What Is an Audiologist & What Do They Do in St. Louis, MO?
If you’re experiencing hearing loss or another ear-related health issue, you might wonder if scheduling an appointment with an audiologist is the right choice. Some ear problems should be seen by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor, and knowing which hearing care professional suits your medical situation is essential.
Below, the experts at Mid America Audiology Group discuss what an audiologist is, what they do, and when you should be seen by one. Our hearing care providers offer all the services you need under one roof, from tinnitus testing and treatment to custom hearing protection solutions for patients throughout St. Louis, MO and the surrounding areas. Reach out to Mid America Audiology Group today to learn more about our expertise in hearing healthcare.
What Does an Audiologist Do?
An audiologist, by definition, is a hearing healthcare professional who specializes in accurately diagnosing and treating auditory and vestibular issues within the ear. They’re experts in the technology used to manage the symptoms of hearing loss, tinnitus, and other similar conditions. Audiologists work in various settings, from hospitals and educational facilities to smaller, private practices. They’re responsible for several tasks, from hearing aid fittings to comprehensive hearing exams. Audiologists can also:
- Help patients cope with hearing loss and tinnitus symptoms
- Show patients how to wear and care for their hearing aids properly
- Provide counseling services to help patients and their families deal with the emotional aspects of hearing loss
- Properly fit patients for custom hearing protection solutions
- Safely remove ear wax
- And more!
Hearing Tests & Comprehensive Evaluations
Audiologists conduct comprehensive hearing evaluations to diagnose a patient’s hearing loss accurately. Testing options include:
- Sound field tests
- Audiograms
- Air conduction tests
- Bone conduction tests
Otoscopy
By examining the outer, middle, and inner ear with an otoscope, audiologists can see blockages or other issues within the ear canal, identify ear wax, check for drainage, and see if the eardrum is unharmed.
Tympanogram
This test uses sound and pressure to ensure the middle ear and eardrumrespond appropriately. Audiologists use the results of these tests to diagnose hearing loss, tinnitus, vestibular issues, and even ear wax buildup.
Ear Wax Removal
Your ears naturally produce ear wax, so it’s supposed to be there. Some patients’ ear wax builds up too much and obstructs the ear canal. Avoid sticking anything in your ears, such as cotton swabs, to clear the blockage. Audiologists can safely and effectively remove ear wax buildup from the ear canal, preventing further damage or future infection.
Tinnitus Testing & Treatment
You might have tinnitus if your ears are constantly ringing and buzzing, or you hear a whooshing sound. Tinnitus occurs most often in patients with hearing loss. Audiologists can perform the proper testing to diagnose your tinnitus and develop a suitable treatment plan.
Vestibular Problems
Audiologists also specialize in treating patients with vestibular symptoms, including dizziness and lack of balance. If you’re experiencing these issues, it’s important to visit your primary care provider first to ensure something else isn’t happening medically before an audiologist evaluates for problems with your inner ear.
Hearing Aid Treatment
Audiologists can conduct a comprehensive hearing evaluation to determine your type and degree of hearing loss. If they think you might benefit from hearing aids, they’ll help match you with a pair that’s right for your hearing loss needs, personal preferences, and lifestyle.
Audiologist vs. ENT
ENT doctors deal with medical issues in the ear, nose, and throat, focusing on diseases, tumors, traumas, and abnormalities that can impact these areas. When managing and treating hearing loss, ENT doctors don’t have the same level of expertise as audiologists.
When Should You See an Audiologist or ENT Doctor?
Audiologists sometimes refer patients to ENT doctors to treat underlying issues causing hearing loss. ENT doctors also deal with hearing loss caused by an ear infection, abnormalities around the ear, or other signs of a medical condition. Some common reasons you might schedule an appointment with an audiologist include:
- You think you have symptoms of hearing loss
- It’s been a while since you scheduled a comprehensive hearing evaluation
- Your hearing aids need to be updated
- You need custom hearing protection for work or recreational activities
- You think you have tinnitus
- Your ears feel full of ear wax
- You want to learn more about protecting your ears from permanent hearing loss
Contact Mid America Audiology Group Today
Audiologists are experts in the hearing healthcare field. Modern technology and highly advanced diagnostic procedures allow patients to receive the best in hearing care today. The hearing care providers at Mid America Audiology Group offer all the services you need under one roof, from custom hearing protection solutions to professional hearing aid fittings. We have years of experience serving patients throughout St. Louis, MO and the surrounding areas, including Creve Coeur and St. Charles. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive hearing care services, or schedule an appointment online for a one-on-one consultation at one of our conveniently located hearing care centers. We look forward to hearing from you.
