The Top Conditions an Audiologist Treats

Audiologists use their knowledge and expertise to help with a variety of conditions. Many people associate audiologists with just hearing tests, but, in fact, audiologists help people with many issues relating to ear health, balance, and hearing. 

Audiologists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating hearing loss and other conditions. An audiologist can also offer advice on ear care, and how to prevent existing conditions from worsening. Here are some of the top conditions that an audiologist treats.

Hearing loss

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 37.5 million American adults have trouble hearing. This figure equates to around 15 percent of the population and demonstrates how common hearing loss is in adults in the United States. It comes as no surprise to know that many people that schedule an audiology consultation do so for help with hearing loss.

There are several different types of hearing loss that can be experienced, and the audiologist will carry out tests to evaluate the extent of hearing loss and to identify the type of hearing loss. Different types of hearing loss are treated in different ways. Once the audiologist has established the type of hearing loss, they are able to recommend the best treatment to help improve your hearing.

As part of the treatment for hearing loss, the audiologist may recommend that you use hearing aids, or another assistance device to improve your hearing. The audiologist will advise on the best hearing aids or assistive devices for your needs and will fit them for you to ensure that they provide the maximum benefit.

Balance and dizziness issues

Did you know that your ears can affect your balance and cause dizziness? One of the top conditions that audiologists treat is balance and dizziness issues. Ears don’t just help us to hear; they also play a vital role in our ability to balance.

Problems with the inner ear can cause balance issues and feelings of dizziness. Disturbances of the fluid levels within the inner ear are often the cause of these feelings. The area of the inner ear that controls balance is known as the vestibular system. Audiologists can perform tests to diagnose issues within the vestibular system that cause dizziness and balance issues.

Establishing the cause of dizziness and balance issues is vital for a person’s overall health and wellbeing. Audiologists have a crucial part to play in the diagnosis of balance and dizziness problems and their treatment.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is another common condition that is frequently treated by audiologists. It is estimated that around 50 million Americans experience tinnitus in some form during their lifetime. Tinnitus is characterized by a person hearing clicking, ringing or whistling noises in their ears that other people cannot hear. If you are experiencing tinnitus, your audiologist will be able to help.

Tinnitus occurs as a result of other medical conditions, and your audiologist will play an essential role in establishing the cause of your tinnitus. Tinnitus can be caused by many different reasons such as hearing loss, a build-up of earwax or loud noises. In some cases, tinnitus can be a side effect of taking certain medications.

Once the cause has been established, it is possible for your audiologist to advise you on the best options to help minimize your tinnitus. 

Earwax build-up

Earwax build-up is a common condition that is treated by audiologists. The build-up of earwax in the ear canal can lead to a reduction in the ability to hear. When earwax builds up, it can cause conductive hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when a blockage prevents sounds from being conducted along the ear canal. 

It is crucial to get an earwax blockage removed, so if you suspect you have a blockage, make sure that you schedule a consultation with your audiologist so that they can examine your ear. Your audiologist may supply you with an at-home treatment to soften the earwax to remove it. Alternatively, you may receive treatment at the audiologist’s office to remove the earwax build-up. Treatment is usually carried out using irrigation methods or suction to deliver the best results.

Whether you are experiencing hearing loss or a condition such as tinnitus, it is vital to get it checked out by an audiologist. Schedule a consultation with the friendly, professional audiologists at Affordable Audiology & Hearing Service to learn more by calling (920) 267-5220.