What Conditions Does an Audiologist Treat?

Audiologists are highly-skilled and expert medical professionals, who are responsible for the treatment and management of a number of different health conditions. To find out more about the conditions that fall under the remit of an audiologist, read on.

Hearing loss 

For most people, hearing loss will be the primary condition that comes to mind if asked what an audiologist does. This association has good reason behind it, as audiologists are indeed experts in all aspects of hearing loss. Audiologists can administer diagnostic tests, analyze the results, prescribe hearing aids, and fit and program hearing aids for their patients – and this is true of all types of hearing loss, ranging from age-related hearing loss to conductive hearing loss.

Earwax issues 

Earwax is a natural substance that our ears rely on in order to maintain the best possible health, but for some people, ear wax can become problematic. When wax builds up in the canal, it can become impacted, which causes a myriad of symptoms ranging from discomfort and pain to hearing loss. When this happens, an audiologist can help resolve the issue by removing the earwax using trusted, reliable, and highly successful techniques.

Tinnitus 

Tinnitus is a condition that causes people to hear phantom sounds; rather than the sounds originating in the external world, the sounds are effectively created by the brain. Tinnitus can have significant impacts on a person’s quality of life, but usually responds well to treatment – should be monitored and managed by an audiologist. In addition, it is always important that anyone experiencing tinnitus seek the advice of an audiologist, given that the condition is strongly related to hearing loss.

Balance disorders 

Balance disorders – a classification that includes conditions such as vestibular migraines and Meniere’s disease – often have similar symptoms, such as vertigo, nausea and blurred vision. Though these disorders do not necessarily cause symptoms related to the ear, they nevertheless should be treated by an audiologist. The reason for this relates to the root cause of balance disorders, which is almost always found in the inner ear – which is, of course, an audiologist’s specialty.