Why Should I Choose An Audiologist?

Audiologists are usually trained in the science of balance, hearing, and all related disorders. And as one of the growing sectors in the United States, this career is focused on offering both diagnosis and treatments for hearing loss. As of today, hearing loss is the third leading physical problem after heart illnesses and arthritis. And according to some other recent studies, hearing loss has also been seen in the younger generation.

Young people are now experiencing hearing loss at an earlier age. So, an audiologist is trained to pinpoint, evaluate and treat hearing loss for people, regardless of their ages. But why should you choose an audiologist for your hearing health?

Audiologists can help determine the cause of your hearing loss

Audiologists are licensed professionals that have extra training in the biology of the human ear. Their diagnostic equipment and skills give them the permission to get to the bottom of your hearing problem and determine the exact cause. Hearing loss can be age-related for many patients, while for others, it can be caused by cerumen, trauma, or TMJ.

The problem might be the bones that convey sound waves to the cochlea, the eardrum, or even the auditory nerves. Therefore, audiologists will carry some sophisticated tests to know the exact cause of the problems. They will check for weak points in the chain between the tympanic membrane and the auditory cortex.

They can help you get a hearing aid that suits your needs

Hearing aids are substantial investments and sophisticated devices. And for this reason, you have to ensure that you pick one that suits your needs and your lifestyle. Audiologists can help you achieve that. They will assess your hearing, take precise measurements and give you a range of options for your hearing aid. Some patients might need a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing device, while others benefit significantly from in-the-ear (ITE) versions.

Besides, an audiologist will discuss any extra features that might be added to enhance the quality of life for you. For example, some hearing aids have directional microphones that allow the user to pick up voices even in crowded areas. Also, others have connectivity options that allow the users to connect them to their devices, like smartphones.

Audiologists can adjust your hearing aids

Nowadays, hearing aids are made with more sophistication and complexity. They usually have multiple frequencies of settings. But the good news is that if you work with an audiologist, you won’t have to worry about fine-tuning your device; the audiologist will do that for you.

The first thing they will do is gather and evaluate test results and input settings on the hearing aid to help intensify the volume over the range you need. And eventually, they will use their time to gather responses and make extra modifications to ensure that you get the highest conformity experience from the device.

It doesn’t end there; in the final stages of your consultation, the audiologist will organize a follow-up to make additional tweaks and adjustments based on your responses. So, when choosing a hearing aid, going to an audiologist is much recommended; besides, you will get the best testing, fitting, and guidance available.

They can diagnose and treat an extensive range of hearing problems

You might know audiologists for treating only hearing loss. However, that is not the case. Audiologists also help with other conditions, like balance problems and tinnitus. Therefore, if you have any of these conditions, it will be worth it to get the help of an audiologist. For instance, if you have accumulated earwax, your audiologist can remove it safely without harming your inner ear.

Audiologists can help characterize the degree of your hearing loss

Experiencing a hearing loss might sometimes mean that you don’t really know the type of frequencies your ears have a hard time detecting; therefore, an audiologist can help you get a clear image of the kind of hearing loss you are experiencing.

Audiologists utilize various tests tailored to describe the exact nature of your hearing loss. For example, pure tone audiograms can determine which frequencies are problematic to your ears and directional sound tests to help know your ability to detect noises coming from behind, front in front, and side to side. This might explain why you can hear deep bass notes but fail to hear kids' high-pitched sounds.

Summing up

Finding the right audiologist for your hearing health can be a bit hard. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. A good audiologist will provide you with the comprehensive services you need. Besides, they are licensed practitioners who can help you know the extent of your hearing loss and ensure that you get the right hearing aid for your needs.

So, if you want to benefit from professional audiology services, contact Portland Audiology Clinic at (503) 227-3668 and schedule an appointment.