Making an Audiologist Part of Your Health Care Team
When we are children, we regularly have our hearing checked as part of yearly health screenings. Yet when we are older, having this important sense examined becomes something we only think we should do if something is wrong. Unfortunately, this can lead to people living with hearing problems for a significant time with possible development of isolation, depression, falls, and cognitive issues. With October being National Audiology Awareness Month, we couldn't think of a better time to talk about the importance of taking control of your hearing health and making an audiologist part of your health care team!
WHAT IS AN AUDIOLOGIST?
Audiologists are licensed doctors trained to prevent, assess, diagnose, and manage hearing and balance disorders.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE AN AUDIOLOGIST?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, healthy adults should have their hearing checked at least once every ten years until the age of 50 and then every three years after that. Those who are experiencing trouble hearing in one or both ears or have dizziness, pain, or ringing in the ears should see an audiologist as soon as possible.
HOW DOES AN AUDIOLOGIST CHECK YOUR HEARING?
Audiologists may differently approach the examination process, but all hearing screening appointments will often include one or more standard evaluations. As an Audigy-Certified provider, we use a 4 step process when screening patients at Hearing Health Associates:
We interview the patient.
We examine the outer ear with an otoscope.
Based on our earlier assessments, we determine which tests may be the most useful for each patient.
Tests we may use include an audiometric pure tone evaluation, a speech evaluation, and an immittance middle ear evaluation. We document your results, and following the test(s), your audiologist will meet with you to discuss the results and any recommended treatment options. You can learn more about our testing process here.
HOW MUCH ARE AUDIOLOGY FEES?
An audiologist's pricing will depend on the financing options they have available and the insurance providers they accept. Evaluation cost varies based on the doctor's recommended treatment plan and the patient's insurance coverage, health payment plans, and healthcare credit cards. You can learn more about our financing options here.
Hearing loss impacts all age groups and is becoming more prevalent in our population. It is more important than ever to have your hearing checked and take action when you notice changes in your hearing. You can learn more about our audiologists and practice by checking out the rest of our website. For more information and tips on hearing health, be sure to follow our Roanoke and Crozet Facebook pages!
