Frequently Asked Questions

What Does an Audiologist Do?

Audiologists are specialized healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat hearing loss and other auditory conditions such as tinnitus and balance disorders. They also play a key role in hearing loss prevention by providing insights, education, and custom protective devices like earplugs.

Audiologists work with patients across all age groups, from newborns to older adults, though some may specialize in specific populations or conditions.

Education and Qualifications

Becoming an audiologist requires extensive education and training. Audiologists must earn a doctoral degree in audiology (Au.D.) and be licensed by the state where they practice. This ensures they meet the rigorous standards set by the profession and the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs.

In addition to their state licensure, many audiologists hold additional certifications:

Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A): This credential, awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), demonstrates advanced clinical competence.
Honor of Fellow: With further training and expertise, an audiologist may be recognized as a Fellow by the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), one of the highest honors in the field.

Expertise You Can Trust

Whether diagnosing hearing issues, treating balance disorders, or helping to prevent hearing loss, audiologists are dedicated professionals who provide personalized care and expertise to enhance their patients’ auditory health and overall well-being.

Services and Treatments Offered by Audiologists

Audiologists provide a wide range of specialized tests and treatments to address hearing and balance-related conditions. Here’s an overview of their common services:

Diagnostic Hearing Tests: Comprehensive assessments to determine the type and degree of hearing loss.
Audiologic Evaluations: In-depth analysis of auditory system function for accurate diagnosis.
Hearing Aid Fittings and Consultations: Personalized recommendations and fittings to ensure optimal hearing aid performance.
Hearing Aid Repairs and Maintenance: Ongoing support to keep hearing aids functioning effectively.
Aural Rehabilitation: Therapy to improve communication skills and auditory comprehension.
Pediatric Hearing Loss Detection and Treatment: Specialized care for diagnosing and managing hearing loss in children.
Hearing Loss Prevention Programs: Strategies and tools to safeguard against hearing damage.
Earmold and Earplug Fittings: Custom solutions for noise protection and comfort.
Custom Musicians’ Earplugs and Monitors: Designed to protect hearing while maintaining sound quality for professionals and enthusiasts.
Tinnitus Treatment Programs: Tailored approaches to manage and alleviate ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Dizziness and Balance Testing and Treatment: Evaluation and management of vestibular disorders.
Hearing Rehabilitation and Auditory Training: Exercises and techniques to enhance listening and comprehension.
Cochlear Implant Services: Candidacy evaluations, programming, and support for cochlear implant users.

Audiologists are equipped to provide comprehensive care, ensuring patients receive the best possible solutions for their auditory and balance health.

How to Tell If You Have Hearing Loss

Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it difficult to notice at first. In many cases, those around you may recognize the signs before you do. On average, people wait seven years before seeking treatment for hearing loss.

If you’re concerned about your hearing, review these common signs and symptoms. If they sound familiar, it may be time to consult an audiologist:

Speech Sounds Muffled: Conversations sound like mumbling, making it hard to understand what people are saying.
Frequent Requests for Repetition: You often ask others to repeat themselves.
Difficulty Following Jokes: You laugh along even though you may have missed key details.
Perception of Mumbling: You frequently feel others aren’t speaking clearly.
Trouble Retaining Information: After attending a meeting, you rely on others to fill you in on what you missed.
Increased TV or Radio Volume: You play media louder than others find comfortable.
Missed Alerts: You struggle to hear the doorbell or telephone ringing.
Relying on Visual Cues: Lip-reading or watching facial expressions helps you understand conversations better.
Missing Environmental Sounds: You no longer notice subtle sounds like birds chirping or leaves rustling.
Avoiding Noisy Environments: Crowded or loud places, like certain restaurants, feel overwhelming.
Tinnitus: You hear a persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears, especially in quiet settings.

If these signs resonate with you or a loved one, scheduling a hearing evaluation with an audiologist can provide clarity and help address the issue early. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can result from a variety of factors, including:

Aging: Natural wear and tear on the auditory system as we age.
Exposure to Loud Noise: Prolonged or sudden exposure to high decibel levels can damage the delicate structures in the inner ear.
Medications: Certain drugs, known as ototoxic medications, can affect hearing.
Infections: Ear infections or illnesses affecting the auditory system can lead to hearing impairment.
Head or Ear Trauma: Injuries to the head or ear can disrupt normal hearing function.
Congenital or Genetic Factors: Some individuals are born with hearing loss or inherit conditions that affect hearing.
Diseases: Conditions such as otosclerosis, Meniere’s disease, or tumors can contribute to hearing loss.

Hearing loss often develops gradually over a lifetime, making it difficult to notice in its early stages. In the United States, nearly 20% of adults—approximately 48 million people—report experiencing some degree of hearing loss.

If you’re concerned about hearing loss, consider consulting an audiologist for an evaluation and personalized care. Early detection is key to effective management.

How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, the first step is to consult an audiologist for a formal evaluation. This comprehensive assessment, known as an audiologic evaluation, is designed to identify the type and degree of your hearing loss.

