Current Options for Accessing Hearing Care
| Option | Training | Services | Limitations | Best Clinical Utility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | AuD or PhD | Gold-standard aural rehabilitation and HA fitting | High cost, access | Mild to severe HL |
| Hearing aid specialist | High school, apprenticeship | HA testing and fitting | Limited rehabilitation and customization | Mild to moderate HL |
| Otolaryngologist | MD | Medical and surgical evaluation/treatment | — | Severe HL, medical management |
| Primary care physician | MD | Hearing screening, referral, and care coordination | — | Selective screening, education, referral |
| Internet sales | None | Direct-to-consumer sale of HAs, PSAPs, and ALDs | No aural rehabilitation, fitting, or customization | Mild to moderate HL with existing care |
| Over-the-counter sales | None | Direct sale of PSAPs and ALDs only | No aural rehabilitation, fitting, or customization | No to mild HL |
ALD, assistive listening device; HA, hearing aid; HL, hearing loss; PSAP, personal sound amplification product.