Who are audiologists?
Audiologists are health care professionals who detect and treat your hearing impairment and communication competency and improve your quality of life by recommending the appropriate treatment options. They facilitate the prevention of hearing loss through proper testing of your hearing loss and fitting of hearing aids.
An audiologist must complete a 4 year Bachelor’s degree in Bachelor of Audiology and Speech Language Pathologist(BASLP) and a 2 year Master Degree in Master of Audiology and Speech Language Pathologist (MASLP). An audiologist and speech language pathologist should be a member of the Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA) and must have a registration number from RCI.
An experienced and licensed audiologist is responsible for the identification of the hearing loss and dysfunction of the auditory, balance, and other related systems. They not only help in selecting and fitting hearing machines but also in assessments of patients with cochlear implants.
Reasons to consult an experienced audiologist before buying hearing aids
Apart from identifying the type of hearing loss, an experienced and licensed audiologist in a hearing aids clinic also take major responsibility for the prevention of hearing loss. So let’s discuss the responsibilities of an experienced audiologist.
Prevention
Experienced audiologist guide people who work in highly noisy environments and make them aware of the consequences of hearing loss and aural hygiene.
Identification
Audiologists conduct painless hearing tests and assess your hearing and balance-related problems. Experienced audiologists also identify patients who are at high risk of hearing loss, tinnitus or, ringing sound in ears, dizziness and prescribe curative care accordingly.
Assessment
An audiologist performs various tests like behavioural, psycho-physical, psycho-acoustic, electro-acoustic, electro-physical etc, to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Moreover, they prepare assessment reports and, if required, may send the patient to an ENT in case of medical treatment or surgery.
Rehabilitation
There are areas of hearing loss rehabilitation that are handled by an experienced audiologist.
- Selecting and fitting hearing aid for patients with permanent hearing loss.
- Recommend cochlear implants in case hearing aids are not working.
- Regular monitoring and programming of hearing aids after they are suggested to patients.
- Creating rehabilitation programs for hearing-impaired children and adults.
- Specifying the required hearing aid protective device for those working in a noisy environment.
Consultation
Experienced and licensed audiologists assist other professionals regarding the rehabilitation of a person and also determine ways for correct rehabilitation. They even show ways to interact and assist hearing-impaired people in families, society, schools, educational institutes, and also the professional field.
So whenever you are facing any hearing loss issue, always consult an experienced and licensed audiologist for hearing loss treatment who will guide you throughout your treatment.
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