Why Should I Choose an Audiologist?

People experiencing hearing loss often choose to work with a professional audiologist to help them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, but why? Let’s take a look.

Audiologists help determine the cause of your hearing loss

Audiologists are doctors who have additional training in the biology of the ear. Their skills and diagnostic equipment allows them to get the root of your hearing loss and determine its precise cause. For most patients, hearing loss is sensorineural, usually age-related. For others, it could be impacted cerumen, TMJ-related problems, or the result of trauma. Audiologists use a range of sophisticated tests to determine the precise points of weakness in the chain between the eardrum and the auditory cortex that could be responsible for hearing loss. The problem could be at the eardrum itself, the bones that transmit sounds to the cochlear, or the auditory nerve. You can get hearing aid fittings from non-audiology professionals. But unless you go to an audiologist, you won’t be able to determine the precise cause of your hearing loss and, therefore, won’t get optimal treatment.

Audiologists can treat a range of ear-related conditions

While audiologists are most famous for treating hearing loss, they also assist with various other conditions, including balance disorders and tinnitus. Thus, if you have one of these conditions, it pays to see a specialist. For instance, if you have impacted earwax, your audiologist can remove it for you. Audiologists are doctors with professional qualifications While you can get hearing aids from various third-party outlets, it’s best to go to a trained professional. Audiologists must undergo years of patient care training and have either a master’s or doctorate in the field before they can practice. Their prolonged education gives them the skills that they need to provide you with a professional service.

Audiologists help you find the right hearing aid for your needs

Hearing aids are sophisticated devices and a significant investment. For that reason, you want to make sure that you choose the right one. Here again, audiologists can help. They can assess your hearing, take careful measurements, and then present you with a range of devices that will suit your needs. The best option for some patients is behind-the-ear (BTE) devices, while others benefit most from more discreet in-the-ear (ITE) versions. Furthermore, they can discuss any additional features you might want to improve your quality of life with you. For instance, some devices have directional microphones, allowing you to better pick up the sound of voices in a crowded, loud room. Others offer connectivity options that let you connect them directly to your home devices, such as your smartphone.

Audiologists help you characterize the extent of your hearing loss

Audiologists help you get a clearer picture of the type of hearing loss you have. While you might consider yourself hard of hearing, you often don’t know the frequencies your ears find the most challenging to detect. For this reason, audiologists offer a range of tests designed to characterize the precise nature of your hearing loss. For instance, directional sound tests help establish your ability to detect noises coming from in front, behind and side to side. In addition, pure tone audiograms let you find out which frequencies cause you the most trouble, explaining why you can hear deep bass notes but not the high-pitched voices of children, for instance. Audiologists have the most sensitive and sophisticated diagnostic equipment available in their offices. With it, they can characterize your hearing loss and then use this information to provide you with optimal treatment.

Audiologists can calibrate your hearing aids

Modern hearing aids are complex and sophisticated devices, often with dozens of channels and settings. Fortunately, patients who work with an audiologist don’t have to concern themselves with calibration. The audiologist does it for them. The first step is to collect and evaluate test results. The next is to input settings into the device that will help amplify volume over the range required by the patient. Finally, audiologists will spend time gathering feedback and making further adjustments to ensure the highest-fidelity experience possible. Audiology services don’t end there. At the end of your consultation, audiologists will arrange follow-ups to make further tweaks and refinements, based on your feedback. Going to an audiologist is highly recommended – especially when choosing a hearing aid. You’ll get the best testing, fitting and advice available. If you’d like to benefit from professional audiology services, please contact the Hearing Wellness Centre at (844) 663-9433 to schedule your appointment.