Medical Team
Audiology is the science of hearing. It encompasses the study of hearing mechanics; the assessment of hearing; auditory, balance and neural system disorders; and the rehabilitation for individuals with hearing loss.
What is an Audiologist?
Audiologists are licensed health care professionals who evaluate, diagnose and treat people with hearing loss, balance disorders and communication problems. Audiologists are specially trained in the evaluation of hearing, the effects of hearing on communication, and the rehabilitation of hearing loss -- frequently with hearing aids and other assistive devices.
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Services Audiologists Provide
A certified audiologist provides:
- Hearing/tinnitus testing of adults
- Hearing testing of children and infants
- Diagnostic testing of middle ear function
- Special diagnostic tests for balance disorders
- Physician referral for medically treatable hearing loss
- Rehabilitation training for the hearing impaired
- Hearing aid evaluation, fitting and dispensing
- Assistive listening, captioning and alerting devices
- Hearing health education
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Education and Credentials
Audiologists have received graduate degrees from accredited colleges and universities. They are required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to complete a full-time internship and pass a rigorous competency examination before receiving a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A). Certified audiologists must abide by the ASHA Code of Ethics.
Audiologists are also licensed by the state in which they practice. They participate in continuing education to ensure that patients receive the most current treatment available.
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