You may think you only need to see an audiologist if you need hearing aids. While addressing hearing loss is a large part of their job, these hearing specialists are also trained to assess and treat different auditory conditions.
You can rely on their expertise to guide you along your journey to better hearing and improve your quality of life. Discover common reasons you may need to contact an audiologist.
Experiencing Hearing Loss Symptoms
Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. Audiologists are healthcare professionals who can assess, diagnose and prescribe treatment for ear problems and balance issues.
You should seek professional care if you experience any of the following signs of hearing loss:
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves or speak up
- Sounds appear muffled
- Trouble hearing conversations in noisy places
- Increasing the volume on your television or radio
- Mental fatigue from listening
- Social withdrawal
Persistent Ringing or Buzzing in Your Ears
If you experience ringing, buzzing, whooshing or humming in your ears, you may have tinnitus. It’s a symptom of hearing loss and can present in one or both of your ears. The ringing occurs when the hair cells in your inner ear sustain damage and die off due to noise exposure, aging and ototoxic medications. An audiologist will determine the cause of your tinnitus and prescribe management strategies to ease the effects of the ringing. That may include hearing aids with masking features, white noise machines and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Balance Issues or Dizziness
Your inner ear contains your vestibular system, which is responsible for keeping you balanced. Hearing loss can damage that structure, leading to dizziness, vertigo and imbalance. Auditory conditions like Meniere’s disease and labyrinthitis may exacerbate those symptoms, too. Vestibular rehabilitation and hearing aids are common treatments for hearing-related balance issues.
Sudden Changes in Hearing
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) occurs instantly or over several hours. It can be caused by exposure to loud sounds, ear infections, tumors, blockages and autoimmune diseases. Early intervention is crucial to prevent permanent damage, which is why it’s important to see an audiologist when you notice symptoms. They may prescribe oral corticosteroids, antibiotic medication or oxygen therapy.
Hearing Aid Fitting, Adjustments and Repair
Hearing aid fittings: Once you’ve ordered and received your hearing aids, your audiologist will fit them to your ears. They’re programmed based on your hearing test results and real ear measurements to ensure the sound level suits your needs.
Hearing aid adjustments: You may need to visit your audiologist for a hearing aid adjustment as your brain adapts to hearing more sounds. During your appointment, you’ll discuss your listening experiences and provide feedback to help your audiologist tweak your settings.
Hearing aid repairs: If your hearing aid doesn’t work or gets damaged, your audiologist will look for cracks, wax buildup, moisture and corrosion. Once they’ve identified the problem, they can make repairs, order replacement parts or recommend an upgrade.
Earwax Buildup and Blockages
Excess and impacted earwax can cause temporary hearing loss. Removing built-up wax at home can be dangerous, so be careful. You may end up pushing it further into your canal or perforating your eardrum. Audiologists use special tools and techniques like curettes, suction and irrigation to gently get excess cerumen out of your ears.
Protecting Your Hearing with Preventive Care
Hearing loss is often gradual, so you might not notice it until you’ve sustained a significant loss. Being proactive about your hearing health allows you to protect your ears from damage. Scheduling a baseline hearing test helps your audiologist understand your auditory wellness and monitor changes over time. That supports early intervention if you notice changes.
You can also purchase custom hearing protection from an audiology practice. Those devices are designed to fit your unique ear shape and are useful if you work in a loud environment or participate in noisy hobbies.
Take Charge of Your Hearing Health
Each hearing loss journey is unique, which is why it’s important to find an audiologist who can personalize your care. The expert team at Hearing Associates is committed to providing you with the education, resources and support you need to live and listen well. Call 888-760-2032 or schedule your appointment online.