Online Audiologist vs. Local Hearing Aid Specialist – What’s the Difference?
Many people compare “online audiologists” with traditional local hearing aid specialists. However, this is usually not about better or worse, but about the care pathway: What happens online, what remains medically necessary, and for whom which option is suitable. On this page, we explain the differences in a factual and transparent way.Brief & clearly explained:
In online-supported hearing care, selection, consultation and parts of the fitting may take place digitally (e.g. via video). However, medically necessary steps – especially medical assessment – remain essential. The decisive factor is the professional implementation of the entire care process.
What is an online audiologist?
An online audiologist is a hearing care provider in which central steps of hearing aid care can be digitally organised. This may include:
- Consultation and preselection online
- Communication and support via video
- Fitting and fine-tuning remotely, depending on model and process
Important: Online” does not automatically mean without medical care or without qualified professionals. It primarily describes the organisation of the process.
What does a local hearing aid specialist do?
A traditional local hearing aid specialist provides care mainly in a physical store, typically including:
- Consultation in person
- Hearing tests and trial fitting
- Fitting and fine-tuning on site
- Follow-up appointments in the store
This care pathway is well established and a good standard for many people, especially if personal appointments are preferred.
What is medically necessary in both cases?
Regardless of the care pathway, certain fundamentals remain important:
- medical assessment of hearing loss
- a medical prescription (often by an ENT doctor)
- professional fitting and documentation
Comparison: Online Audiologist vs. Hearing Aid Specialist
Consultation
Personal consultation in the store, usually with fixed on-site appointments.
Online audiologist:Consultation via video or phone, often more flexible in time and location.
Selection & Trial
Selection often limited to certain manufacturers, trial usually only on site.
Online audiologist:
Preselection based on needs, often greater manufacturer variety, trial possible in everyday life.
Fitting & Adjustment
Adjustment exclusively in the store, often requiring several on-site appointments.
Online audiologist:Fine-tuning via video, fewer in-person appointments, yet professionally supervised.
Time & Appointments
Several appointments at the store are usually required.
Online audiologist:
Reduced on-site appointments, more streamlined organisation.
Pricing Structure
Costs arise, among other things, from store rent, on-site staff and fixed opening hours.
Online audiologist:
Lower fixed costs, digital processes and centralised fitting often enable more efficient pricing structures.
Who is it suitable for?
For people who prefer personal in-store support.
Online audiologist:For people who value flexibility, fewer journeys and digital support.
How can you recognise reputable online providers?
- qualified professionals are involved in fitting
- medical steps are not bypassed
- follow-up care is clearly regulated
- the process is transparently documented
Classification by a master hearing aid acoustician
What is an online hearing care provider – and how does the care pathway work?
In this video, master hearing aid acoustician Erik Foth explains which steps of an online-supported hearing aid care pathway are typically carried out digitally, and which medical fundamentals apply regardless of the chosen care model. The aim is to provide an objective classification of the differences between online-based and in-person hearing care.
Please note: the video is in German. You can enable YouTube subtitles to follow the content.Source: Classification by master hearing aid acoustician Erik Foth (Mr. Hear).
How can the right care pathway be determined?
Which care pathway is suitable depends on, among other things:
- the individual situation
- the preference for digital or personal care
- health insurance and care pathway
- time, mobility and everyday life
Frequently Asked Questions: Online Audiologist vs. Local Care
Is online care less professional?
No. What matters is that the medical process is fully adhered to.
Do I still need to involve a doctor?
Yes. Medical assessment and prescription remain essential components of care.
Is the online pathway always faster?
Not necessarily. It can be organisationally more streamlined, but duration depends on the individual situation.
Is health insurance a problem with online care?
Generally not. What matters is a valid prescription, an accepted care pathway and professional fitting.