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.
Frequently Asked Questions
An audiologist is a hearing care professional specializing in the non-medical aspects of hearing problems. They assess, identify, and manage hearing loss, perform hearing tests, and fit patients with hearing aids or other assistive listening devices to improve hearing quality.
You should see an audiologist during your annual hearing checkup or if you experience symptoms like ringing or buzzing in the ears, excessive earwax buildup, difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, trouble hearing in noisy environments, or if you suspect age-related or noise-induced hearing loss. Regular visits help maintain hearing health.
Yes, audiologists can evaluate and manage tinnitus, which is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or whistling sounds in the ears. They can recommend treatments or strategies to help reduce the impact of tinnitus on your daily life.
Yes, if you have an excessive build-up of earwax, an audiologist can safely and properly remove it. Building up earwax can cause hearing difficulties or discomfort, so professional removal is recommended rather than attempting it yourself.
Continuous or frequent exposure to loud noises can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. If you have a history of such exposure, it’s important to have regular hearing evaluations with an audiologist to monitor and manage any hearing damage early.
Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds like a child’s cry or phone ringing, struggling to hear conversations in crowded rooms, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, or trouble understanding speech on the phone are key indicators that you should consult an audiologist for evaluation.
Yes, annual hearing checkups are important for early detection and management of hearing loss. Just like other preventive health measures, regular hearing assessments help maintain your overall quality of life and address any hearing issues promptly.
