Audiologist:
Audiologist are the only university trained professionals
licensed to identify, evaluate, diagnose, and treat audiologic disorders of hearing. Audiologists may be found
practicing in Private Audiology Offices, Hospitals, Medical Practices, Universities, Private and Public Agencies, and
Public School Systems.
All individuals with suspected hearing impairment require
Audiologic hearing tests to determine the type, degree, and etiology of a hearing impairment. Managed care
companies are realizing that efficient cost-effective hearing health care requires that primary care physicians direct
patients directly to audiologists to determine whether rehabilitation or medical/surgical treatment is indicated since
fewer than 20% of all individuals with hearing impairment require medical or surgical treatment. Rehabilitation
treatment consists primarily of the design, selection, and fitting of hearing aids, which is usually completed in the
audiology office.
Services provided by Audiologist:
Audiology:
Audiology is the specialty dealing with hearing care and
the treatment of individuals with impaired hearing and vestibular (balance) problems.
An audiologist is specially trained to provide these
treatments.
Conductive loss:
Conductive loss means the inner ear doesn't
correctly receive sound vibrations. This is because of an obstruction in the external or middle ear. Sometimes, problems
are caused by malformations of the ear or growths on its cartilage and bony parts. A possible solution is either medical
or surgical. In most cases, correct treatment will prevent permanent hearing loss.
If conductive loss cannot be treated adequately
it can be possible to hear again by means of a hearing instrument. In some cases a conductive instrument can be used.
Conductive hearing is based on mechanical vibration of the entire skull. In this manner, the outer ear, tympanic
membrane and middle ear are no longer instrumental in converting sound waves into vibrations.
In a healthy ear, dust, earwax and dead skin
are removed as the canal is massaged by chewing. Likewise, the middle ear is connected to the outside world by the
Eustachian tube, and chewing or yawning lets fresh air in and mucus out. Sometimes, temporary conductive loss is caused
by the auditory canal being blocked and these processes are disturbed. By a severe cold, for example.
Sensorineural loss:
In cases of nerve loss, sound which reaches the
inner ear is not correctly transformed into electrical impulses for the auditory nerve. Damage to the hair cells in the
inner ear is the cause.
This damage can be caused by the normal aging
process, resulting in the gradual increase of hearing loss which starts at the higher frequencies. In some cases, damage
is caused by bacterial and viral infections or the use of medical drugs. Also, sudden loud noises, such as gunshots, or
prolonged high volume levels as heard in discošs, can result in damage. Sometimes hereditary aspects play an important
role, or perceptive loss exists from birth.
This type of hearing loss can not be treated
with medication or surgery, and a hearing aid is the best solution.
HEARING CARE PROFESSIONALS
Otolaryngologist:
The Otolaryngologist is a medical doctor that specializes
in diseases of the ears, nose and throat. Today medical treatment including surgery can restore certain hearing
problems. It is wise to consult this physician before being filled with a hearing aid.
Clinical Audiologist:
This professional has a masters or Ph.D. degree from an
accredited university in the field of audiology. In most cases this person should hold a Certificate of Clinical
Competence in Audiology from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, designated by CCC-A after his/her
name. The many years of university education enables this person to evaluate hearing, counsel those with hearing
loss, diagnose the cause of hearing problems and recommend specific hearing aids.
Dispensing Audiologist:
The Dispensing Audiologist has the same credentials as the
Clinical Audiologist, however, he/she also dispenses and services hearing aids. This professional will offer
quality care and adjustments for the life of the hearing aid.
Hearing Aid Dealer:
This individual sells and services hearing aids. He
is trained by hearing aid manufacturers and offers hearing aids to meet specific hearing aids.
