When people think about audiologists, they often believe that their services are mainly for children who were born with hearing problems or senior citizens who are hard of hearing. In reality, an audiologist can help a number of people with hearing issues and ear problems. Knowing when to schedule an appointment with an audiologist can ensure that you get the specialized care that you need. Some of the signs that you should see an audiologist include:

Build Up of Ear Wax

Excessive ear wax can cause hearing difficulties and may also cause pain. If you have a build up of hard ear wax, you should not try to deal with the issue on your own. Attempting to remove ear wax at home can actually push the ear wax deeper into your ear and cause more serious problems. When you have a serious ear wax build up that is causing hearing difficulty or pain, make an appointment with an audiologist—they have the specialized tools and skills needed to safely remove ear wax.

Abrupt Hearing Loss

Whether your ears have been exposed to a very loud sound at close range, trauma, or air pressure changes, a sudden and abrupt loss of hearing needs to be addressed immediately. If you have suffered hearing loss suddenly, don't wait and think that your hearing will return. An audiologist will be able to examine your ears, diagnose the problem, and create a treatment plan to help restore your hearing to normal levels.

Tinnitus

Constant ringing in your ears is usually due to a condition called tinnitus. If you suffer from tinnitus, you don't have to just deal with it. In some cases, tinnitus can be a sign of hearing loss, and your audiologist can help you with the issue. Even if your tinnitus is not connected to hearing loss, a audiologist can treat the condition with special hearing aids or masking devices.

Experiencing Balance Disorders

Experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and other symptoms of balance disorders on a regular basis can be scary and also disruptive to your daily routine. In many cases, balance disorders are caused by problems within the inner ear. An audiologist will be able to asses your symptoms, examine the insides of your ears, and run the necessary tests to determine why you are experiencing your symptoms. Once the root of the problem is discovered, an audiologist will suggest a course of treatment to fix the issue. 

For more information, contact companies like Alpine Ear, Nose & Throat, PC.