A great audiologist can diagnose the type and degree of hearing loss, and provide individualized counseling, education, and treatment for a wide range of hearing conditions. Quality audiologists can improve hearing as well as the patient’s quality of life.
Here are tips on what to look for in an audiologist and how to contact Sonora Hearing today to request an appointment.
What Is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a doctor who can evaluate, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders. They are trained to work with patients of all ages and can treat a wide range of conditions.
Conditions that can be treated by an audiologist include:
- Auditory processing disorder (APD)
- Balance problems
- Vertigo
- Hearing loss
- Sensitivity to sounds
- Tinnitus
- Peripheral nerve tumors
Audiologists are also trained to choose and customize treatments based on a patient’s hearing type and degree.
Treatments and services provided by many audiologists include:
- Hearing tests
- Hearing aids, including repair and programming
- Cochlear implants
- Earwax removal
- Middle ear implants
- Auditory brainstem implant
- Balance (vestibular) rehabilitation
What Are the Credentials of an Audiologist?
Audiologist credentials include a bachelor’s degree and a doctor of audiology (Au.D.) degree—the latter of which usually takes about four years to complete. The coursework involved in an Au.D. includes anatomy, physiology, statistics, and the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders.
Aspiring audiologists must also practice audiology in a supervised clinical setting. At this time, all states require audiologists to hold an active license to practice audiology.
Audiologist vs ENT: What’s the Difference?
Between audiologists and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors, many hearing professionals can get to the bottom of hearing-related troubles.
An ENT doctor specializes in treating ear infections, pain and swelling in the ears, and problems that affect the sinuses, larynx, and structures of the face and neck. However, some patients may still be referred to an audiologist even if hearing loss is related to an underlying condition that falls under the specialties of the ENT.
Audiologists are licensed professionals who work specifically with hearing loss and balance disorders in children and adults. Patients with hearing-related disorders and impairments are often referred to an audiologist who can evaluate, diagnose, and treat these conditions. Audiologists have gone through extensive schooling and training to determine the degree and type of hearing loss, and to provide the necessary interventions.
What to Look for in an Audiologist
Finding a highly trained and experienced audiologist is key to receiving quality hearing treatment. Here are tips on how to find a great one:
- Read online reviews posted by other patients.
- Ask primary care doctors for referrals to an audiologist.
- Review the audiologists’ qualifications and experience, and confirm that they hold an active license.
- Look for audiologists with a subspecialty based on the hearing disorder. For instance, some audiologists have subspecialties in pediatrics and tinnitus.
Sonora Hearing is devoted to working with patients to reduce their risk for hearing loss and hearing-related conditions. If you need an experienced and highly qualified audiologist, contact us today at (520) 881-8740 to request a hearing test and to learn more about your available treatment options.