When you start to experience issues with your hearing, you’ll be referred to see an audiologist. An audiologist is the right person who can help to evaluate, diagnose and treat hearing loss. They can even help you to manage the issues that you are having with your hearing long term. Whatever the issue, your audiologist will be at the ready to help you to get to the bottom of it while keeping you reassured and calm.

What they do

Audiologists have undergone some intense training and have received an advanced degree to be able to practice. They specialize in all things relating to the ear and to hearing, so whether your issue is a gradual hearing loss, or you’re being driven crazy with tinnitus, an audiologist can help you. Your audiologist uses a specific set of tests to measure your hearing at varying levels and the results for these tests are plotted on an audiogram.

How treatment is determined

These graphs – or audiograms – can help your audiologist to diagnose the issue and point them toward the right treatment for you. Any treatment options that your audiologist comes up with will take into consideration your overall health and mental wellbeing. Hearing loss can have a negative impact on a person’s life, especially if they waited too long to seek help. An audiologist is able to help patients to lead a fuller life because they have the ability to give their hearing a boost. The most popular treatment options vary between hearing aids and other listening devices. Hearing aids aren’t curative; you won’t get your hearing back entirely, but they can improve your quality of life and your listening experience.

Skills an audiologist has

An audiologist can diagnose and treat hearing loss, but they also have a plethora of skills in addition to this. These include:

  • Fitting and dispensing the correct type and size of hearing aids that are right for you.
  • Educate patients on hearing health, what they should be looking out for in regard to hearing loss and the best way to unblock clogged ears.
  • Keeping patient records accurately up to date to ensure that they are watching for no major changes in a patient’s hearing.
  • Continue to research and better understand causes of hearing disorders and learn more about treatments that can help.

Should you see an audiologist?

Most of the time, people don’t notice that their hearing is becoming impaired because it’s such a gradual onset. It takes loved ones and friends letting them know that they aren’t hearing well to be able to tell. You should be seeing an audiologist every ten years until age 50, and every three years after that. If you suspect that your hearing is a problem before this time frame, you should go and get an appointment.

An audiologist can help you with your hearing, even if the loss is profound. Getting that appointment could make a huge difference.