What to expect when you see an audiologist
Written in association with:When you schedule an appointment with an audiologist, it's natural to have questions about what to expect during your visit. Here, leading senior clinical specialist audiologist and hearing aid consultant Mr Piotr Swiatek provides an overview of what typically occurs during a audiometry consultation with an audiologist to help alleviate any concerns you may have.
What does an audiologist do?
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.
They are trained to conduct various tests to assess hearing function, identify hearing loss, and recommend appropriate interventions, such as hearing aids or assistive listening devices.
What happens during an audiologist appointment?
Initial assessment
Your audiologist will begin by discussing your medical history and any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing related to your hearing or balance.
They may ask questions about:
- your lifestyle;
- occupation;
- exposure to noise, and;
- any previous hearing evaluations or treatments you've had.
Hearing tests
One of the primary components of an audiologist appointment is the administration of hearing tests to assess your hearing abilities.
These tests may include pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, and otoacoustic emissions testing, among others.
The results of these tests provide valuable information about the type, degree, and configuration of your hearing loss, if present.
Interpretation of results
After completing the hearing tests, your audiologist will review the results with you and explain what they mean in terms of your hearing health.
They will discuss the type and severity of any hearing loss detected, as well as potential contributing factors or underlying conditions.
Treatment recommendations
Based on the findings of the assessment, your audiologist will make recommendations for treatment or management of your hearing loss.
This may include options such as:
- hearing aids;
- cochlear implants;
- assistive listening devices, or;
- referral to other healthcare professionals for further evaluation or intervention.
What are the additional services offered by audiologists?
Hearing aid fittings
If hearing aids are recommended, your audiologist will guide you through the process of selecting and fitting appropriate devices.
They will explain how to use and care for your hearing aids, as well as provide ongoing support and adjustments as needed.
Counselling and rehabilitation
Audiologists offer counselling and rehabilitation services to help individuals adjust to hearing loss and maximise their communication abilities.
This may include strategies for improving communication skills, coping with hearing loss-related challenges, and participating in auditory training programs.
How can seeing an audiologist improve my quality of life?
Seeing an audiologist is an important step in addressing any concerns you may have about your hearing health. By undergoing a comprehensive evaluation and receiving expert guidance from a qualified professional, you can take proactive steps towards improving your hearing and overall quality of life. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance.
Require expert audiometry treatment? Arrange a consultation with Mr Swiatek via his Top Doctors profile.