What to Expect During a Hearing Evaluation

Hearing Tests
- The audiologist will conduct tests to measure your hearing sensitivity, clarity, and speech understanding.
- Speech recognition tests may be performed at different volume levels and in various conditions, such as background noise, to determine how well you understand spoken words.
Case History and Visual Examination
- A detailed case history will help the audiologist understand potential causes and contributing factors.
- A visual inspection of your ear canal and eardrum will check for any abnormalities or blockages.
Middle Ear Function Tests
- Additional tests may be performed to assess the function of the middle ear, depending on your symptoms.

Using the Results

The results of your evaluation are plotted on a graph called an audiogram, which visually represents your hearing across various pitches and frequencies, including those critical for understanding speech.
Speech understanding tests complement the audiogram and help the audiologist create a personalized prescription for hearing aids if needed.

Next Steps

If your hearing loss could benefit from medical intervention, your audiologist may refer you to a physician for further evaluation. Otherwise, they will use the test results to recommend the best solutions, such as hearing aids tailored to your specific needs.

Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your ability to communicate and maintain your quality of life.

Understanding the Degrees of Hearing Loss

The results of a hearing test are displayed on a graph called an audiogram, which provides a visual representation of your hearing abilities.

Loudness (Volume) is measured in decibels (dB) and plotted vertically on the graph, with quieter sounds at the top and louder sounds at the bottom.
Frequency (Pitch) is measured in Hertz (Hz) and plotted horizontally, ranging from low-pitched sounds on the left to high-pitched sounds on the right.

Hearing ability, or Hearing Level (HL), is categorized based on the range of decibels required for a person to detect sound. The standard degrees of hearing loss are:

Normal Hearing (0–25 dB HL): Can hear most speech sounds in quiet and noisy environments.
Mild Hearing Loss (26–40 dB HL): May struggle to hear soft sounds or follow conversations in noisy settings.
Moderate Hearing Loss (41–70 dB HL): Difficulty understanding speech, especially in group settings or with background noise.
Severe Hearing Loss (71–90 dB HL): Can hear loud sounds but may not understand speech without amplification.
Profound Hearing Loss (91+ dB HL): Limited to hearing very loud sounds or vibrations; communication often requires visual aids or sign language.

If your hearing test reveals hearing loss in any of these categories, your audiologist will work with you to determine the best treatment options, such as hearing aids or other assistive devices, to improve your quality of life.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be categorized into three main types, each caused by different factors and requiring tailored solutions to achieve the best listening experience. Understanding these types helps guide treatment options, including hearing aids or medical interventions.

1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Cause: This occurs when the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. The most common culprits are damage to the tiny hair cells or nerve fibers in the auditory system.
Prevalence: Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type, accounting for over 90% of cases among hearing aid users.
Common Causes:
- Age-related changes (presbycusis)
- Noise exposure
- Inner ear circulation issues
- Increased fluid pressure in the inner ear
- Nerve transmission problems
Symptoms: Difficulty hearing soft sounds and understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
Treatment Options: Excellent solutions include advanced hearing aid technology, which can be highly effective for managing this type of hearing loss.

2. Conductive Hearing Loss

Cause: This type results from a problem in the external or middle ear that prevents sound from being efficiently transmitted to the inner ear.
Common Causes:
- Earwax blockage
- Fluid in the middle ear
- Middle ear infections
- Obstruction in the ear canal
- Perforated eardrum
- Damage to the middle ear bones
Symptoms: Sounds may seem muffled or quieter than usual.
Treatment Options: Depending on the underlying cause, options include:
- Hearing aids
- Medical implants
- Medications
- Surgical procedures

3. Mixed Hearing Loss

Cause: Mixed hearing loss involves a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, affecting both the inner and middle ear.
Symptoms: Patients may experience a mix of reduced sound clarity and volume.
Treatment Options: Solutions depend on the specific nature of the impairment and may include:
- Hearing aids
- Medical or surgical interventions

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing difficulties, consulting with an audiologist can help determine the type of hearing loss and guide you toward the most effective treatment options. Early intervention can significantly improve hearing and quality of life.

Signs of Hearing Loss in Children

Hearing loss in children can occur at any stage of development and may result from various factors, including ear infections, head trauma, certain medications, or genetic conditions. Early identification is critical to ensure proper speech, language, and academic development.

Signs to Watch For

You may suspect your child has hearing loss if you notice any of the following:

Failed Newborn Hearing Screening: Missing this important milestone can indicate hearing issues from birth.
Delayed Speech and Language Development: Includes a lack of babbling during infancy or slower progress in speaking and understanding language.
Frequent Ear Infections: Chronic infections can impair hearing over time.
No Reaction to Loud Sounds: Your child does not startle at loud noises.
Lack of Sound Localization: By six months of age, children should turn toward the source of a sound.
Difficulty Following Verbal Instructions: Struggling to understand and respond to spoken directions.
Frequent Daydreaming: Appearing inattentive or disengaged in various situations.
Concerns from Teachers: Reports from school about difficulty hearing or failing school hearing screenings.
Excessively Loud Media Volume: Preferring higher volumes on the TV or radio compared to others.
Complaints from the Child: Statements like “I can’t hear” or similar concerns.

