Your audiologist does a lot more than look inside your ears with a lighted instrument. Understanding what they do is crucial if you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, as they will be heavily involved in helping you come up with a solution that allows you to communicate more effectively.
Audiologists provide a wide range of services including:
- Fitting and dispensing hearing aids.
- Administering hearing and balance tests.
- Assessing candidacy for and programming implantable hearing devices (e.g., cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing aids, etc.).
- Counseling patients and their families on communication strategies.
- Designing and implementing hearing conservation programs and newborn hearing screenings.
- Providing aural rehabilitation programs.
- Performing ear-related surgical monitoring.
Credentials
Audiologists are professional who specializes in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. Most have earned an Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology) while others have received a master’s degree from an accredited university. They have received extensive training in the prevention, identification, assessment and non-medical treatment of hearing and balance disorders.
Audiologists are required to complete an internship, pass a national competency examination and obtain professional certification and licensure in the state(s) where they practice.
Who They Work With
Audiologists can choose to work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. They can be found in a number of settings from hospitals, schools, private practices, ENT offices and hearing aid dispensaries.
Audiologists are the most qualified individuals to help you manage your hearing loss or balance disorder, and they provide an unparalleled level of care.
Call Audiology Center Northwest at (503) 232-1845 for more information or to schedule an appointment.