Hear Better, Live Better
Audiologist Care for Improved Hearing and Living
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders and balance issues and play a crucial role in hearing conservation and overall well-being. Audiology specialists are dedicated to providing the highest quality care to ensure each patient, from pediatric patients to adults, can live their best life with optimal hearing health.
- 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?
A licensed audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of balance issues, audition 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 audition 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 audition loss
- In 2023, WHO’s World Report on Hearingwarns 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 audition 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 audition loss
The Importance of Hearing Health
Hearing health is of paramount importance in our daily lives. Untreated hearing loss can lead to reduced communication skills, feelings of isolation, and a decreased quality of life. Regular annual hearing exams by audiologists can help in the early detection and management of a variety of hearing disorders. Whether it’s mixed hearing loss or severe hearing loss, an audiologist can determine the degree of the condition and recommend suitable 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 audition loss and many ways to treat it. Aging is a well-known cause of audition 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 audition loss is excessive exposure to loud noises, such as working at a construction site or witnessing an explosion.
Qualifications for an Audiologist
When seeking help for hearing issues, it’s crucial to consult a qualified audiologist. Audiologists, with their doctoral degrees and certifications, have the expertise to provide personalized care. They may recommend hearing devices such as hearing aids or cochlear implants to improve hearing and communication skills. Audiologists also specialize in balance assessments and tinnitus management.
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 offer a wide range of diagnostic tests to assess various hearing conditions. From audiometry to tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing, these evaluations help in determining the cause and severity of audition loss. Audiologists also provide counseling services to guide patients on communication strategies and the use of assistive listening devices.
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 audition 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 audition loss prevention, hearing aid devices, and other treatments that may help improve their 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 ear doctors (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 audition loss conditions.
Paris M. Atabek, Au.D.
Kathryn DuBois, Au.D.
Josephine Han, Au.D.
Karen McQuaide, Au.D.
Vyvian Queenan, Au.D.
Catherine Rutherford, Au.D.
Kyle T Smith, Au.D.
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