National Audiology Awareness Month The Role of Audiologists in Your Hearing Journey
Hearing is a vital sense that plays a significant role in how we engage with the world, from communicating with others to enjoying music and daily sounds. However, as we age or experience certain health conditions, hearing loss may occur. This is where audiologists come in. These professionals are essential in helping individuals understand, manage, and improve their hearing health. In this article, we explore the important contributions of audiologists throughout your hearing journey.
What is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists are trained in the complexities of hearing and are equipped with the knowledge to assist patients with a wide range of auditory concerns. Their role is far beyond simply recommending hearing aids—they provide comprehensive care that includes prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for individuals dealing with hearing and balance issues.
The First Step: Assessment and Diagnosis
When you first notice signs of hearing loss—such as difficulty understanding speech, needing to turn up the volume on the television, or experiencing ringing in the ears—your first point of contact should be an audiologist. An audiologist will begin by conducting a thorough evaluation of your hearing and auditory health. This may include a series of tests such as:
- Pure tone audiometry: This test measures the faintest sounds you can hear at different frequencies and volumes.
- Speech audiometry: This test determines your ability to hear and understand spoken words.
- Tympanometry: This test assesses the health of your middle ear by measuring the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): This test evaluates the function of the inner ear's hair cells.
These tests help audiologists identify the type and degree of hearing loss, whether it’s caused by damage to the inner ear, the auditory nerve, or other factors. Audiologists can also assess the presence of other conditions like tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or balance issues that may be affecting your hearing.
Hazeen, Clinical Audiologist at 20dB Hearing Ipoh
