What exactly is an audiologist, and what do they do? Let’s dive into what makes an audiologist special and why they are so important for people with hearing issues.
What is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who helps people with hearing and balance problems. They are sometimes called hearing doctors; however, they cannot prescribe medication or perform surgery. Audiologists have undergone years of education and hands-on training to evaluate and treat hearing loss, ear-related issues, and balance disorders. Depending on when they completed their education, some audiologists may have a Master’s Degree, and some may have a Doctorate degree.
Audiologists work with people of all ages, from babies to adults. Their goal is to improve a person’s quality of life by helping them hear better or solve balance problems. Sometimes, audiologists work in hospitals or universities, but many work in hearing clinics or private practices.
What Do Audiologists Study?
Before 2007, one could become an audiologist by obtaining an undergraduate degree and a Master’s degree. Beginning in 2007, the requirement changed from a Master’s degree to a four-year clinical doctorate, Doctor of Audiology, or AuD. They learn about how ears work and how to help people with trouble hearing. Audiologists also study balance since problems with balance often come from the inner ear. This makes them experts in treating hearing and ear problems.
The Role of an Audiologist
An audiologist plays many important roles in helping people with hearing issues. Let’s examine their work more closely.
Testing for Hearing Loss
One of the main jobs of an audiologist is to test people’s hearing. These hearing tests help determine how well a person hears different sounds and pitches. The audiologist uses special equipment to check the ears and see how well they respond to different noises.
The hearing test occurs in a sound booth or sound-treated room, where the person listens to different sounds and speech through earphones. The audiologist asks the person to signal when they hear a sound, which helps them understand what types of sounds are hard for the person to hear.
After the evaluation, the audiologist reviews the results. If hearing loss is present, they suggest treatment options and ways to improve hearing, including hearing aids or a referral to another type of doctor if indicated. Hearing loss can happen at any age, and early detection is key to getting the right help.
Fitting and Adjusting Hearing Aids
If you need hearing aids, the audiologist will help you choose the right ones. They ensure the hearing aids fit properly and work well for your hearing needs. There are many types of hearing aids, and the audiologist will work with you and recommend options based on your lifestyle and level of hearing loss.
Over time, your hearing may change, so the audiologist can adjust the hearing aids to ensure they work well. After your first fitting, you may need to return for follow-up visits to
Hearing Protection
Audiologists can recommend appropriate hearing protection based on your needs. They can recommend over the counter options or take impressions of your ears to create custom-fitted earplugs. There are lots of different styles depending on the activity. Hearing protection is necessary for people who work in noisy environments, attend concerts, hunt, etc.
Helping with Ear Health
Audiologists also check for other ear health problems, like ear infections or too much earwax. They can clean ears and help with conditions like tinnitus (which typically presents as ringing, buzzing, or other noise in the ears). Some audiologists can even help with balance problems, often from the inner ear.
Why Should You See an Audiologist?
It’s important to see an audiologist if you notice any changes in your hearing. Hearing loss can make things challenging; an audiologist’s early help can improve your hearing and protect your ears from more damage. Audiologists are also trained to catch hearing issues that might not be obvious immediately, making them essential for long-term hearing health.
Early Detection of Hearing Problems
The earlier you see an audiologist, the better. Many people wait too long to get help, worsening hearing problems. Regular hearing tests help catch issues early. Early identification and treatment of hearing loss improves long-term outcomes.Even if you don’t think you have hearing loss, getting a hearing evaluation is still a good idea, especially as you age. It is recommended for adults above the age of 50 years to have their hearing tested at 5-yearly intervals. From 65 years of age, the frequency of screening should be increased to every 1–3 years.Sometimes, people don’t realize they have hearing loss because it happens gradually. An audiologist can catch this early and suggest steps to improve your hearing.
Professional Guidance
Unlike over-the-counter hearing aids, an audiologist gives expert advice. Audiologists will make recommendations for treatment and follow-up testing as indicated. They know exactly which hearing technology works best for your hearing loss. They also teach you how to care for your hearing aids and make sure they are working properly.
An audiologist can also tell you if other health conditions, such as an infection or injury, might contribute to hearing loss. Getting professional guidance from an audiologist ensures you get the right treatment for your ears and overall health.
Audiologist | Austin Hearing Aid Center
Audiologists play an important role in helping people hear better. They provide hearing tests, fit hearing aids, and care for your ear health. If you have trouble hearing or need help with your ears, an audiologist is the right person to see.
If you are having trouble hearing, the team at Austin Hearing Aid Center in Austin, TX, is ready to help. Visit them for a hearing test, hearing aids, or an ear health checkup. Take control of your hearing health today!