Audiologists Are Here to Help
When most people think of an audiologist, hearing loss comes to mind. But I’m here to tell you we do a lot more than treat hearing loss.
As an audiologist, my number one goal is to improve the quality of life for the patients and the families who walk through our door.
How Do Audiologists Improve Quality of Life?
When someone comes to see me with hearing or balance problems, I’m not just treating a condition. I’m really in the business of:
- Reducing social isolation
- Eliminating frustration
- Turning discouragement into hope for the future
- Restoring family connection by improving communication
- Turning confusion into understanding
These are the things audiologists like me do every day. And it’s why I love what I do.
What Is an Audiologist?
As an audiologist, yes, I am a doctor. I am a licensed and specialized healthcare professional. I can evaluate, diagnose, and treat hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance-related conditions. I can help everyone from infant to advanced age using state-of-the-art testing and treatments.
I’m a solution-focused person who listens to patients’ needs and works to find a solution that works for them.
What Do Audiologists Treat?
When someone comes to see me with hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance issues, I complete testing to determine the type of condition they have. Then, together, we can find the right solution for all kinds of hearing and balance-related challenges:
- Hearing loss in children
- Age-related hearing loss
- Work-related hearing loss
- Sudden hearing loss
- One-sided hearing loss
- Blockages
- Hearing loss caused by exposure to harmful chemicals (Ototoxicity)
- Genetic hearing loss
- Hearing loss caused by tumors
- Ringing, buzzing, static, or another sound in the ears (Tinnitus)
- Dizzy feelings that may impact the ability to function (Vertigo)
- Trouble processing what you’re hearing (Auditory processing disorders)
- Trouble with speech-related to hearing
Wow! That’s quite a list.
What Can Audiologists Do?
Depending on the cause, I can recommend and prescribe treatments, therapies, and devices such as:
- Speech therapy
- Non-verbal communication classes
- Aural hearing rehab
- Tinnitus desensitization therapy
- Safe clearing of blockages
- Assistive devices like hearing aids, alert systems, Bluetooth connectivity, tinnitus-cancelers
Hearing Loss and a Whole Lot More
The way I see it, I’m not in the business of treating hearing loss. I’m working with patients and families to improve the quality of their lives through hearing and balance solutions. If your parent or another loved one struggles with hearing-related challenges, please share what I do with them. And see for yourself the difference personalized solutions can make in your life when you schedule a hearing test.
