What Makes a Certified Hearing Specialist Different?

Understanding the world of hearing health can seem overwhelming, especially if you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss. However, knowing what you can expect from an audiologist can make things easier. These professionals do more than just distribute hearing aids. Their expertise, certification and unique skills make them a valuable resource for those dealing with hearing loss. They have a deep understanding of your hearing needs, a dedication to ongoing education in their field and the ability to provide personalized care.

What Are the Different Types of Hearing Specialists?

Hearing instrument specialists (HIS) and audiologists both play vital roles in hearing care, but they differ in their education, training and the scope of services they provide.

HIS are professionals trained specifically in the fitting and maintenance of hearing aids. Their primary focus is on selecting and fitting hearing aids based on the specific needs of their clients. HIS typically undergo specialized training and certification programs that equip them with the knowledge to conduct hearing tests, interpret results related to hearing aid fittings and make recommendations on the best devices for individual hearing needs. They also provide support and follow-up care, including adjustments and repairs of hearing aids, ensuring that clients get the most out of their devices. While HIS are experts in hearing aid technology and usage, their scope is primarily focused on hearing aid-related services.

Audiologists, on the other hand, are healthcare professionals who hold advanced degrees (usually a Doctor of Audiology, Au.D.) and are trained to diagnose, manage and treat a broad range of hearing and balance disorders. Their training covers a wide array of auditory and vestibular conditions, allowing them to perform comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and manage more complex hearing and balance issues. Audiologists are qualified to identify and treat hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders, and they can work with patients across all age groups, from newborns to the elderly. In addition to fitting hearing aids, audiologists are trained to perform and interpret more advanced diagnostic tests, and they can collaborate with other healthcare providers to manage hearing and balance disorders that may require medical or surgical intervention.

While both HIS and audiologists are essential in the field of hearing care, HIS are specialists in hearing aid technology and fitting, while audiologists offer a broader range of diagnostic and treatment services for hearing and balance disorders.

What Training Do Audiologists Have?

Audiologist’s study the complex details of the auditory system, learn how different types of hearing loss affect individuals and stay updated on the latest treatment technologies. This knowledge allows them to accurately assess your hearing and recommend a course of action that is personalized to you.

The field of hearing health is constantly changing with new research and technologies emerging regularly. To stay ahead of these developments, specialists continue their education throughout their careers. This dedication ensures they remain current on all aspects of hearing health care so they can offer you the most recent and effective treatments available.

This training typically includes a combination of coursework, clinical rotations and supervised practice. Audiologists gain practical experience in various areas, like conducting comprehensive hearing tests, fitting hearing aids, managing tinnitus, treating balance disorders and working with children. They also learn about the latest advancements in hearing technology and treatment techniques.

To become a licensed audiologist, individuals must pass a national examination administered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Once certified, they must also obtain a license from the state in which they intend to practice.

Continuing education is essential for audiologists to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. They are required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain their certification and license.

Some audiologists may choose to specialize in a particular area, like pediatric audiology, cochlear implants or tinnitus management. This requires additional training and experience. By completing this rigorous training process, audiologists develop the skills and knowledge necessary to provide comprehensive care to patients with hearing loss and related disorders.

Areas of Study

The path to becoming an audiologist involves extensive study in areas like anatomy, physiology and acoustics. They also receive hands-on training in assessing hearing loss and fitting hearing aids. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience ensures they are well-prepared to provide you with personalized care.

