Audiologists are the foremost experts in helping to diagnose, explain and begin treating all things relating to all things hearing and balance. From testing and diagnosis to providing treatment options and advice, they are the best friend that anyone concerned about their hearing can have. With hearing loss being as common as to impact one in every five people, there are plenty of good reasons to see an audiologist.

Hearing loss is common and not always easy to spot

There are a few facts about hearing loss worth knowing. For one, it doesn’t discriminate based on age. People over fifty might be more susceptible to it, but it can happen at any age, especially thanks to noisy work environments and lifestyles. Fifteen percent of all school children suffer from some hearing loss, for instance. There are plenty of signs you should see an audiologist, from hearing a ringing in your ears to having difficulty picking up words during conversations. There are a wide variety of different physical conditions and illnesses that can result in hearing loss. Audiologists are fully qualified to diagnose the full range of them. It doesn’t matter what age you are, everyone should see an audiologist if they’re concerned about your hearing or their general health.

Getting to the bottom of it

With a full hearing test, an audiologist can help you get to the bottom of what exactly is causing you trouble. This can mean ruling out a few different causes of temporary hearing loss, too. Their full range of testing always begins with a visual inspection, which will help them spot and treat any ear wax build ups as well as ear infections. Once these are dealt with, your hearing may already improve, but further tests should be carried out to ensure there is nothing else impacting your hearing. Beyond hearing loss, other symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus or vertigo, might be a sign that something is wrong with your ears that an audiologist is just as qualified to help you with.

Starting your hearing health journey

If you are diagnosed with hearing loss, then an audiologist is also one of the best specialists to help you start treating and coping with it. This might include providing a wide range of advice and trials with devices such as hearing aids to planning. Otherwise, they can offer expert advice on caring for and operating these devices, as well as preventing any further damage to your ears and protecting your hearing health. They are even full of useful information that can help with day-to-day life such as how to better communicate with friends, family and coworkers if you are diagnosed with hearing loss. Audiologists are experts in all things hearing and balance, so don’t be afraid to ask them for any advice.

If you’re suffering any of the warning signs of hearing loss, have any issues with balance or hearing, or you’re getting older and want a checkup, you should make an appointment with an audiologist today. The sooner you start your journey, the sooner you can feel the benefits.