By Dr. Noël Crosby, Au.D.
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who identifies, assesses, and manages disorders of hearing and balance. They work with patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They educate their patients on the effects of noise on their hearing and help them to find the proper treatment, fitting them with protective hearing devices, hearing aids, and assistive listening devices. They also administer tests of balance to evaluate dizziness and provide hearing rehabilitation as well.
When should you see an audiologist?
You should see an audiologist if you suspect you have hearing loss. Common signs of hearing loss include:
• Difficulty understanding words, especially in a crowd or with background noise
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Turning up the television to a level that is uncomfortable for others
• Difficulty hearing women or children
• Ringing in one or both ears
Common MYTHS and FACTS about hearing loss
Myth: Newborn babies do not experience hearing loss.
Fact: More than 4,000 babies are born each year with hearing loss.
Myth: Every day loud noises do not affect hearing.
Fact: Hearing loss can be caused by hairdryers, fireworks, concerts, farming equipment and other noises we experience often. Excessive noise can cause permanent hearing loss.
Myth: Dizziness is just an inconvenient part of life for some people.
Fact: Untreated dizziness and balance disorders increase the risk of falls that can result in serious injuries.
What should you expect at the audiologist?
If you are experiencing hearing loss, the audiologist will begin your visit by taking a personal and family history. She will then conduct an examination of the outer ear to see if there is any external trauma, infection in your ear, or buildup of earwax.
The audiologist will then begin an evaluation using various tests. These may include:
• Pure-tone testing determines whether the hearing is within normal limits.
• Tympanometry measures eardrum movement and pressure variations.
• Speech recognition
If you are visiting the audiologist because of dizziness or balance related problems, the audiologist will perform an evaluation to determine the location and cause of the problem, changes in balance function, and the relationship between functional balance, vision, the inner ear, and other sensory systems.
After performing these tests, the audiologist will make recommendations for treatment and/or management of what has been determined.
What level of education and training does an audiologist have?
Audiologists must earn a doctorate degree in audiology (AuD) from an accredited university in order to be licensed. They serve a fellowship or externship year and must pass boards to receive licensing and accreditation. Additionally, audiologists enroll in continuing education courses to fulfill licensing requirements.
How can I prevent hearing loss?
There are steps you can take to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss and to avoid making age-related hearing loss worse. These include:
1. Protect your ears. Limit your exposure to excessive noise. Use earmuffs or earplugs at work or in places where you know there will be damaging noise.
2. Get your hearing tested regularly if you work in a noisy environment. If you already have some hearing loss, you can take steps to stop it from worsening.
3. Avoid unnecessary risks like riding loud motorcycles, shooting guns, or going to rock concerts. If you do participate in these activities, wear protective gear.
If you feel that you or someone you love has hearing loss, make an appointment to see an audiologist to have it confirmed. It may be something as simple as removing excess earwax. However, if it is more serious, an audiologist can help you find a solution that is right for you.
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