What Does an Audiologist Do?

Just as there are specialized professionals to check various body parts like your teeth, eyes, back and feet, there are those who focus on ears. These experts, known as audiologists, hold advanced degrees and do more than just test your hearing. What does an audiologist do? Audiologists can diagnose hearing and balance issues as well as perform hearing tests and counseling.

Education and experience

Audiologists have specific training and education with most holding a doctorate degree. These include a doctor of audiology (Au.D.), a doctor of philosophy in audiology (Ph.D.), or a doctor of science in audiology (Sc.D.). This means audiologists study at least an additional four or five years after receiving a bachelor’s degree.

Audiologists are also required to have clinical experience and some take additional classes to specialize in areas such as pediatric audiology or balance problems. Most join professional organizations such as the American Academy of Audiology or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Audiologists are also licensed by the state.

Audiologist skills

Audiologists evaluate and treat hearing disorders, diagnose and treat dizziness and balance issues, help with tinnitus (ringing in the ears), counsel patients and perform hearing tests and screening. Hearing loss can result from many things, including medicine, earwax blockage, ear infections, or prolonged exposure to loud noises. Someone who only sells hearing aids cannot evaluate hearing loss as extensively as an audiologist can.

Your audiologist works with you to determine the best way to treat any hearing loss, whether temporary or permanent. Hearing loss is the most common reason to see an audiologist. That visit begins with the audiologist asking about your medical history and any ear problems you may have. Then the audiologist performs a physical exam of your ears as well as tests to check your eardrum’s response to pressure and to determine how well you hear the pitch and volume of sounds.

Finding an audiologist

Most people see an audiologist recommended by a friend or family member. Your health care provider or insurance company may also make recommendations depending upon your specific hearing issues. Most audiologists practice either as a group office or are affiliated with a medical university.

There also is a good deal of information to be found on the internet, especially at an audiologist’s website. Testimonials and educational information will help you decide which office and what audiologist is right for you.

There are a number of answers to the question, “What does an audiologist do?” These specialists have high standards of conduct and ethics and are highly motivated to help diagnose and treat hearing loss and other ailments involving the inner and middle ear. Because that treatment may not always include hearing aids, it is important to consider an appointment with an audiologist first to determine why you are not hearing as well as you did in the past.