How an Audiologist can Help with your Hearing Problems

An audiologist can help with your hearing problems, and not necessarily in the ways you expect.

The important thing to understand about an audiologist is that they have an in-depth knowledge of hearing and how it works. Audiologists have studied to advanced degree level and beyond and can rightly be called medical professionals who specialize in hearing health.

This means they approach hearing loss form a scientific point of view. To them, a hearing test isn’t just about what sounds you can hear at what volumes, it’s about diagnosing the reason behind the problem.

Why does this matter?

Sometimes hearing loss isn’t purely a matter of damage from exposure to loud noise or part of the aging process. Other factors can be involved, such as medication that cause deafness as a complication, medical conditions that have an impact on hearing or other causes that need a treatment other than a hearing aid.

Audiologists use science to solve problems

The audiologist will grade your hearing loss and consider the cause. Should they suspect a complication from diabetes or cardiovascular disease, they will advise you on who best to see next. Where further tests or imaging are warranted because of inner ear or central disease, they can refer you to the right specialist. And for those who need help in the form of a hearing device, they have a wealth of knowledge and unbiased expertise to help you find the right one.

Audiologists have your best interests as their main focus

When you suffer from hearing loss what you really want is accurate and unbiased advice. This is another area where audiologists excel. They are professional who have the patient’s needs at the heart of what they do.

This means an audiologist can give advice based on the device best suited to your hobbies and needs, rather than on the model currently part of a sales push.

But more than that, they take time to teach you how to use the device and get used to hearing again after years of muffled sound. Your audiologist is there to watch your back, when you are struggling to adapt. They won’t sell a device and wash their hands of you – they want to know how you are getting along – and help if you are struggling.

Audiologists help in other ways

Sometimes hearing loss is so severe that a hearing loss only makes a marginal difference. When this is the case then an audiologist can help you with other strategies that will make a positive impact. For example, they can help you learn facial expression reading and suggest simple strategies, such as making sure the speaker stands in a well-lit spot that can really help.

In short, if you are struggling with your hearing then put your trust in an audiologist. After all, you both want the same thing – for you to hear better.