Do You Need An Audiologist?

By Author: John Gutierrez
Total Articles: 11
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You may go through most of your life without needing an audiologist, but if you discover you're having problems with your hearing, seeing an audiologist can change your life dramatically for the better. Many people assume that if they should be seeing an audiologist, their doctor will suggest it and set up a referral.

Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Unless you specifically tell your doctor that you are worried about your hearing problem, they may assume it isn't an issue for you and wait until you ask before suggesting a trip to an audiologist's office. In many cases, patients don't voice their concern about issues related to their hearing because they assume the problems are age related, inevitable and should be simply tolerated. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Any time you are having problems with your hearing in any way, you need to speak up and ask to see an audiologist.

Some of the most common signs of hearing loss should also tell you it's time to see an audiologist to determine what can be done to help you get your hearing back. Some of the most common indications that you should see ...
... an audiologist include:

Turning up the volume on the television and radio to a level that others think is too loud.

Asking friends and family to speak up or repeat what they've said

Being uncomfortable in a noisy environment such as an auditorium or public event

Avoiding parties or other group functions because you can't stand the noise.

Finding yourself having to watch a person's lips to decipher what they are saying

Missing key elements of a story or conversation

Audiologists are specially trained and licensed to do complex hearing tests in order to evaluate and treat any number of hearing related issues. They are also familiar with treatments for a variety of other problems having to do with the workings of the ear and how it relates to balance. In fact, some people first go to an audiologist not because they have hearing loss, but because they have other symptoms that are tied to the ear.

Balance disorders are frequently caused by problems in the middle or inner ear. It could be fluid build-up because of recurring infections, a problem with the mechanics of the ear itself or simply blockage caused by wax build-up or damage to the ear canal. An audiologist can determine if there is a treatable problem and work with you, and in some cases with your doctor, to determine a proper course to correct the problem.

Tinnitus is an irritating ringing in the ears. It may be simply an intermittent form of background noise that an individual gets used to over time, or it may become so loud and constant that it ruins your ability to concentrate and interferes with your enjoyment of life. If you have any form of tinnitus, from a slight buzzing to a loud, constant crackling sound or ringing, you should make an appointment with an audiologist. Tinnitus is often caused by nerve damage or may be the result of overall hearing loss. An audiologist may suggest seeing a doctor to rule out possible medical cures or fit you for a hearing aid that has sound cancellation technology to mute the ringing or buzzing sound.

Auditory processing disorders aren't hearing loss problems in the traditional sense. You may hear sounds just fine, but your ear may not be processing them properly, resulting in sounds becoming garbled or confused by the time they reach your brain. You don't necessarily have a loss of sensitivity to sound, and can probably hear individual sounds just fine in a controlled environment if you have APD (Auditory Processing Disorder), but your hearing and your brain may be slightly out of sync when it comes to interpreting the sounds you hear, so that you lose the meaning of words that you hear, or hear them incorrectly. An audiologist can determine if you have APD and will recommend the proper course of action to help you overcome the problem.

If you are interested in learning more about hearing clinics and causes for hearing losses visit our website to read the professional advices from the experienced audiologists.