An audiologist specializes in diagnosing your hearing loss and measuring the extent of your hearing loss. Once these factors are known, an audiologist then can determine what can be done to preserve your current level of hearing and help increase your capacity to hear and increasing the quality of your life. However, you shouldn't necessarily see an audiologist for hearing loss. Although they have an extensive educational background, they are not medical doctors. The following are four situations when you can safely make an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing problem.

1. Your hearing loss has been gradual

When your hearing loss has degraded over time, this is usually a function of age. You find yourself asking people to repeat what they just said, or people complain that you have the television or the radio too loud. These are signs that you need to make an appointment with an audiologist. Your hearing can be tested and canalized to determine what can be done to improve your hearing.

2. You have no symptoms other than hearing loss

With the exception of a sudden hearing loss, if you have a loss of hearing and have no other symptoms, you are likely to have a hearing problem that is not related to any other health issue. Even a sudden loss of hearing may not be serious, but in this instance, you should see a doctor first in order to rule out anything serious. If nothing is found, your doctor may refer you to an audiologist.

3. You have been told you may need a hearing aid

A loss of hearing is usually not a health problem that needs treatment, but your doctor may recommend a hearing aid. An audiologist can give you a full range of options to help increase your level of hearing. You will also receive advice on transitioning to using a hearing aid as well as instruction on the care and maintenance of the device.

4. If you have ringing in your ears

Known as tinnitus, this condition has no known cure. An audiologist can confirm that you have this condition, and then offer a range of possible treatments to reduce both the number of incidents of tinnitus and the severity of the ringing when it does occur. Some patients respond to certain treatments better than others, but by working with an audiologist, you can find the treatment that is most effective for you.

An audiologist has a number of services that relate to your hearing. It starts with a diagnosis of the type of hearing loss you have suffered, and then a strategy for treatment can be formulated. All of these services are designed to help give you a higher quality of life.

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