When to Make an Appointment With an Audiologist in TX & LA
Proper hearing health helps us thrive through every stage of life. Hearing loss can affect your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, making it essential to regularly visit an audiologist for comprehensive exams, hearing protection, and other related audiology services. Whether you’re due for a checkup or have symptoms of hearing loss, knowing when to schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional is important.
At Estes Audiology, we’ve helped countless families navigate their hearing healthcare journey. We’ll stand by your side towards better hearing health and an enhanced quality of life. With hearing care centers located throughout Texas and Louisiana, we’re just around the corner with all the audiology services you need under one roof. Below, our experts discuss when patients should schedule an appointment with their audiologist.
What Is an Audiologist?
Audiologists are licensed healthcare professionals trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders. Most earn a doctor of audiology degree after eight years of education and clinical training. Audiologists can work in a variety of settings, including clinics, physician offices, schools, private practices, hospitals, and residential care facilities. They’re skilled at applying individualized treatment plans to patients with varying hearing loss needs and lifestyles.
When Should I See an Audiologist?
Regardless of age, regular comprehensive exams are an essential part of keeping your hearing health in check. They’re recommended for children with speech, language, or academic concerns, as hearing is a fundamental component of education and communication. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends that everyone have their hearing checked once every ten years until age 50 and every three years after that.Hearing loss changes gradually over time, so many people may not notice it until years after it begins.
What Happens During My First Audiology Clinic Appointment?
You can expect the following at your first appointment with an audiologist:
- Your Medical History: Your audiologist will discuss your medical history in depth and any hearing loss concerns you have. Some medical conditions and medications can affect your ability to hear, so sharing this information with your hearing care professional helps them tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs.
- The Exam: Rest assured, hearing exams with an audiologist is easy and painless. You’ll spend up to an hour with the audiologist, depending on the type of testing and treatment they recommend. Your audiologist will examine the inside of your ears to check for any issues, such as earwax buildup. You can also expect them to evaluate your eardrum and middle ear function by inserting a soft tip into your ear. Next, you’ll be asked to respond when you hear a sound through your headphones. You will also be asked to repeat different words at various loudness levels.
- The Results: Your audiologist will discuss your exam results with you. If they show hearing loss, your audiologist will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs and lifestyle, which might include hearing aids or another assistive listening device.
What Else Do Audiologists Do?
In addition to conducting comprehensive exams and fitting patients for prescription hearing aids, you might wonder what else audiologists do. The following are six common reasons patients makeappointments with an audiologist:
- You Have Tinnitus – Tinnitus is the technical term for the sound you hear when no external noise is present. It can often sound like buzzing, ringing, or a swishing sound in your ears. Tinnitus can come and go or become permanent. Regardless, it’s a frustrating condition diagnosed and treated by audiologists.
- You’re Always Turning Up the Volume – Do you often find yourself turning up the volume on the television or radio? If you have trouble hearing, but others around you complain the volume is too loud, it’s probably time for a hearing checkup with an audiologist. Hearing loss can come on gradually, which is why so many patients don’t notice it at first. Addressing any signs of hearing loss is the best way to keep it from worsening.
- You Avoid Social Settings– Hearing loss that goes undiagnosed can lead to several adverse health effects, including feeling isolated, lonely, and depressed. When you’re unable to keep up with conversations in social gatherings, you might tend to withdraw and keep to yourself. An audiologist can recommend a device that minimizes background noise and focuses on specific sounds, allowing you to feel involved in social settings again.
- You Have Excessive Earwax – Everyone has earwax to protect their inner ear, but some people accumulate more than others. If there’s too much earwax buildup, it can prevent you from hearing properly. Cleaning your ears and assistive listening devices is essential for your hearing health. Removing excessive earwax buildup without damaging your ears can be difficult, but an audiologist can perform this procedure safely in their office.
- You Have Sudden Hearing Loss – Suddenly losing your hearing ability can happen for various reasons, butit should always be treated as an emergency. Some of the most common causes for sudden hearing loss include a perforated eardrum, head or brain injury, significant wax buildup, and trauma to the ear.If you or a loved one is experiencing sudden hearing loss, it’s essential to follow up with an audiologist for further care.
- You’re Thinking About Getting Hearing Aids – Wearing hearing aids is a standard treatment option for hearing loss. These small devices sit on or inside your ear and help by amplifying the sounds around you. Prescription hearing aids areprogrammed to suit your specific hearing loss needs, ensuring you get the full benefit of your devices. If you’re curious about hearing aids, your audiologist can conduct an exam and help you find a suitable device for your needs.
Contact Estes Audiology Today to Learn More
If you’re considering a visit to an audiologist to address a problem impacting your ears or hearing ability, we welcome you to contact our providers to schedule an appointment at one of our clinics located throughout Texas and Louisiana.We’re passionate about helping our patients hear the world around them more clearly. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment online for a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
