What is an audiologist?

Audiologists are hearing healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage individuals with hearing and balance problems. They hold masters’ or doctors of audiology (Au.D.) degrees from accredited universities. Audiologists have extensive academic and clinical training that provides the foundation to effectively assist patients, from newborns to geriatrics, with their hearing or balance problems. Audiologists fit and dispense advanced technology in digital hearing aids for varying degrees (mild to profound) and types (conductive, sensorineural, mixed) of hearing loss and offer an array of styles that best meet the patient's needs and lifestyle.

What should I expect when visiting an audiologist?

First and foremost, you should expect a professional who is caring, open, and responsive to addressing your hearing concerns. Your audiologist will start by taking a complete history, with emphasis on the health of your ears. A thorough patient history is taken in order to best meet your hearing healthcare needs as well as to carefully design an individualized treatment plan. The audiologist will then proceed with an otoscopic exam to check your ears for any health concerns. A comprehensive hearing test (audiological exam) is performed. You should be seated in a soundproof booth during this exam. Other tests may include immittance testing (tympanometry, acoustic reflex, and reflex decay testing) and otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing.

Once the testing is completed, the results are discussed with you so that you may better understand your condition. This is also the time when strategies and recommendations are presented that best address your hearing concerns, allowing you to make informed decisions.

Otoscopic Examination

* Basic Comprehensive Audiogram
* Tympanometry
* Acoustic Reflex Test
* Acoustic Reflex Decay
* Otoacoustic Emissions