4 Things You Didn’t Know About Audiologists

If you’ve landed on this page and are reading these words, chances are you already know what an audiologist is; perhaps you’ve read up on our pieces on finding an audiologist and asking them the right questions. Maybe you even already have one.

What you might not know, however, is that audiologists wear a lot of hats, and can help people in ways you may not have imagined. Let’s take a peek under the hood.

1. Many audiologists have specialties that can help you

For example, some are experts in tinnitus. Some specialize in pediatric audiology, while others deal primarily with the unique hearing needs and issues of senior citizens. This is great news, because chances are, there’s an audiologist in your area who specializes in the very issues that ail you, or deals with your particular age demographic.

2. They go through comprehensive education and training

Ever heard of an Au.D? That’s a Doctor Of Audiology, the professional standard of audiologists in the United States. All 50 states require certification in order to practice audiology, and while those certifications differ from state to state, they are without exception rigorous and stringent, taking years to achieve. When you go to a licensed audiologist, you can rest assured knowing they have devoted their professional lives to learning the best possible ways to help people like you.

3. Audiology is a relatively newer field of medicine

Of course, doctors of one stripe or another have been trying to help their patients with hearing issues since time immemorial. But the roots of modern audiology only go back to 1946, when Northwestern University started granting its first audiology degrees. Why then, in particular? Because there was a rash of servicemen coming back from World War II with damaged hearing.

4. Audiologists place a great deal of emphasis on research and preventive care

The study and practice of improved hearing is always evolving, and the audiologists themselves lead the charge not just in finding new ways to restore hearing, but to find the less obvious causes of hearing damage so we can understand how to prevent problems before they even begin. This means lots of research with heavy doses of clinical studies, and even includes matters like earwax management and its relationship with hearing.

If you’re suffering from hearing loss, tinnitus or a balance disorder, schedule an appointment with an audiologist in your area. The audiologist will be able to evaluate your condition, provide a diagnosis and recommend the proper treatment!