Should I See an Audiologist?

There are plenty of times we think about going to see a specialist for a health issue, but how often do you consider making an appointment to have your ears and hearing checked? If you’re like most of us, it’s been a long time. There is a lot more to audiology than hearing aids. If you have ear pain or hearing problems and ask, “Should I see an audiologist?” consider these reasons why this specialist is the right choice.

It’s been years since a hearing exam

If you can’t remember the last time you had your hearing checked, it may be time to make an appointment, especially if you’re in your mid to late 50s or older. While a lot has changed since those simple hearing tests in school, much remains the same. Digital audio and technological advances have contributed to so many improvements when it comes to diagnosing treating hearing issues. But when you go in for your hearing tests, it’s likely you’ll flashback to the similar tests you had in school. If you remember wearing headphones and identifying tones heard in each ear, you’re ready for the exam! Making an appointment now for a hearing exam is a big help for the future since your audiologist will have a baseline test for comparison as you age.

Changes in hearing or hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss is very, very common. You may not even notice that it’s happening, but one day when you find that you’re always asking people to repeat themselves, or you notice that you have trouble hearing in noisy environments, you might consider seeing an audiologist. Because an audiologist can do a thorough exam of your ears, you will get a much better diagnosis of any problems. Audiologists examine your ears, ear canal, and can even test your eardrums. It’s vital to have this complete exam rather than just “suspecting” you need hearing aids and heading to the nearest store to purchase them.

Ringing in the ears

Ringing in the ears is known as tinnitus, which can sound like buzzing, hissing, swooshing, or clicking when there’s no external sound. The American Tinnitus Association says nearly 50-million Americans have tinnitus. An audiologist not only diagnoses the problem, but can treat it as well. Tinnitus can be a symptom of other health issues, so it’s important to have an audiologist make the diagnosis.

Earwax difficulties

It’s not easy to admit, but some of us have more earwax than others and suffer earwax impactions. Your audiologist can remove the blockage and treat any pain associated with it. Often it’s best to see a specialist rather than try over-the-counter or homemade remedies which may irritate the ear canal or perhaps do worse.

For these reasons and more, the answer to the question, “Should I see an audiologist?” likely is yes. Just like a dentist or an eye doctor, audiologists are specialists who can take care of “all things ears” when you need them.