Audiologist Care for Improved Hearing and Living
Audiology care for hearing loss, communication difficulties, and balance concerns.
- Comprehensive hearing tests for children and adults.
- Hearing aid evaluation, fitting, and follow-up care.
- Early detection and treatment to protect hearing health.
- Same-day or next-day appointments often available.
Important Medical Notice
The information provided below and throughout this website is presented for general educational purposes only and does NOT constitute professional medical advice. This information is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice and NO material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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 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 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.
“Have never had to wait. Very clean – everyone very nice and thorough in the examination/treatment. Would definitely recommend.”
— Stacey Mendoza
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.
Why Choose Our Specialists?
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.
Paris M. Atabek, Au.D. is a dedicated clinical audiologist at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University and her Doctorate of Audiology from James Madison University, training at A.I. duPont/Nemours Children’s Hospital. Licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, she holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) and specializes in hearing and balance disorders, providing compassionate, personalized care to improve patients’ quality of life.
Elena Ballezzi, Au.D.
Elena Ballezzi, Au.D. is a highly respected audiologist at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy with over 25 years of experience in hospital, private practice, and ENT settings. She earned her Bachelor of Science from SUNY University at Buffalo, a Master of Arts from The College of New Jersey, and a Doctorate of Audiology from Salus University. A Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, Elena specializes in hearing disorders, amplification, balance challenges, and central auditory processing, providing personalized solutions that enhance both hearing and quality of life.
Amanda Bange-Smith, Au.D., CCC-A
Amanda Bange-Smith, Au.D., CCC-A is a dedicated audiologist at Princeton Otolaryngology Associates, specializing in hearing health, balance disorders, and hearing aid technology. She earned her Doctorate of Audiology from Syracuse University and her undergraduate degree from Andrews University, bringing extensive experience in diagnostic audiology and patient care for all ages.
Kathryn DuBois, Au.D.
Kathryn DuBois, Au.D. is a licensed audiologist at Becker ENT & Allergy, specializing in hearing and balance disorders. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Maryland, completing clinical training at JFK University Medical Center. Licensed in New Jersey and holding a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A), she is dedicated to providing patient-centered care, offering tailored solutions to improve hearing health and overall well-being.
Josephine Han, Au.D.
Josephine Han, Au.D. is a clinical audiologist at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, specializing in hearing and balance care. She earned her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Texas at Dallas and is licensed in New Jersey with ASHA certification. Dedicated to patient-centered, evidence-based care, she provides personalized solutions for all ages.
Karen Herring, M.S.
Karen Herring, M.S. is an experienced audiologist with nearly 28 years in hearing rehabilitation, specializing in hearing aids and advanced audiologic testing. She earned her Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University and her Master of Science in Audiology from Florida State University. With expertise in balance disorder testing, she has worked with top ENT specialists and is skilled in VNG, ABR, and VEMP evaluations, providing comprehensive hearing care.
Karen McQuaide, Au.D.
Karen McQuaide, Au.D. is a specialty-trained audiologist with over 20 years of experience at academic and private audiology and balance disorder practices. She has served in leadership positions at New York University, Temple University, University of Florida, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital to name a few.
Vyvian Queenan, Au.D.
Vyvian Queenan, Au.D. is a licensed audiologist at Becker ENT & Allergy, specializing in hearing care for all ages. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and her Doctor of Audiology from Montclair State University, completing her clinical residency at Weill Cornell Medicine. Holding a Certificate of Clinical Competency from ASHA, she is dedicated to providing patient-centered care with expertise in audiology and ontology.
Catherine Rutherford, Au.D.
Catherine Rutherford, Au.D. is a clinical audiologist specializing in hearing and balance care for all ages. She earned her Doctorate of Audiology from Bloomsburg University and is licensed in New Jersey with ASHA certification. With experience in ENT settings, she is dedicated to patient-centered care and personalized hearing solutions.
Kyle T. Smith, Au.D.
Kyle T. Smith, Au.D. is a classically trained musician and audiologist with a unique background in sound design and engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Music from William Paterson University and his Doctorate of Audiology from Montclair State University. Holding a Certificate of Clinical Competency from ASHA, he specializes in hearing loss, balance disorders, and hearing aid programming, offering patient-focused care with a deep understanding of sound and auditory health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
About Hearing Loss
Is it recommended for children to visit a pediatric audiologist?
Yes, if your child is experiencing any type of hearing loss, it’s important that they receive a comprehensive evaluation from a pediatric audiologist. A pediatric audiologist will be able to evaluate the severity of your child’s audition loss and recommend appropriate treatment options. They can also provide advice on how to manage the condition and help you understand what to expect in terms of your child’s future hearing needs.
Can an audiologist cure tinnitus?
No, an audiologist cannot cure tinnitus. However, they can provide helpful treatments and strategies to help manage it, such as sound therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, audiologists may also be able to recommend assistive devices that may help reduce the effects of tinnitus.
What Should You Expect at Your Audiologist Appointment?
At your audiologist appointment, you can expect to have a comprehensive hearing assessment. The audiologist will ask questions about your medical history and perform various tests such as audiometry, tympanometry, acoustic reflex testing, and balance assessments. During the evaluation they may also provide counseling services on communication strategies or hearing aid fittings. After the assessment is complete, the audiologist will discuss their findings with you and recommend a personalized treatment plan to improve your quality of life.
Is an audiologist considered a physician?
No, an audiologist is not a physician. Audiologists are highly trained professionals with specialized knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of audition loss and other related disorders. They are typically required to have at least a master’s degree in audiology and may also be licensed in their state.
Where can I find an audiologist near me?
You can find an audiologist near you at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. 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. You can visit our website or Make an appointment online with our top audiologists.