All About Audiologists

If you have concerns about your hearing loss or have been experiencing hearing loss quite suddenly, then it is important to know how you can get help and advice. An audiologist is going to be the person that you need to see when you are experiencing hearing loss.

But what is an audiologist and what do they do? Learn how these specialists can help you to assess, diagnose, and treat any hearing loss.

Audiologists

An audiologist who has a focus on assessing and managing any problems with the ears or hearing of a patient. What an audiologist will mainly do is diagnose and treat, as well as monitor levels of hearing loss. They can also treat patients with tinnitus, as well as those with balance issues, which are all related to the ear.  

Audiologists are all highly trained, with at least a master’s degree to be able to qualify as an audiologist. Some audiologists will have a doctorate, equivalent to a Ph.D., but that isn’t a requirement to practice. Either way, they will go through a lot of study and education of the ear and hearing, to be able to treat and diagnose hearing loss and other problems related to hearing.

What does an audiologist do?

The main role of an audiologist is to test your hearing and what your current levels are. Once this has been done, they can diagnose and offer the best treatment for your hearing loss and dispense and fit hearing aids if that is required. Their usual appointments will consist of getting medical information for patients, such as their medical history and any current medications.

Then there will be an assessment of the ear, and then hearing tests. The results of the tests can be received almost immediately, which is when an audiologist will go through all of the results with you. 

An audiologist can arrange cochlear implants for anyone, as well as offer rehabilitation counseling for you and for your family. This could be anything from educating them on hearing loss, as well as helping them to manage any symptoms of tinnitus or how someone can communicate better in different social situations where hearing can be more difficult. 

Where do audiologists work?

Audiologists can work in different settings. They can work from their own private clinic, as well as working within other healthcare service settings. There are some specialist items of equipment that audiologists need, so looking out for an audiologist in a professional setting will mean that you are getting seen by the right person who can help you.

If you are looking for an audiologist to help you, then it can be a good idea to look for recommendations and reviews online. Although all audiologists will have very similar training, they could specialize in one area over another, such as tinnitus, rather than hearing aids.