Making an Audiologist Part of Your Health Care Team
When we are children, we regularly have our hearing checked as part of our yearly health screenings. Yet as adults, we usually only consider having our hearing checked after we notice a problem. This delay can lead to people struggling with hearing problems for an extended time before getting treatment, potentially increasing the risk of isolation, depression, falls, and/or cognitive issues.
As we approach a new year, it’s an ideal time to refocus on your well-being, including your hearing health! Take control of your hearing care and make an audiologist a trusted part of your health team.
WHAT IS AN AUDIOLOGIST?
Audiologists are licensed doctors trained to prevent, assess, diagnose, and manage hearing and balance disorders. (Meet our audiologists here.)
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 10 years until age 50, and then every three years thereafter. Those who are having trouble hearing in one or both ears, or dizziness, pain, or ringing in the ears, should see an audiologist as soon as possible.
HOW DOES AN AUDIOLOGIST CHECK YOUR HEARING?
Audiologists may approach the examination process differently, but all hearing screening appointments will often include one or more standard evaluations. As an Audigy-Certified provider, we use a four-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 are 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 depends on the financing options 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 affects people of all ages and is becoming increasingly 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!
