Audiologists...Who Are They?
Kathy Peck
An audiologist is the health professional who specializes in evaluating
and treating people with hearing loss. They conduct a variety of tests
to determine the exact nature of an individual's hearing problem and can
present numerous options for treatment to clients with hearing impairment
and tinnitus. Audiologists also provide education and training for clients
with hearing impairment to provide benefits from amplification and improved
communication skills. Basically, they're very cool folks who want to help
people!
Audiologists use the most advanced technology to individualize the fitting
of hearing aids. Following a thorough series of tests, the audiologist
and client discuss the client's individual needs and hearing aid options.
They provide quality follow-up care as well as whatever hearing aid accessories
are helpful. Audiologists dispense the majority of hearing aids in the
United States.
Hearing protection to prevent tinnitus and hearing loss is the number
one concern of musicians and fans exposed to excessive levels of sound
in rehearsal, at the studio, and in the clubs and arenas. H.E.A.R. Partner
Audiologists work to promote hearing conservation in the music community
and provide custom hearing protection and ear molds for ear monitor devices
for stage or studio. It's really a perfect match between musicians and
the music lovers of the world with the professional audiologist.
Some of the services Audiologists provide include:
-
full diagnostic hearing evaluations
-
custom hearing protection and ear molds
-
dispensing and fit hearing aids
-
dispensing assistive listening devices and personal alerting devices
-
tests of balance to evaluate dizziness
-
hearing and tinnitus research
-
hearing rehabilitation training
Whenever a hearing problem needs medical or surgical evaluation audiologists
refer patients to an ear specialist or otolaryngologist.
Audiologists are readily accessible to the public. They practice in private
offices, hospitals and medical centers, clinics, public and private schools,
universities, rehabilitation or speech and hearing centers, and nursing
homes. They work closely with government and non-profit agencies, practicing
physicians and hearing aid manufacturers.
H.E.A.R. Partner Audiologists, Ear Doctors and Hearing Specialists
work closely with the music community. They understand the special needs
of musicians concerned about hearing loss, tinnitus, and, the effect hearing
damage has on their music careers and music enjoyment. Audiologists are
committed to hearing health and to educating the public to the importance
of safety and preventative hearing measures. Remember you can't enjoy
the music if you can't hear.
|
