4 Ways an Audiologist Helps with Hearing Loss

An audiologist is a professional who specializes in diagnosing the types of health issues relating to hearing and the auditory system. Audiologists recommend therapies, treatment plans, preventative care, and follow-up care. Hearing loss is just one small component of the care audiologists provide; they also provide:

• Dizziness and balance care
• Tinnitus treatment
• Earwax removal
• Hearing loss prevention
• Hearing screening and testing
• Hearing aids and other assistive technology

They will look after everything related to your overall hearing health – from hearing loss to tinnitus. 

Let’s have a look a four of the ways an audiologist helps with hearing loss: 

Testing for hearing loss

A hearing test by an audiologist includes an examination of all of the different aspects related to your individual case. They may include identifying any structural issues, obstructions, foreign objects in the ear canal, or inflammation, along with looking at and assessing voice and sound thresholds. They need to use hearing screenings to establish a baseline so that any hearing loss can be monitored in the future and so they can act early with any assistance needed. Hearing screenings may also take place at birth and at school age to identify any hearing loss at a younger age. 

Prescribing the right treatment

Hearing aids are one treatment option, but they aren’t the only ones. In some cases, a build-up of wax could be causing hearing loss, which will be resolved once the impaction is removed. Treatments for tinnitus, that use masking alongside specialized techniques and equipment, can offer relief. Audiologists deal with a broad toolkit when it comes to offering treatments for hearing loss. 

Fitting your hearing aids 

If hearing aids are the correct treatment for your hearing loss, then you are going to need encouragement and support to help you adapt to your new aids as well as top-notch technical support and adjustments to ensure you are getting the best performance and clarity. This is where an audiologist comes in. An audiologist is able to meet any challenges that come from your hearing aids and make sure you get the right settings, clarity, and instructions for use and care. 

Technology adjustments 

An audiologist is more technologically advanced than a dispenser. Your hearing is the number one focus, but the device is also important. It is important that any technology used is created to meet your specific needs, and that’s what an audiologist can do for you. After making sure you have been provided with the right hearing technology, they will help to monitor the way that they work by making adjustments, helping with the maintenance and cleaning, supporting, counseling, and encouraging you through the period of adjustment.