An audiologist, in simple words, diagnoses and treats your ear problems. However, their job is not as simple as that. Even though they are qualified to treat your hearing pains, there are limits to what they can and cannot do.
Before you book an appointment with an audiologist, find out if he is the right specialist you are looking for. And how would you know that? By reading this guide that tells you everything you need to know about an audiologist.
What is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a qualified hearing health professional certified to diagnose, treat, and manage hearing and balance disorders. They study audiology, the science of hearing and balance, to specialise in this field. They are proficient in running hearing tests to determine the problem and create a treatment plan.
Audiologists don’t just test hearing; they also help with the following:
- Hearing loss management: Audiologists identify and treat different types of hearing loss.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears): They create strategies and therapies to manage tinnitus symptoms.
- Hearing aids and assistive devices: They help patients find the proper hearing aids based on the diagnosis and the severity of hearing loss.
- Balance disorders: They treat conditions linked to inner-ear issues like vertigo.
What an Audiologist Does (and Doesn’t Do)
What an Audiologist Does:
- Conducts hearing tests to assess hearing ability.
- Diagnoses and treats hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders.
- Prescribes and fits hearing aids and assistive listening devices.
- Provides counselling on hearing loss and communication strategies.
- Offers hearing protection solutions, like custom earplugs.
What an Audiologist Doesn’t Do:
- Perform ear surgeries (that’s for an ENT specialist).
- Prescribe medication for ear-related conditions.
- Treat ear infections or physical injuries to the ear.
If you’re experiencing pain or infections or require surgery, an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialist is the right professional to see. But an audiologist is your go-to expert for anything related to hearing or balance.
What to Look for in a Good Audiologist
Qualifications and Experience
Always check the proper accreditation and experience of the audiologist you will trust with your hearing health. Before booking your appointment, ensure the audiologist is qualified and experienced enough to treat you.
Communicative and Compassionate
An audiologist is compassionate and empathetic. They talk to the patient throughout treatment, helping the nervous patient feel at ease before tests and treatment. They will actively listen to your problem, offer the right solutions, and guide you through the following steps.
After Appointment Care
A good audiologist will stay in touch after the appointment. They will help you manage your hearing loss every step of the way, from suggesting the best hearing aids to management of listening devices and answering your queries and concerns.
The audiologists at Telex Hearing Centre also offer home visits around Sutherland Shire to those unable to travel.
When to See an Audiologist
Hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight unless there is an accident involved. If the people around you notice anything odd with your hearing, you need to listen to them. If you experience the following, visit a hearing clinic before the symptoms worsen and lead to hearing loss.
- Conversations feel muffled, especially in crowded places.
- You frequently ask people to repeat themselves.
- The TV volume is too loud for others but sounds pleasing to you.
- You hear ringing, buzzing, or whistling in your ears.
- You struggle to follow phone conversations.
- You feel dizzy or off-balance all the time.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, contact an audiologist immediately. A hearing test with an audiologist can save your hearing or help manage hearing loss.
Taking the Next Step
It is time to book a hearing assessment if you’ve been putting off a hearing test. Audiologists aren’t just there to sell you hearing aids; they’re experts who want to help you hear better and live better.
Finding a trustworthy hearing clinic is easier than you think for anyone in Hurstville, Miranda, or the wider Sutherland Shire. Whether you need a full hearing test, tinnitus management help, or just want to check where your hearing’s at, we are here to help. Book an assessment with our audiologist and audio metrists today.