Dr. Rhee Nesson Answers Questions on Hearing Loss and Aging

Yes! Audiologists hold a doctoral degree in Audiology (Au.D.), and holds the title of Doctor of Audiology. Doctors of Audiology specialize in diagnosing and treating hearing, balance, and tinnitus disorders in adults and children. To become a Doctor of Audiology, one must complete an audiology doctoral program which includes three years of didactic and clinical instruction, as well as a one-year externship, similar to a medical residency program.

No. It is not possible for a hearing test to damage your hearing.

Audiologists are able to confirm the presence of an ear infection through otoscopic inspection in conjunction with performing a test of your middle ear function (called a tympanogram). This medical test, referred to as Tympanometry, allows the Audiologist to measures the function and movement of the eardrum and middle ear and confirm the presence or absence of fluid.

Yes. A trained Audiologist possess specific tools and clinical protocols to evaluate, diagnose and treat tinnitus.

To become an Audiologist, you will need to earn a doctoral degree in audiology (Au.D) which is a four-year graduate program that you can enter once you have a bachelor’s degree in any field. Often, Au.D. programs have specific requirements to apply including completed coursework in Speech and Hearing/Communication Sciences. nnOnce enrolled in the Au.D. program, for the first two years, students will complete coursework, observational learning, clinical orientation, written exams and practical assessments. During the third and fourth year, students will have more hands-on experience through internships, externships and other “capstone” style intensive projects.nnUpon graduation, students will need to apply for state licensure in order to practice within the field of Audiology. Requirements for licensure vary from state-to-state. While certification is voluntary, it can be an important to obtain credentials from governing audiology organizations such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Board of Audiology.

Yes. Trained Audiologists have specific tools and clinical protocols to evaluate and diagnose tinnitus. The first step in treating tinnitus is to perform an inventory test to measure the subjective burden a patient experiences because of their tinnitus.nBecause tinnitus is often caused by hearing loss, the Audiologist will then perform a comprehensive audiological evaluation that measures the patients overall hearing health. After the comprehensive audiological evaluation has been performed, the Audiologist will measure the patients subjective perception of tinnitus sound, pitch, and volume. Additional objective measurements to evaluate the middle ear should also be performed including the Tympanogram, Acoustic Reflex Testing and Otoacoustic Emission Testing. By completing a comprehensive Tinnitus Evaluation, the Audiologist will be able to work with the patient to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

No. Audiologists cannot write prescriptions for medications that are filled by a pharmacist.

No they do not. An Audiologist has earned a clinical doctoral degree in audiology (Au.D). which is a four-year graduate program that you can enter once you have a bachelor’s degree in any field.

An audiology test or hearing evaluation is a comprehensive examination performed by a licensed Audiologist. A comprehensive hearing evaluation should initially begin with a review of your full case history as well as the completion of at least one hearing inventory test to measure the subjective impact hearing has on ones life. After the initial case history has been obtained, objective measurements should be performed to evaluate the middle ear including the Tympanogram, Acoustic Reflex Testing and Otoacoustic Emission Testing. Next, the Audiologist will perform a comprehensive audiological evaluation that measures the patients overall hearing health. Finally, the results will be explained to the patient.

An ENT and an Audiologist will work together to determine the best treatment plan for patients. If you are noticing difficulty hearing, an Audiologist will be able to determine what the nature of your hearing loss is and make the appropriate recommendation for treatment. If you see an Audiologist and they detect the presence of a medical condition within your ear, you would likely be referred to an ENT. If you are experiencing pain or swelling in your ears, then you would want to see your medical doctor or go directly to an ENT, who is a specialist in this area.

Audiologists work in many different types of facilities; often between 40–50 hours per week. Although some Audiologists do work part-time. Audiologists frequently work in private practice, with other medical specialists, speech-language pathologists, educators, engineers, scientists, and allied health professionals.

While an Audiologist only deals with the ears, an ENT doctor treats patients for diseases or conditions of the ears, but also the nose or throat. You should see an Audiologist for diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and related problems like tinnitus or balance issues. Typically, ENT doctors do not perform comprehensive hearing examinations or treat hearing loss.

