Some people buy from hearing aid specialists/dispensers or retail shops that are found in retail outlet stores. You can also buy hearing aids from an audiologist, a university-trained professional with a minimum of a Master's degree in Audiology. Dispensers may provide quality care and sometimes provide inexpensive devices. They usually do not have a variety of manufacturers to choose from and offer less sophisticated diagnostic testing. Audiologists are trained to recognize medical problems that would require a physician's care (i.e., infection, tumor, otosclerosis). In these cases, surgery may correct the problem, not a hearing aid.

OHSU offers a staff of certified audiologists only. We offer competitive pricing to make hearing aids affordable to most pocketbooks. You can make an appointment to discuss your hearing loss, obtain the latest information in hearing aid technology in a pressure-free medical setting. Your costs are discussed with you up front, and the fitting process is explained in detail during your consultation appointment.

Whether you choose to buy from a retail dispenser or an audiologist, make sure you know what type of technology you are buying and what is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Educated consumers and patients will get more benefits when you find the right provider with the right products and services to meet your needs.

Buying a hearing aid

There are many choices when deciding where to purchase a hearing aid. At OHSU we are unique because we provide our patients with exams, fittings, and hearing aid technology while working with our patients' medical, financial, and emotional needs.

• We take an ethical position to not "sell" to a patient. OHSU Audiology staff are salary compensated.
• Our Audiologists have a minimum of a Master's degree, hold state and national licensure, and have a license to dispense hearing aid equipment.
• We offer multiple manufacturers to address the diverse needs of our patients. One product does not fit all.
• Hearing aid use requires an adjustment period as well as maintenance. We welcome visits from our hearing aid patients for fine tuning and cleaning of the hearing aids at no charge.
• We do not bundle costs. We do not use gimmicks that deceptively offer discounts and free hearing aid evaluations in return for a higher priced hearing aid. Our bottom line cost (the price YOU pay) is usually much more affordable than competing retail hearing aid outlets.

How to make an appointment

Please contact our office regarding scheduling appointments. Prior to scheduling an appointment, our providers often need to review chart notes related to the reason you want to be seen in order to coordinate any additional tests they may need in order to make the most of your visit.  In some cases, we will require a referral from your primary care physician.  We would be happy to discuss this with you to ensure we have all we need to expedite the scheduling process.  Please contact us by phone or email to begin the process.

Audiology Clinic
503 494-5171
Hearing Aids at OHSU