Audiology is a highly-specific field of healthcare that few people seem to understand. Most people assume that general doctors are capable of dealing with most ear or hearing related issues, but the reality is that the ear is a complicated structure that contains many different parts and it requires a specialist to truly understand how the ear works.

And that’s why we have audiologists.

Not only do they test your hearing and help you choose hearing aids, they also have a deep understanding of the entire ear, how it works and how other parts of the body could ultimately affect your ear. To help you understand more about audiologists, here are four facts that most people don’t know about them.

1. Audiologists deal with more than just hearing loss

Audiologists are known for their ability to deal with hearing loss. They’re frequently mentioned when it comes to getting hearing aids or diagnosing your hearing problems, but they’re also capable of dealing with other issues that your ears might encounter. For instance, they can help you prevent hearing loss, they can help you treat tinnitus (hearing sounds in your ears) and even help with your sensitivity to loud noises.

2. Audiologists work with children, adults and seniors

Audiologists are regularly seen dealing with hearing loss, and this means you’ll see them working together with seniors most of the time. However, hearing loss can strike anyone – even children. This means that audiologists must be trained to deal with both young and old patients. They can work as part of a school, they can be affiliated with private practices or even practice in the military.

3. Audiologists are experts at understanding their patients

Audiologists frequently work with patients who are worried or scared due to their position. Losing your hearing or realizing that you do have hearing loss is distressing and it takes a strong mind in order to be able to cope with the effects. As a result, audiologists quickly build up experience working with different types of patients and they’re well-equipped to deal with any reactions or questions from their patients.

4. Audiologists can help treat your hearing loss from start to finish

In other healthcare fields, you’re likely going to be bounced around different departments to speak with different specialists. However, when it comes to your hearing health, an audiologist can help you treat your hearing loss from start to finish. You don’t need to be transferred to a different department, which means that your hearing is arguably one of the most efficient problems to get sorted. From diagnosing the issue to planning your treatment and giving you advice, audiologists can handle everything.

Audiologists are trained to deal with hearing loss, but they’re also experts that understand the ear, how it works and how to solve different types of ear-related issues. If you feel that you might have hearing loss, then don’t leave it for too long or else it could get progressively worse.