Did you know that October is National Audiology Awareness Month? What better time to learn a little more about what an audiologist does and how they can help you stay healthy and connected to the world around you!
What Does an Audiologist Do?
An audiologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices and universities.
Most audiologists have a doctorate in audiology (Au.D). There are currently 74 Au.D programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) including the University of South Florida.
When to See an Audiologist
Audiologists treat and diagnose a variety of conditions in people of all different ages. Some of the most common reasons you or a loved one might visit an audiologist include:
Getting a Hearing Test
The first step to determining whether you would benefit from hearing aids is getting a hearing test. An audiology evaluation should be the first course of action for anybody who even suspects hearing loss. The sooner a diagnosis of hearing loss is made, the more successful treatment will be. Hearing tests are fast and offer same-day results to help you plan your next course of action. During testing your audiologist may evaluate:
- How your ears respond to loud sounds
- The quietest sound you can hear at different pitches
- How well you can hear speech
- The movement capacity of your eardrum
- What type of hearing loss you have
Hearing Aid Fitting and Counseling
If a hearing test determines that hearing aids are the best treatment for you, your audiologist will help you select a pair, as well as provide fitting and counseling services.
There are currently plenty of different styles of hearing aids available. Your audiologist will work with you to determine what type best fits your lifestyle and meets your hearing needs.
They will program and adjust your hearing aids based on those same needs. Your audiologist will place your hearing aids on and measure the volume levels to ensure that you are hearing the full range of sounds properly.
Before getting hearing aids, your audiologist will provide you with counseling to prepare you for this significant change. Learning the benefits as well as the possible limitations of hearing aids will help you get the most satisfaction out of your device.
Tinnitus Diagnosis and Management
Tinnitus is a ringing in your ear. Though some people describe it as a hissing, roaring, whooshing or buzzing sound instead of ringing. It can come and go or be constant. Tinnitus is a symptom of a wide range of health conditions, sometimes serious enough to require additional medical attention. Identifying the cause of tinnitus is one of the reasons testing is so valuable.
There is no universal cure for tinnitus but depending on the cause different treatments will be recommended that can eliminate or reduce the symptoms. These include:
- Acoustic Therapy
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
- Steroid Injections
- Surgery
- Hearing Aids
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the conditions listed above, don’t hesitate to call The McCoy Institute of Hearing & Balance and schedule an appointment today.
