Despite the fact that hearing loss is the third most common health problem in this country, many people are not sure what an audiologist does or when they should see one. An audiologist is a hearing care professional that handles the non-medical side of hearing problems and can assess and identify hearing problems. Hearing is a complex sense, but an audiologist or doctor of audiology (Au.D.) is trained to identify and treat hearing that is diminishing in order to help maintain the quality of a person’s life. An audiologist’s job is to concentrate on the testing, identification, and management of hearing loss. They are experts at measuring hearing loss and at fitting a person for a hearing aid or other assistive listening devices.

We know it’s not always easy to tell when it’s time to see an audiologist, but being aware of the key signs will help tremendously. You should make an appointment with an audiologist when:

• It’s time for your annual checkup. Yes, your ears should be checked yearly, so be sure to add that to your preventive regimen.
• You hear a constant or intermittent whistling/buzzing/ringing in the ears.
• You are experiencing an excessive build-up of earwax. An audiologist can properly remove the earwax.
• You are unable to hear sounds that are high-pitched. Sounds such as a child’s cry, a female’s voice, or a phone ringing are just some of the high-pitched sounds that can fade with hearing loss.
• You have a history of having constant exposure to loud noises.
• You believe that most of the people who talk to you mumble.
• You have noticed a decrease in hearing or are experiencing age-related hearing loss that has progressed over a lifetime.
• You unable to hear what someone is saying in a crowded room.
• You are having difficulty hearing someone talk over the telephone.
• You have to constantly ask people to repeat what they said.
• You have problems hearing when the doorbell or telephone rings.

Need to schedule an appointment with an audiologist? Call us today.