What Are An Audiologist’s Duties?

If you have been experiencing hearing loss then you may have been told to visit an audiologist. But, what does an audiologist do? Aside from being the person, you go to help with your hearing loss, here are some of the things you should know so that you can feel assured before your next visit. 

The background

An audiologist can evaluate, diagnose and treat hearing loss or other hearing disorders you may be experiencing. These include tinnitus, balance issues and hyperacusis. They can help people of all ages have improved hearing health. Audiologists have to go through extensive training and be accredited at the university level before they can become qualified. They also need to be licensed to dispense hearing aids. 

What sort of services can an audiologist provide?

Audiologists can offer a wide range of services that can help their clients with auditory processing, hearing loss, tinnitus and balance issues. They will likely perform otoscopic examinations of the ear canal and the eardrum. They can check for infections and also look at earwax build-up. 

They may even look at making ear impressions for custom hearing protection where they will look at the recommendation and provide hearing aids and fittings. An audiologist will even help when programming the devices. 

Your audiologist can also assist with things like the management of tinnitus, which is ringing in the ears and also provide education and advice not just to their patients but also family members as well. They can help with children and adults, so they are the ones to talk to with any hearing health concerns you have. 

What can you expect from an appointment with an audiologist?

An audiologist can help you with all hearing health concerns that you have. You will be able to go to your appointment fully expecting extensive testing to take place. They can look at the eardrum and the ear canal, check the sensitivity and understand what might be causing issues with your hearing health or indeed causing your hearing loss. 

They are in the best possible position to discuss your needs and make recommendations for the best course of action to take. They can look at providing you with hearing aids or resolutions for other hearing health concerns that you have. 

You will also expect advice on the next steps to take and regular visits with your audiologist in the future. So that you can understand how best to improve and enhance your day-to-day lifestyle. They have the knowledge and the advice that can help to improve all aspects of the lifestyle you may be struggling with right now, such as social interactions or even being in your workplace. 

If you have any concerns about your or family members’ hearing health, their hearing loss or have noticed any changes then make sure you make an appointment as soon as possible with your local audiologist. They can provide you with tests and information that will hopefully improve the situation.