Audiologists are hearing and balance healthcare professionals who complete evaluations for hearing and vestibular disorders, make diagnoses, and provide treatment options including hearing aids and therapy. Audiologists are required to have an Au.D. doctorate degree and undergo clinical training. They perform tests such as otoscopy, tympanometry, audiometry and vestibular assessments to evaluate hearing and balance function. Audiologists help determine appropriate hearing devices or assistive technologies and provide management for hearing and vestibular disorders.

1. What is The Profession of Audiology
What is that you say? Ideology? Audie-what-a-ty?
Audiology: A growing profession of hearing and
balance healthcare experts and professionals. If you
are suspecting that you, your family, or close friends
are experiencing decreased hearing or issues with
dizziness and balance, these are the professionals for
you. Audiologists complete thorough auditory and
vestibular evaluations, make diagnoses, provide
options, management, and rehabilitation.
Previously required to have a Masters degree in their field, Audiologists are
now required to hold an Au.D., doctorate degree in their discipline. Schooling
for an Au.D. typically consists of 4 years of undergraduate and 4 years of
professional education and training. Requiring almost 2000 hours of
supervised clinical rotation hours, you can be certain that even a new
graduate is knowledgeable and prepared to evaluate your hearing and
balance needs.
Testing typically performed by audiologists includes, but is not limited to:
Otoscopy
Otoscopy is an assessment of the state of the outer ear canal and ear drum.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is an objective pressure evaluation of the middle ear system
(the area just behind the ear drum that contains the middle ear bones and
space).
Otoacoustic Emissions Evaluation
Otoacoustic emissions evaluation is an objective assessment of the inner ear
(specifically the sensory cells of the organ of hearing, the cochlea).
Pure-Tone Audiometry
Pure-tone audiometry consists of behavioral test to assess the sensitivity of
your hearing across a range of pitches or frequencies.
HearCare Audiology Center
2800 Hillview St., Sarasota, FL 34239, (941) 677-1075

2. Speech Audiometry
Speech audiometry consists of behavioral evaluation of speech awareness,
identification, and comprehension in quiet and in a background of noise.
Evoked Potential Examinations
Various evoked potential examinations exist. Evoked potential evaluations
are objective tests of the pathways of hearing and balance from the
peripheral organs to the brain.
Vestibular Assessments
Vestibular assessments are available to those having balance or dizziness
issues. Each person’s needs are determined based on the needed
evaluations to make a confident diagnosis of hearing and vestibular
disorders.
Audiologists also provide options for management of hearing and vestibular
disorders, including amplification and therapy. These hearing healthcare
professionals are well-equipped to determine what hearing aids or assistive
listening technologies are right for you, program and fit the amplification,
and make adjustments as necessary. Vestibular therapies may be provided
or your audiologist may refer you to an appropriate physician.
Contact a local audiologist in your area today! They are waiting to provide
you with friendly, informative, compassionate, and thorough information
regarding your hearing and balance health. Do not put off your hearing
health. Do not waste another day feeling dizzy and off-balance. Get an
appointment as soon as possible. If you have more questions about
audiology, give us a call!
HearCare Audiology Center
2800 Hillview St., Sarasota, FL 34239, (941) 677-1075