Importance of Prompt Evaluation

If you suspect your child has hearing loss, consult a pediatric audiologist. These specialists are trained to evaluate children of all ages and can accurately assess hearing levels. Addressing hearing issues early is crucial to prevent delays in speech, language, and learning development.

Early intervention ensures your child can thrive both academically and socially. If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid Style

With today’s advanced technology, hearing aids come in a variety of styles designed to suit different lifestyles, budgets, and levels of hearing loss. From in-the-ear (ITE) to behind-the-ear (BTE) models, there’s a device to match nearly every need. Modern hearing aids are not only sleek and compact but also offer innovative features like Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration with smartphones, TVs, and other wireless devices.

Key Factors to Consider

When selecting a hearing aid, it’s essential to evaluate several factors to ensure the best fit for your needs:

Type and Degree of Hearing Loss
- The severity of your hearing loss will determine the style and power requirements of your hearing aid.
Power Requirements
- Some devices provide more amplification and are better suited for severe or profound hearing loss.
Manual Dexterity and Visual Abilities
- If you have difficulty handling small objects, larger hearing aids with simpler controls may be more suitable.
Budget
- Hearing aids are available in a range of prices, depending on the features and technology included.
Cosmetics and Aesthetics
- If discretion is a priority, smaller in-the-ear or invisible-in-canal (IIC) models may be appealing.
Anatomical and Medical Considerations
- The shape and size of your ear canal, as well as any medical conditions, may influence which styles are appropriate.
Lifestyle Requirements
- Active lifestyles may benefit from waterproof or dust-resistant options, while those in noisy environments might prioritize directional microphones for better speech understanding.

Advanced Features to Explore

Today’s hearing aids offer a range of features to enhance your listening experience:

Bluetooth Connectivity: Stream audio directly from devices like phones or TVs.
Directional Microphones: Focus on speech while minimizing background noise.
Rechargeable Batteries: Eliminate the need for regular battery changes.
Water-Resistant Options: Protect your device from sweat and moisture.

Finding Your Perfect Match

With so many options available, choosing the right hearing aid can feel overwhelming. Consult with an audiologist to assess your hearing needs, lifestyle, and preferences. A professional evaluation ensures you select a device that enhances your hearing and improves your quality of life.

Audiologist vs. Hearing Instrument Specialist: What's the Difference?

When seeking treatment for hearing loss, you may encounter two common types of hearing healthcare professionals: audiologists and hearing instrument specialists (HIS). While both play important roles, their education, training, and scope of practice differ significantly. Here’s what sets them apart and how to determine which is best suited to your needs.

What Is an Audiologist?

An audiologist is a healthcare professional specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the hearing and balance systems. Their extensive training covers:

Anatomy and physiology
Amplification devices and cochlear implants
Electrophysiology and acoustics
Psychophysics and auditory rehabilitation

Education and Training

Undergraduate and Doctoral Education: Audiologists complete at least eight years of post-secondary education, including a bachelor’s degree and a Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.).
Clinical Experience: A supervised externship provides hands-on training in diagnosing and treating hearing and balance disorders.
Licensure and Certification: Audiologists must pass a national standardized exam and meet state licensure requirements, including ongoing continuing education to maintain their credentials.

Scope of Practice

Audiologists are equipped to:

Diagnose and treat hearing loss, auditory disorders, and balance issues.
Provide rehabilitation services and manage complex cases.
Prescribe, fit, and program hearing aids, as well as recommend advanced solutions like cochlear implants.

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, auditory challenges, or balance problems, an audiologist is the most qualified professional to provide comprehensive care.

What Is a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS)?

A hearing instrument specialist focuses on evaluating hearing ability and fitting hearing aids. Their expertise is specifically geared toward amplification devices.

Education and Training

Certification Program: HIS professionals typically complete a certification program focused on hearing aids.
Practical Training: Hands-on experience through field training hours is required before licensure.
Licensure: To practice, HIS professionals must pass an exam to obtain a state license.

Scope of Practice

HIS professionals are qualified to:

Conduct basic audiometric testing.
Fit, program, and repair hearing aids.
Provide guidance on hearing aid care and maintenance.

Limitations: HIS professionals cannot diagnose hearing loss or address medical conditions related to the auditory or balance systems.

Which Professional Should You See?

Choose an Audiologist if you:
- Suspect hearing loss or balance issues that may require a medical diagnosis.
- Need advanced solutions like cochlear implants or auditory rehabilitation.
- Want comprehensive care and long-term management of complex hearing disorders.
Choose a Hearing Instrument Specialist if you:
- Are seeking a straightforward hearing aid evaluation and fitting.
- Need assistance with hearing aid selection, adjustments, or repairs.

Understanding the differences between these two professionals ensures you receive the right care for your specific needs. If in doubt, consulting with an audiologist is a good first step for a thorough evaluation and personalized recommendations.