10 Things to Know Before Choosing Hearing Care

Hearing aids are a big investment, and the provider you pick matters as much as the technology. Before you choose a hearing care provider, these are the 10 questions Dr. Layne Garrett recommends asking, and how we answer them at our American Fork, Spanish Fork and South Jordan clinics.

Use this list with any clinic you are considering, including ours.

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Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus team members with a patient

Do They Have Real Experience?

A provider who has seen thousands of cases is more likely to have treated someone with hearing like yours, and to spot problems early. Ask how long they have practiced and who will actually see you.

At our clinics: Since 2003, more than 10,000 people have trusted us with their hearing. Dr. Layne Garrett has more than 20 years of experience in hearing and tinnitus care.

Do They Test More Than Beeps?

A beep test in a quiet booth does not show how you hear at a restaurant. Ask whether they test speech in noise and whether they verify your hearing aids with real ear measurement.

At our clinics: Every evaluation includes speech-in-noise testing, and every fitting is checked with real ear measurement to confirm your hearing aids match your prescription.

Do They Understand Hearing and Brain Health?

Untreated hearing loss is linked to listening fatigue, social isolation and a higher risk of cognitive decline. Good hearing care looks at the whole picture, not just volume.

At our clinics: Every provider on our team is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and we offer Cognivue, an FDA-cleared cognitive screening, at all three clinics. Learn more about hearing and brain health.

What Are Their Credentials?

Training matters. Ask whether you will see an audiologist, a licensed hearing instrument specialist, or both, and what certifications they hold.

At our clinics: Our audiologists are certified by the American Board of Audiology, and Dr. Garrett also holds the Certificate Holder–Tinnitus Management (CH-TM). Our hearing instrument specialists are Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences (BC-HIS). Meet our team.

What Do Their Patients and Peers Say?

Reviews and awards tell you how a clinic treats people over time. Read reviews, and ask whether the clinic is recognized for following best practices.

At our clinics: We have been named Best of State in Auditory Services 15 times, we are the only clinic in the area certified by Dr. Cliff Olson’s HearingUp Network, and we are one of the first 10 Modern Tinnitus Specialty Centers in the United States. See what our patients say.

Is the First Visit Free and Pressure-Free?

Your first appointment should answer your questions, not push you into a purchase. You should leave knowing your options and why one is recommended.

At our clinics: Your new patient consultation is free. We talk through your goals, complete a full hearing evaluation and build a custom treatment plan. If you are ready, you can start treatment the same day.

Do They Stand Behind Their Work?

Hearing care is a big decision. Ask what happens if your hearing aids are not working for you after the fitting.

At our clinics: Your devices come with a 30-day risk-free, money-back guarantee, and follow-up adjustments are part of your care.

Will They Respect Your Time?

You should not sit in a waiting room long after your appointment time, and you should not feel rushed once you are seen.

At our clinics: Our appointments run on time and are never rushed. If you wait more than 15 minutes, we will give you a gift card.

How Do They Support You After the Fitting?

Hearing loss is a lifelong condition, so ongoing care matters as much as the hearing aids. Ask what follow-up visits, repairs and upgrades cost, and whether family members get a discount.

At our clinics: Our monthly treatment plans include all office visits with no copay, a warranty during your 4-year plan with a one-time loss replacement, and technology upgrades every 48 months or less. Flexible financing is available, and immediate family members receive 25% off.

Do They Care About the Community?

A clinic that gives back is usually one that plans to be there for you for years. Ask how they help people who cannot afford care.

At our clinics: Dr. Garrett has served on humanitarian hearing trips with America Helps in Ghana and with Hearing the Call in Brazil. Our practice also set up the local Hearing the Call Foundation to help people here at home get the hearing care they need.

Infographic showing four parts of a proper hearing evaluation: pure-tone hearing testing, speech-in-noise testing, family input, and real-ear measurement.

What a Complete Hearing Evaluation Includes

If a clinic skips any of these, ask why. A complete evaluation at our clinics includes:

Pure-tone hearing testing
Speech-in-noise testing
Input from a family member or friend
Real ear measurement when you are fit with hearing aids

Want to see why patients choose us? Read why patients choose our clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a hearing care provider?

Look for real experience, testing that goes beyond a beep test, verified hearing aid fittings with real ear measurement, clear credentials, a free and pressure-free first visit, a money-back guarantee and ongoing support after the fitting.

What is the difference between an audiologist and a hearing instrument specialist?

An audiologist holds a doctoral degree (Au.D.) and evaluates and treats hearing loss, tinnitus and related conditions. A hearing instrument specialist is licensed to test hearing and fit hearing aids. At our clinics, both work together on your care.

What questions should I ask at my first hearing appointment?

Ask what your test results mean, whether speech-in-noise testing was done, how your hearing aids will be verified, what the guarantee covers and what follow-up care is included.

Should my hearing aids be checked with real ear measurement?

Yes. Real ear measurement uses a small microphone in your ear canal to confirm your hearing aids deliver the sound your prescription calls for. It is a recommended best practice for every hearing aid fitting.

Is a hearing consultation free at Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus?

Yes. Your new patient consultation is free and includes a full hearing evaluation, a talk about your goals and a custom treatment plan.