What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a health care professional who specializes in identifying, diagnosing, and managing hearing and balance disorders in adults and children. Audiologists use a variety of tests to assess hearing and balance function and to identify the type and severity of a hearing or balance disorder. Based on the results of these tests, audiologists provide treatment, which may involve:
-Hearing aids
-Cochlear implants
-Assistive listening devices
-Balance rehabilitation
-Hearing conservation
What do audiologists do?
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who diagnose, manage and treat patients with hearing loss and balance disorders. They also provide hearing conservation counseling and fit patients with hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.
Most audiologists have a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree, which generally requires four years of postgraduate study. AuD programs prepare students to diagnose and treat patients of all ages with hearing loss and balance disorders. In addition to completing coursework in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, ethics and counseling, AuD students must complete clinical rotations in audiology settings such as hospitals, ENT clinics, rehabilitation centers and private practices.
How often should you see an audiologist?
The frequency of your visits to the audiologist will depend on your individual needs. Some people with hearing loss may need to see an audiologist more often than others. If you have a hearing loss that is not being managed by medication or surgery, you may need to see an audiologist every few months.
What are the benefits of seeing an audiologist?
There are many benefits to seeing an audiologist, including:
• improved communication and hearing ability
• decreased risk of falls and other accidents
• better mental and emotional health
• improved social interactions
• increased job performance and earnings potential.
How do audiologists clean your ears?
Most people think that audiologists only clean ears, but they actually do much more than that. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating hearing disorders, providing hearing conservation counseling, and prescribing and fitting hearing aids.
Cleaning your ears is only a small part of what they do to help you hear better.
