Understanding the Role of a Hearing Specialist in Hearing Loss Management

Many of us and the people that we know are going to experience hearing loss at some point in our lives. While older people are more likely to develop it, it can begin to affect people of any age, especially those who are frequently exposed to excessive loud noise levels. Whatever age you are, a hearing specialist can provide the help that you need to manage your hearing loss and enjoy a better quality of life with it.

Below, we will look over how an audiologist can help you, and how they can help you monitor and protect your hearing health.

What is a Hearing Specialist?

A hearing specialist – or an audiologist – is a professional that is experienced and trained to help identify, diagnose and treat a variety of hearing, ear and balance health issues. Like any other provider, audiologists can specialize in a variety of ways, but all are trained to know about hearing and ear health, and are knowledgeable in subjects like the anatomy of the ear, hearing loss, how hearing aids work, hearing loss-related counseling and more.

They Diagnose Hearing Loss

While hearing tests can be performed in a range of places, audiologists are medically licensed and qualified to actually diagnose hearing loss, as well as what level your hearing loss might be at. This is done through a hearing test that typically involves the patient responding to tones, sounds, and words. Based on the results of that test, the audiologist creates an audiogram, which is effectively a diagram that lays out your effective range of hearing. This, alongside physical examinations and sometimes other tests, can diagnose the type and severity of hearing loss.

They Treat Hearing Loss

A hearing specialist does more than just diagnose hearing loss; there’s a lot they can do to treat it as well. For instance, during the physical inspection of the ear canal and eardrum, they may be able to identify causes such as a buildup of fluid or earwax, which they can start to treat. Even when there is no immediately identifiable and fixable root cause, audiologists can help improve the quality of life of a person with hearing loss. This is often done through the choice, fitting and programming of hearing aids that can restore or improve a person’s range of hearing, so long as they are wearing them.

They Prevent Hearing Loss

Prevention is always more effective than the cure. Whether you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, or are concerned about the risk of developing it, an audiologist can help by recommending all kinds of hearing protection equipment to reduce your levels of excessive noise exposure. Audiologists can also help make molds for custom earplugs, which are some of the most effective forms of hearing protection on the market.

They Help with Hearing Aids

Aside from fitting and programming the hearing aid of your choice, hearing specialists can be very helpful sources of all kinds of information on how to get used to them, how to adjust them, and how to maintain and clean them. Many audiologists are able to repair many of the minor issues that can affect hearing aids, as well, making them a useful ally to have if you wear them.

Signs You Should See an Audiologist

If you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss, then routine appointments with your audiologist can help manage it. Otherwise, there are other signs that might indicate a potential for hearing loss. If you experience any of the following signs, then you should make an appointment with a hearing specialist today:

• Having to frequently ask others to repeat what they say
• Others tell you to turn down the TV or radio, even when it sounds at an average volume to you
• Having difficulty hearing the telephone or doorbell
• Having more trouble hearing people in crowded environments
• Having more trouble hearing young people or women when they speak
• Experiencing persistent ringing in the ears or head
• Getting tired or stressed after spending time around other people

The signs of hearing loss above are worth paying attention to, and your hearing specialist can give you the answers that you need.

Check Your Hearing Today

If you’re concerned about the potential you might be experiencing hearing loss, or you have already been diagnosed with it, then you should get in touch with Rametta Audiology & Hearing Aid Center. Call our Tarentum office at (724) 409-4439 or reach us in Vandergrift at (724) 567-3233.