Are you having problems with your hearing? If so, you’ll want to have things checked out by an audiologist.
Below we’ll look at what is an audiologist, where to find them, an overview of what they do and more. It’s basically a short, to-the-point overview for those who are not familiar with the field of audiology.
What Is An Audiologist?
An audiologist is a health care professional specializing in evaluating, diagnosing, treating and managing hearing loss and balance issues. Audiologists will work with patients of all ages.
Audiologists typically are not medical doctors (or MDs). Most audiologists get a doctor of audiology degree, or an Au.D. Though some may get degrees in other fields. This could include a Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy) or a Sc.D. (doctor of science).
In the U.S., all audiologists must be licensed and registered in order to practice. It’s a requirement for them to do continuing education so they stay up to date on the latest advances and research. Audiologists can also get a certification in the field through the American Board of Audiology.
Education Requirements for Audiologists
Before becoming a licensed audiologist, a candidate first needs to study and complete training which involves the following:
- Earning a master’s degree in audiology from an accredited university
- Completing a fellowship or externship year
- Passing an exam from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for certification
- Passing state licensing exams
- Continuing education requirements to renew their licenses
Where Do Audiologists Work?
Most of the time, audiologists work in places such as the following:
- Hospitals
- Doctor’s offices
- Private practices
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools
- Colleges and universities
An Overview of What Audiologists Do
Aside from diagnosis and treatment for hearing and balance medical issues, audiologists also do other things. These things include reviewing a patient’s medical history as well as facilitating hearing and speech rehab programs. They also perform hearing exams and help with the selection, fitting and maintenance of hearing aids for people who need them.
Even though audiologists can take care of the fitting and adjusting of hearing aids, people who specialize in that category are known as hearing instrument specialists.
Similar to audiologists, hearing instrument specialists are licensed healthcare professionals specializing in recommending and fitting hearing aids.
They also provide hearing exams as part of the purchase of hearing aids. And they stay up to date on the latest technological advances of hearing aids.
What Is An Otolaryngologist?
An otolaryngologist is a medical doctor or M.D. that can also diagnose and treat ear conditions. However, unlike an audiologist, they tackle not just conditions of the ear but also the nose, mouth, and throat.
And also, another difference between an otolaryngologist and an audiologist is that the former is more of an overall ear doctor while the latter is more focused on the patient’s hearing condition.
But despite their differences, an otolaryngologist can refer a patient to an audiologist after treatment for the prescription and fitting of hearing aids.
When To Visit an Audiologist
There are some very specific signs you may notice that indicate you should visit an audiologist. Most are hearing related, but one is more linked to balance issues.
1. You are experiencing hearing loss. This may include:
- Having trouble hearing people
- Needing to turn the TV volume up
- Asking people to repeat themselves
2. Problems with tinnitus (ringing/buzzing in the ears)
3. Earwax removal
4. Pain or discomfort in your ears (though you may want to visit your primary care physician or an otolaryngologist first)
5. You need a hearing aid adjustment
6. Dizziness or lightheadedness (again, you may want to visit an MD first in this situation)