How Audiology & Hearing-Aid Specialists Aim to Improve Life Quality…

Hearing is easy to take for granted; most of us go about our day having conversations, listening to music, watching television or tuning out background noise without ever thinking about it. When hearing is lost though, it’s all you can think about. Audiology and hearing aid specialists diagnose and treat all forms of hearing loss, so you can get back to fully living your life.

Diagnosing Hearing Loss

Audiologists perform a variety of hearing loss exams to determine the extent of the problem. A comprehensive hearing screening is used to measure your hearing against average hearing ability. Deficits are mapped to identify the location and severity of hearing loss.

Based on those results, other diagnostic screenings may be recommended. These can include speech tests (to determine your threshold for quiet sounds), tympanometry (to identify physical abnormalities in the middle ear), conduction tests (to check for transmission and response in the inner ear), or even nerve impulse tests (to verify that the nerve connecting the ear to the brain is functioning).

Treating Hearing Problems

Treatment depends on the type of hearing loss you have, but there are many treatment options available today.

The most common treatment for hearing impairment or loss is a hearing aid. Digital hearing aids are fitted and tuned to your ear so that you get level volume when and where it’s needed. Hearing aid specialists can recommend types and styles that match your functional and aesthetic goals within your budget.

Audiologists can also repair physical blockages or issues. Ear wax removal is a common (and easy) treatment to remove build up that is blocking sound waves from entering the ear. If there is a problem with the bones in the middle ear, surgery may be an option to correct and restore their function.

Preventing Future Hearing Loss

Audiologists and hearing aid specialists do their work because they believe that everyone should be able to hear to the best of their ability for the highest quality of life. To that end, audiologists are an excellent resource for prevention tips to minimize further hearing loss.