Frequently Asked Questions

What is an audiologist? An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating hearing loss and other auditory conditions such as tinnitus and balance disorders. They are trained to work with patients of all ages and provide services ranging from hearing tests to fitting hearing aids. Audiologists may also offer preventive measures like custom earplugs to protect against hearing loss. They hold advanced degrees in audiology and are licensed by the state in which they practice. Additionally, they may obtain certifications from professional organizations such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or the American Academy of Audiology (AAA).

Audiologists offer a variety of tests and treatments, including:

If you suspect hearing loss in yourself or a loved one, it's important to consult an audiologist. Common signs of hearing loss include:

Hearing loss can result from various factors, including:

Hearing loss is diagnosed through a comprehensive hearing evaluation performed by an audiologist. The evaluation may include:

The results of your hearing test are represented on an audiogram, a chart that plots loudness and frequency. Loudness is indicated from to bottom, with the of the graph representing very quiet sounds and the bottom representing very loud sounds. Frequency, or pitch, is plotted from left to right, ranging from low to high. Hearing level (HL) is measured in decibels (dB) and categorized into different degrees of hearing loss. The general categories used by most hearing professionals are as follows:

There are three main types of hearing loss, each caused by different factors and requiring different approaches to hearing aid technology and features for optimal listening experience. The three types of hearing loss include:

1. Sensorineural hearing loss: This type of hearing loss results from problems in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. It often occurs due to damage to the small hair cells or nerve fibers in the auditory system. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type in adults, accounting for over 90 percent of hearing loss among hearing aid users. Age-related changes and noise exposure are common causes of this type of hearing loss. Treatment options for sensorineural hearing loss include various hearing aids.
2. Conductive hearing loss: Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in the external or middle ear. It happens when sound is not efficiently conducted through the ear canal, eardrum, or tiny bones of the middle ear, resulting in reduced sound loudness. Earwax blockage, fluid in the middle ear, ear canal obstruction, middle ear infections, perforation in the eardrum, or diseases affecting the middle ear bones can lead to conductive hearing loss. Treatment options for conductive hearing loss may involve hearing aids, medical implants, medication, or surgery.
3. Mixed hearing loss: Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. It occurs when there are problems in both the middle and inner ear. Treatment options for mixed hearing loss depend on the nature of the impairment and the symptoms experienced, ranging from hearing aids to surgical interventions.

Hearing loss can occur in children at any age due to various factors, including ear infections, head trauma, medications, and genetic factors. You may suspect your child has a hearing loss if you notice any of the following signs:

It is important to address any signs of hearing loss in children promptly to prevent delays or negative impacts on speech, language, and academic development. A pediatric audiologist is trained to test children of all ages.

Today, there are various types of hearing aids available, and the choice of style or device depends on your lifestyle, budget, and specific hearing loss needs. There are in-the-ear styles as well as behind-the-ear styles to choose from. It is important to consider the features that would be most beneficial to you when selecting the right device. From directional microphones to waterproof options, there are numerous varieties designed to cater to individual preferences. In fact, modern hearing aids are even equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless integration with wireless devices such as cell phones or televisions.

Thanks to advancements in digital technology and miniaturization of internal components, hearing aids now come in various sizes and styles. Many of today's hearing aids are sleek, compact, and innovative, offering solutions for a wide range of hearing aid users. When deciding on a style of hearing aid, the following factors should be taken into consideration:

Assistive listening devices (ALDs) can benefit people with all types and degrees of hearing loss. While the microphone of a typical hearing aid is worn on or behind the ear, its ability to enhance the talker-to-background-noise ratio may be limited. However, ALDs are specifically designed to increase the loudness of desired sounds, such as a radio, television, or a public speaker, without amplifying the background noise. This is achieved by placing the microphone of the assistive listening device close to the talker or the device being used, while the microphone of the hearing aid remains close to the listener.

ALDs encompass a range of devices, including alarm clocks, TV listening systems, telephone amplifying devices, and auditorium-type assistive listening systems. Many newer devices are small, wireless, and compatible with digital hearing aids. For example, alarms and other home ALDs can be discreetly placed on tables, next to the TV, or mounted on the wall.

Tinnitus is a common disorder that affects over 50 million people in the United States. It is often described as "ringing in the ears," although individuals may experience other sounds such as hissing, roaring, whistling, buzzing, or clicking. Tinnitus itself is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying condition related to the ear, auditory nerve, or other influencing factors. Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant and may involve a single or multiple tones. The perceived volume can range from very soft to extremely loud, and it may occur in a recurrent or constant manner.

The exact cause of tinnitus is not known in every case. However, there are several likely factors that may contribute to or worsen tinnitus. These include:

The treatment options for tinnitus depend on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. There are several approaches available to help improve the perception of unwanted noise. The most common treatments for tinnitus include:

• When seeking treatment for hearing loss, it's important to understand the differences between various hearing healthcare professionals. Two commonly encountered professionals in this field are audiologists and hearing instrument specialists (HIS). Here's a breakdown of their dissimilarities:

Audiologist: An audiologist possesses comprehensive training to diagnose, treat, and monitor disorders related to the hearing and balance systems. They receive education in areas such as anatomy, physiology, amplification devices, cochlear implants, electrophysiology, acoustics, psychophysics, and auditory rehabilitation. Audiologists earn a minimum of an undergraduate and doctoral degree in audiology, and they typically complete a supervised externship before acquiring state licensure and national certification. This educational path generally requires eight years of post-secondary education (four years of college and four years of graduate school). The graduate school years focus on the medical, diagnostic, and rehabilitative aspects of hearing loss, hearing aids, and the vestibular system. Following their training, audiologists must pass a national standardized examination to become eligible for state licensure. They are also required to meet continuing education requirements to maintain their licensure. For individuals with hearing loss, auditory issues, or balance problems, an audiologist is the most qualified professional to provide diagnosis and treatment.

Hearing instrument specialist (HIS): A hearing instrument specialist is licensed to conduct audiometric testing and is authorized to sell and fit hearing aids. To obtain a license, an HIS usually completes a certification program specifically focused on hearing aids, along with in-the-field training hours and passing an exam. Hearing instrument specialists are proficient in fitting and repairing hearing aids; however, they do not possess the expertise to diagnose hearing loss.