What Is an Audiologist?
Audiologists are health care
professionals who identify, assess and manage disorders of hearing, balance and
other neural systems.
Ear Doctors, Audiologists, Hearing Aid Specialists
— What’s the Difference?
The
types of hearing care professionals you might encounter in seeking help with
your hearing loss differ in both their education and their skills.
Audiologists
and Doctors of Audiology
Audiologists are health care professionals who
identify, assess and manage disorders of hearing, balance and other neural
systems. You can think of an audiologist primarily as a “hearing doctor.” Most
audiologists have completed a doctor of audiology (Au.D.) degree, though there
are other doctoral degrees within the field (Ph.D., Sc.D., and others).
Audiologists typically offer the following services:
Total Assessment of hearing exams
Fitting, adjustment, and maintenance of hearing aids
Treatment for balance disorders and tinnitus management (ringing Sound in the ears)
They also Provide complete Exams of speech related
problems/rehabilitation programs
Audiologists possess comprehensive knowledge of the
human auditory and vestibular systems, and they have extensive training in
sound reproduction, which is critical to the accurate fitting and adjustment of
hearing aids.
Hearing Instrument Specialists
Hearing instrument specialists (or, in some states, licensed hearing aid
dispensers) are health care professionals who specialize in recommending and
fitting appropriate hearing aid technology. Hearing instrument specialists are
typically up to date on the latest technology available in the field —
including assistive listening devices (amplified telephones, alarm systems,
etc.) — and are experienced in performing and evaluating basic hearing tests.
Hearing instrument specialists must be either
board-certified or licensed by the state. Most states also require an
apprenticeship or a specified period of practical experience before they are
licensed.
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