What Can an Audiologist Do for You?

Audiologists are the industry experts in hearing loss prevention, treatment and auditory health in general. If you are suffering from hearing loss or another ear-health related issue, an audiologist is your go-to professional for treatment. Here is a rundown of the services you can expect to receive from an audiologist:

Diagnostic hearing evaluation

Audiologists have a wide range of testing methods at their disposal to determine the level, type and cause of your hearing loss.

• Pure-tone testing: This is your standard hearing test; it precisely measures the degree and balance of your hearing loss. Audiologists can also offer variations on this test for patients who may not be able to participate in the standard version, such as young children or people with behavioral difficulties.
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR): This test is suitable for newborns and infants. It is usually performed during sleep or under anesthesia and involves measuring the brain’s response to auditory stimuli.
• Tympanometry: This assesses the function of the middle ear. It involves pushing air into the ear canal and measuring the eardrum’s response. This can be used to detect holes in the eardrum or hardening of the eardrum.
• Otoacoustic emission tests: This will measure the function of the inner ear.

Hearing aid services

If your audiologist thinks that hearing aids would improve your quality of life, they will be able to provide the following services without you needing to see another professional:

• Hearing aid selection: They will be able to show you a range of models based on your hearing test results and discuss which will be most appropriate for your personal lifestyle and hobbies. This will also include discussing the possibility of optional extras such as directional microphones and Bluetooth technology.
• Hearing aid fitting: When your new hearing aids are ready, your audiologist will fit and program them for you. Your hearing aid fitting appointment will also be an opportunity for you to acquaint yourself with your new device, learn to operate it, switch settings and clean it safely.
• Hearing aid repairs: If something should go wrong with your hearing aids, your audiologist will be able to assess the problem for you. In many cases, minor repairs can be performed in-office for your convenience.

Aftercare and other services

• Aural rehabilitation: Your audiologist will continue to provide care and support after your treatment has been completed. Aural rehabilitation is support for patients with hearing loss to help them fine-tune listening skills and improve their ability to communicate.
• Counseling and support: Your audiologist will be able to put you in touch with counselors or support groups who can provide you with emotional support.
• Earwax removal: Hearing aid wearers can sometime find that excessive earwax buildup becomes a problem for them; professional earwax removal is the best solution in these cases.
• Hearing loss prevention: Your audiologist will be able to provide advice on how best to prevent further damage to your hearing. This will include highlighting any potentially dangerous listening situations in your day-to-day life and recommending the best ear protection solutions.

If you or a loved one is struggling with hearing loss, don’t hesitate to contact an audiologist in your area and schedule a consultation today.