Hear Better, Live Better
Audiologist Care for Improved Hearing and Living
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders, hearing loss, and other auditory issues. They provide a wide range of services to help improve the quality of life for their patients. Audiologists are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and services to ensure each patient can live their best life.
- Improved listening and communication skills
- Reduced feelings of isolation due to improved social interactions
- Decreased risk of further hearing damage through early detection and treatment
- What is an Audiologist and What Do They Do?
- The Importance of Hearing Health
- Why Do We Lose Our Hearing?
- Qualifications for an Audiologist
- Diagnostic Testing Provided by Audiologist
- The Benefits of Working with an Experienced Audiologist
- Why Choose Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy?
- Our Audiologist Team
- Frequently Asked Questions about Hearing loss
What is an Audiologist and What Do They Do?
An Audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of balance issues, hearing loss, and other auditory disorders. They often work with speech-language pathologists to provide care for those with conductive hearing loss.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 5% of the world’s population, or 430 million people, require rehabilitation to address their disabling hearing loss, including 432 million adults and 34 million children.
- WHO estimates that by 2050, over 700 million people, or 1 in every 10 people, will have disabling hearing loss
- In 2023, WHO’s World Report on Hearing warns that nearly 2.5 billion people worldwide, or 1 in 4 people, will be living with some degree of hearing loss by 2050
- The report emphasizes the need to rapidly step up efforts to prevent and address hearing loss by investing and expanding access to ear and hearing care services
- Early intervention is key, and medical and surgical treatment can cure most ear diseases, potentially reversing the associated hearing loss
The Importance of Hearing Health
Hearing is an extremely important part of daily life. Audiologists use a variety of tools such as hearing aids, hearing evaluations, and hearing exams to assess and improve hearing ability. Treatment options may include sound therapy, cochlear implants, or other forms of hearing aid technology. Regular hearing tests and evaluations help to ensure that any potential issues are caught early, allowing for the best possible treatment options.
Why Do We Lose Our Hearing?
Hearing loss is best described as a decreased sensitivity to sounds. Our ears consist of a complex system that includes the outer, middle, and inner ears and a pathway to the part of the brain that allows us to attach meaning to sound – the auditory cortex. In order for us to hear, all of these components must be functioning correctly.
As a result, there are various causes for hearing loss and many ways to treat it. Aging is a well-known cause of hearing loss, affecting about 1 in 3 seniors nationwide. In other cases, the culprit is a blockage in the ear canal by ear wax, foreign objects, or ear canal infections.
Holes or fluid in the middle ear may also cause hearing issues. However, one of the most common causes of hearing loss is excessive exposure to loud noises, such as working at a construction site or witnessing an explosion.
Qualifications for an Audiologist
When it comes to seeking help for hearing loss, it’s important to know that you’re in the hands of a qualified professional. Here are the qualifications to look for when choosing an audiologist.
- A hearing expert is a specialist who has completed a doctoral degree in audiology and is certified by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.
- A degree in audiology requires knowledge of anatomy, physiology, acoustics, psychoacoustics, speech science and pathology, language development, hearing aid technology and fitting, vestibular assessment, diagnostic audiometry and more.
- Licensing requirements vary by state but generally involve passing an exam administered by the American Speech-Language & Hearing Association (ASHA).
- Audiologists may also need to pass state board licensing exams and complete continuing education courses to maintain their license.
Diagnostic Testing Provided by Audiologist
Audiologists provide a variety of diagnostic tests to assess hearing loss, including audiometry, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex testing. These tests are helpful in determining the cause and severity of hearing loss and can help guide treatment decisions. Audiologists also provide balance assessments, tinnitus assessments and counseling services.
The Benefits of Working with an Experienced Audiologist
Working with an experienced audiologist can provide many advantages. For instance, they will have the necessary education and experience to provide personalized services that meet your individual needs. Audiologists understand how hearing loss affects people’s lives and are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat hearing-related issues. As well as providing hearing tests, audiologists also educate their patients about hearing loss prevention, assistive listening devices, and other treatments that may help improve your quality of life. They offer a wide range of services including counseling on communication strategies, hearing aid fittings, ear molds for custom-made devices, and more.
Why Choose Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy?
Our team consists of expert audiologists and board-certified ENT physicians who will provide you with high-quality care that will enhance the quality of your life. At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy in Robbinsville, we not only provide top-notch evaluation and treatment of hearing and balance disorders, but we also personalize your care to provide you with hope, compassion, and respect throughout your treatment.The time to improve your hearing has come. Make an appointment online at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy with our top audiologists.
Our Audiologist Team
At Penn Medicine Becker ENT and Allergy, we have an experienced and dedicated team of audiologists that are committed to providing top-notch care for all our patients. Our team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Hearing Loss conditions.
Paris M. Atabek, Au.D.
Audiologist
Kathryn DuBois, Au.D.
Audiologist
Josephine Han, Au.D.
Audiologist
Jill MacMillan, Au.D.
Audiologist
Karen McQuaide, Au.D.
Audiologist
Vyvian Queenan, Au.D.
Audiologist
Caren CC Sokolow, M.A.
Audiologist
Kyle T Smith, Au.D.
Audiologist
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