For those diagnosed with hearing loss, it is important to learn as much as possible about the audiologists, or hearing experts, who will be intimately involved in your hearing care and the selection of treatment solutions.
An audiologist is a professional who specializes in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. Most have earned an Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology) while others have received a master’s degree from an accredited university, where they received extensive training in the prevention, identification, assessment and non-medical treatment of hearing and balance disorders. They must complete an internship, pass a national competency examination and obtain professional certification and licensure in the state(s) in which they practice.
Audiologists work with patients of all ages, treating infants, children and adults for a variety of hearing and balance problems. They work in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics, universities, private practices, VA hospitals, hearing aid dispensaries and otolaryngology (ENT) offices.
Audiologists are responsible for services including, but not limited to: fitting, dispensing and programming hearing aids, administering hearing and balance tests, assessing candidacy for implantable hearing devices, counseling patients and their families on communication strategies, designing and implementing hearing conservation programs and newborn hearing screenings, providing aural rehabilitation programs and performing ear related surgical procedures.
In short, audiologists are the most qualified individuals to help manage hearing loss and balance disorders. They have the ability to provide an unparalleled breadth of care.
Call Ear Nose Throat & Allergy Associates Puyallup at (253) 770-9000 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
