Audiologists

What Is an Audiologist?

 What is the difference between an audiologist and a hearing instrument specialist?

Ear Doctors, Audiologists, Hearing Aid Specialists — What’s the Difference?

Individuals looking for hearing loss treatment face a number of challenges, including medical terms that may be unfamiliar and categories of health care professionals that may seem confusing. For instance, what is the difference between an audiologist and a hearing instrument specialist?

The types of hearing care professionals you might encounter in seeking help with your hearing loss differ in both their education and their skills.

Audiologists and Doctors of Audiology

An audiologist is a licensed hearing health care professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. You can think of an audiologist primarily as a “hearing doctor.” Most audiologists have completed a doctor of audiology (Au.D.) degree, though there are other doctoral degrees within the field (Ph.D., Sc.D., and others). Audiologists typically offer the following services:

  • Complete hearing exams
  • Fitting, adjustment, and maintenance of hearing aids
  • Treatment for balance disorders and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Hearing and speech rehabilitation programs

Audiologists possess comprehensive knowledge of the human auditory and vestibular systems, and they have extensive training in sound reproduction, which is critical to the accurate fitting and adjustment of hearing aids.

Hearing Instrument Specialists

Hearing instrument specialists (or, in some states, licensed hearing aid dispensers) are health care professionals who specialize in recommending and fitting appropriate hearing aid technology. Hearing instrument specialists are typically up to date on the latest technology available in the field — including assistive listening devices (amplified telephones, alarm systems, etc.) — and are experienced in performing and evaluating basic hearing tests.

Hearing instrument specialists must be either board-certified or licensed by the state. Most states also require an apprenticeship or a specified period of practical experience before they are licensed.

Otolaryngologist

Otolaryngologists are physicians (M.D.s or doctors of medicine) who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ears, nose, mouth, and throat. As opposed to an audiologist, who is more like a “hearing doctor,” you can think of an otolaryngologist as an “ear doctor.” Trained in both medicine and surgery, otolaryngologists typically treat the types of profound hearing loss that require pharmaceutical or surgical treatment, like a cochlear implant. These types of hearing loss include loss caused by trauma, infection, or benign tumors in the ear.

After completing a medical course of treatment, otolaryngologists often refer patients to an audiologist for the prescription and fitting of digital hearing aids or counseling to help redevelop communication and language recognition skills.

No matter what type of specialist you decide to see for your hearing needs, the most important factor is the overall experience they provide, which should include a comprehensive approach to diagnosing, treating, and reevaluating your hearing. Partnering with a professional who listens to your needs is critical to the success of your treatment plan.

 

Tulsa Audiologists

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No Matter The Situation, Our Tulsa Audiologists Are Prepared To Help With These Services:

Audiological Evaluations

Audiological Evaluations

Hearing impairment affects more than just your ability to hear — it affects your quality of life. Hearing Solution Centers stresses the importance of an accurate and timely hearing test. Call us today to schedule an apointment.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive Listening Devices

Individuals with hearing loss sometimes have more difficulty hearing basic technology that is a part of regular daily life, like telephones ringing or alarm clocks buzzing. Assistive Listening Devices cure this problem.

Hearing Aid Repairs

Hearing Aid Repairs

Even if you take care of your hearing aids and keep up with regular maintenance, time takes its toll on all technology, and it’s possible that yours will eventually wear out through the course of normal use.

Custom Ear Plugs & Molded Ear Plugs

Custom Ear Plugs & Molded Ear Plugs

Hearing loss happens for many reasons, one of the most popular being exposure to loud noise (noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL). Hearing Solution Centers offers a variety of custom ear plugs and molded ear plugs.

Tinnitus Treatment

Tinnitus Treatment

Though the common misconception about tinnitus is that it’s a disease, tinnitus is actually a medical condition characterized by persistent ringing in one or both ears that can only be heard by the affected individual.

Earwax Management

Earwax Management

Earwax, that yellowish-brown substance produced by the glands of the external ear, may conjure the ick factor for many people, but it actually serves a pretty important purpose. Our treatments will help you manage it in a healthy way.

Hunter Hearing Protection

Hunter Hearing Protection

Digitial Hunter’s Hearing Protection is designed for hunters and shooters who need amplification as well as hearing protection.

Custom In-Ear Monitors

Custom-Molded In-Ear Monitors

As the #1 custom-molded in-ear monitors provider in Tulsa, we are committed to helping Tulsa musicians hear every note.

Custom In-Ear Monitors

HSC Bluetooth Medical Devices

Our first-ever medical-grade hearing enhancement and earbud hybrid, these buds enhance the world around you and help you hear your music and calls better.

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Contact Info

Hearing Solution Centers

Address:

6550 E 71st St, Ste 101

Tulsa, OK 74133

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Phone:

(918) 602-4109

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm