Audiology is a specific healthcare field that mainly focuses on hearing health. While people often visit a general physician, encounters with audiologists are limited to hearing tests conducted either on the job or in school. This is why few people know who audiologists are and what they do.

Here are some few must-know facts about audiologists.

1. Audiologists can successfully treat hearing loss from start to finish

Hearing healthcare professionals may not get to see the end result of their work with the patients they treat. However, audiologists are involved the entire time, from the diagnosis, coming up with a treatment plan and evaluation of the treatment to ensure the patient has improved hearing capability. This is a privilege that only audiologists get to be a part of.

2. There is a difference between a hearing instrument specialist and an audiologist

While it’s easy to assume a place that sells hearing aids is specialized in hearing health decisions, you’ll be surprised to learn that there’s a difference between a hearing instrument specialist and a certified audiologist.

A hearing aid specialist only requires a high school diploma, an apprenticeship with a hearing aid specialist and a licensing exam. Additionally, they can perform basic hearing tests, sell hearing aids and even fit them.

An audiologist, on the other hand, is required to have an advanced degree. The training is both academic and clinical. Additionally, audiologists can specialize in particular aspects of hearing care such as pediatrics or tinnitus. Organizations such as the American Academy of Audiology and ASHA have audiologists that engage in lifetime research, discovering new technologies and treatments.

3. Audiologists are regulated

Audiologists are regulated by the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. All members of this academy need to have earned an advanced degree in Audiology with ongoing peer mentoring and training. Furthermore, audiologists must meet a code of ethics. This means they must meet the rigorous best practices in audiology.

4. Audiologists can handle more than hearing loss

Audiologists spend most of their time handling hearing loss problems. Nonetheless, audiologists deal with more than hearing loss. They can treat other issues such as ringing in the ears, prevention of hearing loss, sensitivity to loud noises and even assess balance and equilibrium.

5. Audiologists’ years of experience position them to understand patient’s fears

Audiologists have years of experience dealing with different concerns, questions and reactions from patients dealing with hearing loss. This positions them to understand what is going on in your mind as they treat you.

6. Audiologists can treat all ages

There is a common misconception that audiologists only treat the elderly. However, audiologists also treat infants with hearing problems. Moreover, audiologists can work in schools, private practice, ENT offices, hospitals and even in the military.

Audiologists are professionally trained to prevent and treat hearing loss. Do not wait until it’s too late to get your hearing tested. Visited a certified audiologist today to learn more about the available treatment options.