What To Expect From Your First Audiologist Appointment
Did you know that some type of hearing loss is experienced in 14% of individuals in the age range of 45 years to 64 years? Between the ages of six and 19, 15% of children (in at least one ear) have a measurable hearing loss. And out of every 1000 newborns, five experience hearing loss. It is not uncommon for individuals such as this to seek the assistance of an audiologist.
If it is your first visit to a hearing specialist, you may not know what to expect. Be advised – you may need a referral to see an audiologist to satisfy the requirements of your insurance policy.
What Is an Audiologist?
A highly trained professional who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of issues related to balance disorders, tinnitus, and hearing – and helps manage those issues – is known as an audiologist. A Master’s degree is held by each of them. Equivalent to a PhD, a Dr. of Audiology is held by many.
A wide variety and complete range of procedures and tests are used by audiologists to accurately evaluate an individual’s balance issues and/or hearing ability. Hearing devices such as hearing aids are fitted and dispensed by some audiologists.
What to Expect from Your Initial Appointment
You will need to supply your audiologist with a case history to get the ball rolling. This could include the following:
- Symptoms that you been experiencing
- Recent complaints
- Any medical history that may be relevant
- And anything else that is symptom related
Consider bringing a friend with you to your first appointment. Some audiologists like to test the hearing on new patients by having them listen to a familiar voice. Someone else being with you can also be a helpful asset when it comes to writing down information so that it will be remembered and easily accessed later.
There are any number of tests that may be performed by an audiologist. They can consist of the following:
- Audiometry – This is actually two tests in one. Bone conduction and air conduction. It will take place in a room that is soundproof. When you hear a certain sound, you will be asked to raise your hand.
- Tympanomentry – This determines problems that may exist with your middle year function. Light pressure will be applied to your eardrum and its function will then be examined by the audiologist. Eustachian tubed dysfunction, infection, or fluid can interfere with eardrum motion. This test will help determine if that is a problem.
- Otoscopy – A magnifying pen and otoscope will be used to look into your ear canal as the audiologist performs this test. Eardrum and ear canal problems that may be found during this test could be anything from blockages to earwax.
Here’s the good news – these tests are painless. That should take a load off the mind of many.
When all is said and done, there is the possibility that another specialist will come into play. You should receive a referral from your audiologist if further treatment is needed. This will, of course, depend on the findings of your audiologist.
If you feel that you may have been experiencing problems with your hearing, book an appointment with an audiologist today.