Are you finding that you have to ask people to repeat themselves more and more often? Do people you live with complain you listen to the TV too loud when it sounds fine to you? These can signify changes to your hearing and mean it is time to visit an audiologist. Many businesses will try to sell you hearing aids but visiting an audiologist will ensure that you receive the most specialized and accurate care available for any hearing issues you may have.
What is an Audiologist?
Audiologists are licensed, professional hearing specialists. They are required to have a doctor of audiology (AuD) degree with takes on average four years. Most have an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders. Their field of study requires them to have extensive training and experience in hearing health. They specialize in diagnosing and treating hearing conditions in people of all ages.
How do Audiologists Diagnose Hearing?
The most common way to diagnose a hearing loss is with an audiogram. This type of hearing test uses different test methods to identify the range and threshold of your hearing.
However, even before the hearing exam, your audiologist will interview you about your family history, your listening practices, and lifestyle, to better understand what could affect your hearing and what treatments would be best for you. They will also visually inspect your ears to identify any blockages or infections which could affect your hearing.
What to Expect During a Hearing Test
Hearing tests are painless and non-invasive. There are several tests that your audiologist will use to get the best gauge of your hearing ability. These tests will often occur in a soundproof room in which you will wear headphones.
Pure-tone audiometry: In this part of the test, you will be asked to respond to different pitches and volumes through your headphone. Your audiologist will ask you what sounds you can hear to determine your hearing thresholds.
Speech audiometry: This part of test is similar to the pure-tone segment, but it uses speech at different tones and thresholds to determine what are the quietest you can hear. This will help your audiologist determine the most comfortable listening level as well as the upper limits of comfort for listening.
Speech in noise and words in noise tests: These test help to determine a person’s ability to hear amongst noise. During these tests, sounds are generated emulating background noise while sentences are simultaneously played. These allow your audiologist to properly program your hearing aids to hear amongst any noise.
Audiologist vs. Hearing Aid Retailer
If you are having trouble with your hearing, it is recommended you visit an audiologist over a hearing aid retailer. Getting your diagnosis from one of our trained audiologists can ensure that you get the best programming and accurate care for your hearing.
An online retailer or big box store only wants to sell you hearing aids. They will not have the proper training to give you the best hearing experience possible. While you may save money, from ordering online, the quality which is essential to healthy hearing can easily be skipped over. For instance, when you skip an audiologist, you won’t have to option to understand your hearing abilities, have earwax removed, or for them to spot a blockage which could affect your hearing.
Adjusting To Your Hearing Aids
When you invest in hearing care with an audiologist, you have a dedicated medical staff, which can make sure your hearing program is the best one possible specifically for you. We can test your hearing aids to make sure they sound and fit great. If you have an issue with your technology, we are there to help make adjustments, repairs, and modifications. It is a process, getting used to new hearing aids, and we will be there every step of the way to ensure you get the most specialized care. Hearing loss is an ever-evolving condition, and we can continue to track your hearing over the years and establish a care regime you can rely on.
Schedule a Hearing Test Today
To find out how we can help you achieve the best care for your hearing, schedule a hearing test today. We can find the best solution for your hearing needs, so you can focus on your life with the best hearing possible.