The Audiology service line refers to a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of hearing and balance disorders.
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in evaluating and treating individuals with hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and disorders of the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.
1- Hearing Assessments: Audiologists conduct various tests and assessments to evaluate a person’s hearing abilities. These tests may include pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), and auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. These assessments help determine the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss.
2- Hearing Aid Selection and Fitting: Audiologists play a crucial role in the selection, fitting, and programming of hearing aids. They work closely with individuals to assess their hearing needs, recommend appropriate hearing aid options, and customize the settings to optimize hearing performance and comfort. They also provide counseling and education on hearing aid use and maintenance.
3- Cochlear Implants: Audiologists are involved in the evaluation and management of individuals who may benefit from cochlear implants. They assess candidacy for cochlear implantation, provide pre-operative counseling, assist with the programming and activation of the device, and provide ongoing support for rehabilitation and auditory training.
4- Tinnitus Management: Audiologists offer evaluation and management strategies for individuals experiencing tinnitus, which is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears. They provide counseling, education, and implement sound therapy techniques or other management strategies to help individuals cope with and reduce the impact of tinnitus.
5- Balance and Vestibular Assessment: Audiologists perform assessments to evaluate balance and vestibular function. These assessments may include videonystagmography (VNG), rotary chair testing, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) testing. Based on the results, they can diagnose and manage vestibular disorders, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis.
6- Auditory Rehabilitation: Audiologists provide auditory rehabilitation services to individuals with hearing loss. This may include auditory training, speechreading (lip-reading) instruction, communication strategies, and counseling to help individuals optimize their communication skills and adjust to living with hearing loss.
7- Newborn Hearing Screening: Audiologists are involved in newborn hearing screening programs to identify hearing loss in infants as early as possible. They conduct hearing screenings shortly after birth and provide appropriate follow-up care and intervention for infants who do not pass the initial screening.
The Audiology service line aims to evaluate, diagnose, and manage hearing and balance disorders to improve individuals’ quality of life. Audiologists play a critical role in providing comprehensive hearing healthcare services, including assessment, treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation to individuals of all ages with hearing and balance concerns.
