When you have trouble with your hearing, you should see a hearing doctor. But did you know that the person who helps with your hearing is actually called an audiologist? Audiologists have a doctoral degree called an AuD. They are highly trained to help people who have problems with their ears and hearing. Let’s learn more about what audiologists do and why they are so important for keeping your ears healthy.

What Does an Audiologist Do?

An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in hearing and balance problems. Their job is to figure out what might be wrong with your ears and then help you find a solution. Whether you are struggling to hear, feel ringing in your ears, or have balance issues, an audiologist can help.

Hearing Tests

One of the main things audiologists do is give hearing tests. These tests show how well you can hear sounds at different pitches and volumes. You might be asked to listen to beeps or words in a quiet room, and you raise your hand or push a button when you hear the sounds.

After the test, the audiologist explains the results. If you have hearing loss, they will talk to you about the best options for improving your hearing.

Fitting Hearing Aids

If the hearing test shows that you have hearing loss, the audiologist can help you get hearing aids. Hearing aids are small devices you wear in or behind your ears that make some sounds louder while minimizing others – think of trying to hear conversation in a busy restaurant. Hearing aids help increase the volume of the voices you want to hear, while dialing back the background noises that make it difficult to hear the conversation.  The audiologist will find the right type of hearing aid for you based on your specific needs. They will also make sure the hearing aids fit comfortably and are programmed to your prescriptive settings.

More Ways Audiologists Help

Besides hearing tests and hearing aids, audiologists can help with other ear-related problems.

Tinnitus Treatment

Some people experience a ringing or buzzing sound even when there is no noise around. This is called tinnitus. Audiologists are trained to help people manage tinnitus. While there may not be a cure, audiologists can offer treatments that make it easier to live with this condition, such as sound therapy or special hearing aids designed to reduce the ringing.

Balance Problems

Your ears play a big role in helping you keep your balance. If you feel dizzy or off-balance a lot, an audiologist can help. They can perform tests to see if your ears are causing the problem and suggest treatments that could improve your balance.

Why See an Audiologist?

Now that you know what an audiologist does, you might wonder why it’s important to see one. If you have trouble hearing or have ringing in your ears, it can affect many parts of your life. You might find it hard to talk to friends and family, enjoy music, or even focus at work or school. An audiologist can help you get your hearing back on track, making everyday activities much easier.

Ear Health and Hearing Protection

Audiologists also teach people how to protect their ears from damage. For example, if you work in a noisy environment or listen to loud music often, your hearing can be harmed over time. An audiologist can advise on how to prevent hearing loss, such as using earplugs or listening at a safer volume.

Early Detection of Problems

Seeing an audiologist regularly can catch hearing problems early. Sometimes, people don’t notice they are losing their hearing until it becomes a big issue. Regular hearing checkups can spot problems before they get worse, and early treatment is often more effective.

When Should You Visit an Audiologist?

It’s a good idea to visit an audiologist if you notice any changes in your hearing or balance. Here are some signs that you might need to see:

• You have trouble hearing conversations, especially in noisy places.

• You experience ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in your ears.

• You feel dizzy or have trouble keeping your balance.

• Friends or family tell you that you don’t seem to hear as well as you used to.

• You need to turn the TV or radio up louder than before.

Even if you don’t have any of these signs, regular hearing checkups can help make sure your ears stay healthy.

Audiologist in Longmont, CO

If you’re experiencing hearing or balance problems, or if you’re just curious about your ear health, visit the Longmont Hearing & Tinnitus Center in Longmont, CO. The audiologists there can help you with everything from hearing tests to tinnitus treatment. Don’t wait—schedule an appointment today to get your hearing checked and take the first step toward healthier ears!