What Does an Audiologist Do?

An audiologist is a medical professional. They do much more than just perform hearing tests and fit hearing aids. What does an audiologist do? Audiologists treat infants, children and adults and diagnose hearing and balance issues. They also provide counseling and of course, perform comprehensive hearing examinations.

An audiologist has specialized education and experience

Audiologists study at least an additional four or five years after receiving a bachelor’s degree and have either a doctor of audiology (Au.D.), a doctor of philosophy in audiology (Ph.D.) or a doctor of science in audiology (Sc.D.). Audiologists are required to have clinical experience and many take additional classes, specializing in pediatric audiology, cochlear implants or balance problems. Most join professional organizations such as the American Academy of Audiology or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). All audiologists are licensed by the state.

Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing issues

There’s more to an audiology appointment than just a simple hearing test. Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing disorders, dizziness and balance issues, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and counsel patients and perform hearing tests and fit hearing aids. The most common reason to see an audiologist is for hearing loss. The problem may be due to a blockage in the ear, exposure to loud noise or linked to nerve issues – or a combination of any of these. An exam starts with a consultation and discussion about your medical history and any hearing issues. That’s followed by a physical exam of your ears, an assessment of your eardrum’s response to pressure and hearing tests to determine how well you hear the pitch and volume of sounds.

Audiologists fit hearing aids

If the test results show that you would benefit from hearing aids, you’ll meet with the audiologist to discuss the various types of devices available. There is a wide-range of hearing aid styles, from the very small units that fit inside the ear canal to those that sit in the ear and those that sit over the ear. If the style that works best for you requires earmolds, an impression is taken at that first appointment. You’ll return in a couple of weeks for the hearing aid fitting. This involves another audio test, which helps determine the volume and pitch settings for your hearing aids. After that, you’ll learn about any specific settings, how to insert and remove your hearing aids, how to care for them and how to change batteries. You’ll see your audiologist for another follow-up visit and then annually after that.

There’s more than one answer to the question, “What does an audiologist do?” These trained and educated specialists have high standards of conduct and ethics to help diagnose and treat hearing loss and other ailments involving the inner and middle ear. If you are having problems hearing, it’s important to see an audiologist to determine whether or not your hearing problems are medically related.