Suspect hearing loss? This is what you need to know…
First step in treating hearing loss
Visit an Audiologist or Doctor of Audiology
The first step to taking charge of your hearing healthcare needs is an audiologic examination. This step is critical in minimizing the consequences of hearing loss and improving your quality of life.
- Your audiologist will complete a comprehensive case history
- Determine the type and configuration of your hearing loss
- Evaluate its negative impact on your auditory communication
- Explain the results of your assessment, and identify whether you are a candidate for hearing aids.
If you suspect a hearing loss there are a few steps that you should take…
In most cases, hearing loss typically happens over a long period. It is common to believe that others are mumbling or initiating conversations from far away or with background noise. It is true that these factors can make communication more difficult, it is also true that hearing loss can make challenging situations impossible. The communicative impact of untreated hearing loss should not be underestimated. The benefits of audiologic treatment are numerous. Treatment can help with anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
Consider your Audiologic Treatment – Benefits, Limitations, and Expectations Any degree of hearing loss that interferes with one’s ability to share a conversation can lead to feelings of frustration, social isolation, and even depression. It can negatively impact relationships and family dynamics. While hearing aids are not a cure for hearing loss, they can significantly enhance auditory communication. This increases the quality of life when properly prescribed by audiologists who follow rigorous, evidence-based standards. Your audiologist will explain how advanced technology and audiologic research can be applied to make the most of your residual hearing. Treatment is highly individualized and focused on providing you with the maximum benefit that is scientifically and clinically achievable. Modern hearing aids are extremely sophisticated; however, as is the case in most areas of health care, clinical success will depend significantly on the skills, judgement, education, experience, and knowledge of the professional in whom you place your trust.
How to Choose an Audiologist or Doctor of Audiology when you have a hearing loss It is important to make an informed decision when considering a hearing healthcare professional, and it can be very confusing when encountering non-audiologists using a wide variety of titles. There are hearing aid dealers, hearing instrument practitioners, hearing instrument specialists and others.
- While anyone is allowed to dispense hearing aids, only audiologists possess Masters and/or Doctoral degrees in audiology. Moreover, only audiologists are licensed and held to stringent practice standards (in the same manner as physicians, dentists, optometrists, and other regulated professionals), and only audiologists have a scope of practice that includes prescribing hearing aids. Be sure that you know the credentials and qualifications of your hearing healthcare providers – your hearing depends on it.
We are not a hearing aid store – we are a full-service, independent audiology clinic. Unlike many others, we are not part of a corporate chain or owned by a hearing aid manufacturer. Brampton Audiology also has an established reputation for providing unsurpassed quality of care. We put the patient first in assessing audiologic treatment.
Roberto Guadagno BA, MCISc, AuD, FAAA, Reg CASLPO Doctor of Audiology
Ronnie Grant BA, MCISc, AuD, FAAA, Reg CASLPO Doctor of Audiology
What is an Audiologist? What is a Doctor of Audiology?
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