• Tinnitus management: Audiologists specializing in tinnitus focus on helping individuals who experience persistent ringing, buzzing or other noises in the ears. This specialty involves diagnosing the underlying causes of tinnitus, which may include exposure to loud noises, ear infections or other health conditions. Audiologists develop personalized treatment plans that may include sound therapy, counseling and the use of hearing aids with tinnitus-masking features to help manage the condition.
• Balance disorders: Audiologists who specialize in balance disorders, also known as vestibular disorders, work with patients experiencing dizziness, vertigo and balance issues. They conduct a series of tests to assess the function of the inner ear and vestibular system, which play a critical role in maintaining balance. Treatment may involve vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which includes exercises designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness.
• Pediatric audiology: Pediatric audiologists focus on the hearing health of infants and children. They are skilled in early detection and intervention for hearing loss, which is crucial for a child’s speech and language development. Pediatric audiologists conduct hearing screenings for newborns, fit children with hearing aids and work closely with families to ensure the child’s hearing needs are met as they grow. They may also collaborate with schools to support children with hearing loss in educational settings.
• Cochlear implants: This specialty involves working with individuals who have severe to profound hearing loss that cannot be adequately addressed with traditional hearing aids. Audiologists specializing in cochlear implants conduct evaluations to determine if a patient is a candidate for the device. They are involved in programming the implant and providing ongoing care to ensure the device is functioning properly. They also offer counseling and rehabilitation services to help patients adjust to hearing with a cochlear implant.
• Hearing conservation: Audiologists in this specialty focus on preventing hearing loss, particularly in individuals who are exposed to high noise levels in their work or recreational activities. They design and implement hearing conservation programs, conduct hearing screenings and educate patients on how to protect their hearing. This might involve fitting custom earplugs or other protective devices to reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
• Geriatric audiology: As people age, they may experience age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis. Geriatric audiologists specialize in addressing the hearing needs of older adults. They conduct hearing evaluations, fit hearing aids and provide counseling to help elderly patients maintain their quality of life. This specialty also involves managing the unique challenges that older adults may face, such as cognitive decline or dexterity issues that can affect hearing aid use.
• Educational audiology: Educational audiologists work within school systems to support children with hearing loss. They ensure that students have access to the hearing technology they need, like FM systems and provide training for teachers on how to create an optimal listening environment. They also advocate for accommodations and services that help children with hearing loss succeed academically and socially.
• Auditory processing disorders (APD): Audiologists specializing in APD work with patients who have difficulty processing auditory information, despite having normal hearing levels. This condition can affect a person’s ability to understand speech, especially in noisy environments. Audiologists conduct specialized testing to diagnose APD and develop individualized treatment plans that may include auditory training exercises, environmental modifications and compensatory strategies to improve communication skills.

Choosing the right professional for your auditory care can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding the training and extensive educational background an audiologist has makes it easier to find the right one for you.

How Do You Select the Right Hearing Specialist for Your Needs?

Choosing the right audiologist involves more than just evaluating their professional credentials; it’s also about finding someone who fits well with your personal needs and preferences. One important aspect to consider is their bedside manner. This includes how they interact with you during appointments – whether they listen attentively, respond empathetically and make you feel comfortable and respected. A positive bedside manner can significantly impact your overall experience, as it fosters trust and openness, making it easier to communicate your concerns and follow their recommendations.

Accessibility and convenience are also crucial factors. Consider the location of the audiologist’s office and how it fits with your daily routine. Ideally, their practice should be easily reachable from your home, work or school to ensure that attending appointments is manageable and doesn’t become a burden. Additionally, evaluate their office hours and availability. An audiologist with flexible scheduling options or extended hours may be better suited to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

Patient feedback provides valuable insight into the quality of care you can expect. Look at reviews and testimonials from current and past patients to understand their experiences. Positive reviews can indicate a high level of satisfaction with the audiologist’s services, while any recurring issues noted in reviews might be red flags. Pay attention to comments about the audiologist’s communication style, effectiveness of treatment and overall patient care. This information can help you gauge whether their approach aligns with your expectations and needs.

Schedule an Appointment with an Audiologist Today

If you’re ready to see how an audiologist can help improve your quality of life, we invite you to get in touch. At Rametta Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, we believe in providing top-quality hearing care tailored specifically to each individual’s needs. Whether it’s understanding your current hearing status or exploring potential treatment options, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

You can contact us at either one of our locations in Tarentum: (724) 409-4439 or Vandergrift, PA: (724) 567-3233.