Hearing is one of our crucial sensory systems that help us interact with the world around us. However, it is a sad reality that the progression of hearing problems is common nowadays and is only taken seriously when it hamper’s everyday activities. Be it the inability to relate to communications with ease, the struggle to listen amidst background sound or, even a constant noise in the ear, hearing impairment can have a dire effect on a person.
This is where an audiologist comes in. If you live in Melbourne, then contacting an audiologist in Melbourne is advisable before it becomes worse than it is now.
What Does an Audiologist Do?
An audiologist is a health care provider who has experience in practice within the area of hearing and specializes in the identification and treatment of its disorders. Their coverage spans from simple hearing issues to more complex ones. In this case, whether it is carrying out a hearing test or giving counsel on a hearing aid, the audiologist aims to help you regain better hearing and better living. Take care of the signs you need a hearing test.
The Diagnostic Process: How Audiologists Diagnose Hearing Issues of Patients?
As soon as it is determined whether a patient has hearing problems and seeks the help of an audiologist, a comprehensive evaluation of the hearing must be performed. The audiologist obtains your medical records, inquires about the complaints you might have and performs a variety of tests aimed at examining your hearing.
A Hearing test is more than just one single step:
Identification audiometry:
This specifies whether the patient can hear the softest sound of different frequencies. Responses will be recorded to understand & determine the hearing threshold of the patient
Receptive and expressive assessment:
You will hear some words said to you at varying e.g. very low to very high volumes, and you will be asked to reiterate the words to the doctor. This assesses the degree of language comprehension so that it can evaluate how much this communication disability might impact speech.
Acoustic immittance testing:
This test assesses the sound-sensitive structures in the middle ear using the eardrum’s movement as a measurement. It assesses fluid in the ear, perforation of the eardrum and other middle ear problems.
After conducting the testing, the audiologist will be able to provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the reasons for your hearing loss. If it is treatable, they will explore ways of treatment such as hearing aids, medical referrals and so on to stop hearing loss affect your life.
Treatment Options for Hearing Loss
Audiologists will consider all aspects of each patient to create a customized treatment plan. Treatment options vary about the degree or type of hearing problem. So, the most frequently used options are the following:
Hearing Aids
Hearing loss can be improved using hearing aids; the audiologist will demonstrate the best fitting options available for you. Most hearing aid options available now are not as embarrassing as before, are hand-free, and may come equipped with Bluetooth and other features that enhance hearing in any given environment.
Assistive Listening Devices
Some patients, in addition to hearing instruments, may also be able to use extra assistive listening devices, which include portable amplifiers and some specific assistive listening devices that are designed for special purposes.
Medical or Surgical Treatment
In some cases, factors contributing to hearing loss may be simply a treatable condition. These may include ear wax buildup, infections or deformities of the ear region among others. If the ear problems need medical attention or surgical procedures, the audiologist may refer the patient to an ENT physician.
Tinnitus Management
If tinnitus is a predominant complaint, the audiologist addresses the problem in a number of ways using therapeutic measures.
Conclusion
Any of these five signs you need a hearing test are vital reasons to see an audiologist. A diagnosis in the early stages is essential to prevent deterioration and improve your overall hearing life. A hearing test in Melbourne or individual treatment plans will help the audiologist steer you from diagnosis right through recovery, helping you remain ear-healthy for longer!