An ENT and an Audiologist will work together to determine the best treatment plan for patients. If you are experiencing vertigo, through vestibular testing, an Audiologist will be able to determine what the nature of your vertigo and make the appropriate recommendation for treatment. If you see an Audiologist and they detect the presence of a medical condition within your ear, you would likely be referred to an ENT.

Yes. Trained Audiologists will be able to determine what the nature of your vertigo is and make the appropriate recommendation for treatment.

Being an Audiologist is extremely rewarding. US News and World Reports ranks the profession of Audiology among the top healthcare jobs. nnThe PROs of being an audiologist include:nAudiologists are able to help those in need hearnAudiology is a growing professionnAudiologists earn excellent paynnSome CONs of being an audiologist include:nWork can be frustratingnLong Hours and TravelnExtensive education is required

A hearing test or hearing evaluation is a comprehensive examination performed by a licensed Audiologist. A comprehensive hearing evaluation should initially begin with a review of your full case history as well as the completion of at least one hearing inventory test to measure the subjective impact hearing has on ones life. After the initial case history has been obtained, objective measurements should be performed to evaluate the middle ear including the Tympanogram, Acoustic Reflex Testing and Otoacoustic Emission Testing. Next, the Audiologist will perform a comprehensive audiological evaluation that measures the patients overall hearing health. Finally, the results will be explained to the patient.

Au-di-ol-o-gists: Audiologists are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating hearing, balance and tinnitus disorders in both adults and children. An Audiologist who holds a doctoral degree in Audiology (Au. D.) has completed an Au.D. program which includes three years of didactic and clinical instruction and a one-year externship, similar to a medical residency. An Audiologist who completes an Au.D. program holds the title of a Doctor of Audiology and is referred to as an audiologist.

An Audiologist is a licensed healthcare professionals who specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing, balance and tinnitus disorders in adults and children.

In order to become an Audiologist, you need to earn a doctoral degree in audiology (Au.D) which is a four-year graduate program that you can enter once you have a bachelor’s degree in any field. Often, Au.D. programs have specific requirements to apply including completed coursework in Speech and Hearing/Communication Sciences. nnOnce enrolled in the Au.D. program, for the first two years, students will complete coursework, observational learning, clinical orientation, written exams and practical assessments. During the third and fourth year, students will have more hands-on experience through internships, externships and other “capstone” style intensive projects.nnUpon graduation, students will need to apply for state licensure in order to practice within the field of Audiology. Requirements for licensure vary from state-to-state. While certification is voluntary, it can be an important to obtain credentials from governing audiology organizations such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Board of Audiology. In order to maintain professional licensure, an Audiologist must also be up to date on continuing education requirements.

If you are experiencing vertigo, through vestibular testing an ENT and an Audiologist often work together to determine the best treatment plan for patients with vertigo. Audiologist will be able to determine what the nature of your vertigo and make the appropriate recommendation for treatment.

An Otologist and an Audiologist often work together to determine the best treatment plan for their patients. If you are noticing difficulty hearing, an Audiologist will be able to determine what the nature of your hearing loss is and make the appropriate recommendation for treatment. If you see an Audiologist and they detect the presence of a medical condition within your ear, you would likely be referred to an ENT or Otologist. If you are experiencing pain or swelling in your ears, then you would want to see your medical doctor or go directly to an Otologist or ENT, who is a specialist in this area.

Hearing care is health care. You most likely would want to trust a professional health care provider for anything relating to your health, as you would for an optometrist at an eye appointment, or perhaps a pediatrician for your child. A licensed doctor of audiology is an individual who has the degrees, certifications, and licensing to take care of your hearing and truly understand your needs unlike a hearing aid dispenser who is only trained to sell a hearing aid.

While audiologists can be hearing aid dispensers, not all hearing aid dispensers are audiologists.nAn audiologist is a Doctor of Audiology who is a specialist for your auditory and vestibular systems. An audiologist is the only licensed professional who can treat your comprehensive hearing and balance health. nnDo not be misguided by the impression a white lab coat presents in the hearing care industry. Be well-informed and know in advance if you will be seen by an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser (HAD). The goal of a hearing aid dispenser is to sell you a hearing aid. They are not educated in your overall hearing health.