The roles and responsibilities of Audiologists

Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves? Do others complain the volume of the TV or radio is too loud? Do you find that people sound like they’re mumbling? If you answer yes to any of these questions, chances are you’re suffering from undiagnosed hearing loss. Living with undiagnosed hearing loss can be frustrating and lead to depression, isolation and even mental fatigue. Because of these issues, it’s important to visit a hearing healthcare professional to get a diagnosis of the type and severity of hearing loss you may be suffering from. One type of doctor to see if you have hearing loss is an audiologist. An audiologist is a doctor of medicine who specializes in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and other balance disorders, such as tinnitus. An audiologist has undergone many years of schooling, often long enough to earn a doctorate degree, to become specialized and well trained in all aural and auditory issues. For someone who has never been to an audiologist before, the first appointment might seem daunting or overwhelming. Rest assured, an audiologist is there to help those who are suffering from hearing loss. An appointment with an audiologist will improve a person’s life, as it is the first step toward being able to hear better again.

Who becomes an audiologist?

There are many positive attributes to those who become audiologists. These are doctors who are dedicated to helping others live healthier, more fulfilling lives. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), audiologists help people with the following disorders:

• Hearing loss
• Balance issues
• Tinnitus
• Other auditory disorders

Finding the right audiologist can seem daunting. However, according to ASHA, there are a few aspirational attributes and abilities of audiologists that can help patients find one that is right for them. Consider the following list when finding an audiologist:

• Accountability
• Integrity
• Evidence-based practice
• Effective collaboration
• Cultural competence and compassion
• Professional duty to advocate for patient’s rights
• Effective communication skill