What does an Audiologist do?

Given that only one-third of people with hearing loss wear hearing aids, there is still a lot of mystery and confusion surrounding hearing loss and what an audiologist does. Let's look at the type of work audiology professionals do—and the skills they need to do it well. 

Audiologists are experts in the field of hearing, balance, and speech. They are professionally trained to diagnose, treat, and manage ear and hearing system disorders and work with people who have these conditions. By ensuring adequate hearing for all people, audiologists promote communication, safety, and learning.

Audiologists work in many different places, such as:

• Hospitals / clinics
• Private practices
• ENT clinics
• Colleges and K–12 schools
• Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals
  

Do you need to go to school to be an Audiologist?

Most audiologists become a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) which requires many years of education. To work as an audiologist in any state, they must have a license or be registered.

Audiologists are also required to keep up with the latest developments in hearing and balance health care through continuing education. They can also get certification from the American Board of Audiology and specialty certification in pediatric audiology from the same organization.

Some audiologists also get certificates in tinnitus management or other conditions from the American Board of Audiology. This adds to their education and credentials.

What is an audiologist qualified to do?

Did you know that an audiologist can help with almost all hearing loss and vestibular disorder symptoms? Audiologists treat and help people deal with a wide range of hearing and balance problems, such as:

• Sudden hearing loss
• Hidden hearing loss
• Hearing loss caused by noise
• Ototoxicity
• Tinnitus, a ringing in the ear, vertigo, and dizziness are some of the symptoms
• Earwax issues
• Balance problems stemming from organs within the ear
  

Services performed by audiologists

Audiologists perform a wide range of services. Here are some of the services we provide at Advanced Hearing & Balance Center.

Hearing aid fittings

The purpose of a hearing aid fitting is to evaluate your hearing loss and determine the best way to use technology to help improve your hearing. The goal is to find out what kind of technology works best with your specific needs.

A hearing aid fitting is important because it allows the audiologist to create a custom fit for each patient. This means that they'll be able to find out exactly how much sound needs to be amplified so that it's loud enough for you to hear but not too loud to damage your ears in any way.

Balance evaluations

Balance is a complex process that involves many sensory systems. Balance can be affected by disease, injury, or aging. Balance disorders can cause you to lose your balance and fall. This can lead to injuries such as bruises, broken bones and head injuries.

An audiologist can help you with your balance problems by evaluating your hearing ability. The ear is closely connected to the vestibular system, which controls balance and movement. Hearing loss can affect your ability to balance and move easily. If you have a balance problem, an audiologist can help by:

• Testing your hearing with special equipment in our office
• Explaining the results of the test and providing treatment recommendations
  

Cognitive screenings

Cognitive concerns are also becoming more prevalent as we age. Studies have shown that hearing loss is strongly associated with cognitive decline and dementia risk in older adults. In fact, hearing loss may be as much as three times as important as other risk factors such as diabetes and high cholesterol when it comes to reducing your risk for cognitive decline and dementia.

If you have hearing loss, you may have noticed that it impacts your ability to process information more quickly or easily. This can affect your memory and impact your ability to communicate effectively with others. Cognitive screenings help determine if there is a problem related to cognition (thinking) or memory loss so that treatment can be initiated as soon as possible.

It's important to get screened if you have hearing loss because it could be a sign of something more serious like cognitive decline or dementia which would require immediate treatment by a specialist at a medical center.

Signs you need an audiologist

Signs of hearing loss or a problem with your balance can be hard to spot. Hearing and balance problems that last for a long time can cause long-term damage. How do you know if you have trouble hearing or keeping your balance? 

Here are five signs that you might have trouble hearing or with your balance:

• Asking people around you to say what they just said again.
• Feeling like the people around you don't speak clearly or are mumbling.
• Having a hard time hearing and understanding in noisy places.
• Raising the volume on the TV or earphones.
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
  

Come and see the experts.

We understand that finding an experienced hearing healthcare specialist can be a challenge.

At Advanced Hearing & Balance Center, we bring years of experience in hearing health to the table, and we can help you get any hearing and balance challenges you are facing. Your ear health is our priority; whether you're dealing with noise-induced hearing loss, balance issues or just want an annual check-up, we are here to help.