cases, moisture and hearing aids are simply incompatible. This means you’ll need to take yours out before you go for a dip. If you’re in an environment where water is likely to be splashed around, it’s important that you bring a safe storage option to place them in. A zippered plastic sandwich bag can work, but you’ll get the best results from a special hearing aid container that’s waterproof.
Prevent Trapped Water in Your Ears
Once you’ve removed your hearing aids and stored them safely, it’s important to protect your ears while swimming. Water can become trapped in the outer ear canal, creating a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow. This can lead to swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)—an infection of the outer ear canal that may cause pain, itching, redness, swelling, and temporary hearing difficulties.
To help prevent swimmer’s ears, keep your ears as dry as possible. Wearing waterproof earplugs or a swimmer’s ear band can help reduce the amount of water entering the ear canal. After swimming, gently dry your ears with a towel and tilt your head to each side to help any remaining water drain out.
Enjoy Water Without Worry
Water can wreak havoc on your ears and your hearing aids, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy it. Swimming can be safe if you remove your hearing aids and use a protective barrier to prevent water from entering your ear canal. After you’ve enjoyed some time in the water, you should ensure that no water has entered your ear by gently tipping your head to each side and allowing any fluid to drain out. You may also use over-the-counter drying drops that help to mitigate moisture trapped in the ear. If you have ear tubes, though — or if you’re unsure about the safety of using ear drops — consult with your doctor or audiologist first.
Enjoy the Freedom of Hearing Clearly
Hearing loss can be stressful, confusing, and socially isolating. If you’re experiencing symptoms, but aren’t sure what to do, HEAR Center can help. We partner with major hearing aid manufacturers to make these devices accessible to all.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to make an appointment:
Call or text: (626) 796-2016
Email us at: appointments@hearcenter.org
Also, for more information about hearing aids, please visit our webpage: https://www.hearcenter.org/services/hearing-aids/
Resources:
https://www.vumc.org/socks/socks-research-corner/just-keep-swimming-research-update-ear-tubes-and-water-exposure
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
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