Where do I find an audiologist?

             Hearing seems to be the sense we forget about.  The ears are just there to hold up our glasses, or so it seems.  We use protective eyewear when operating a power saw, but we forget to use hearing protection.  People with Diabetes have to have their eyes checked every year to monitor their vision.  Diabetes can cause hearing loss, but diabetics are not required by their insurance companies or physicians to have their hearing monitored.  Most people never have their hearing tested on a regular basis.

                If you have not had your hearing tested since you were in grammar school, it is a good idea to have a baseline evaluation.  There are many hearing aid centers staffed by hearing instrument specialists.  Hearing instrument specialists are licensed to do a basic hearing test and sell hearing aids. 

              For a baseline hearing evaluation for your medical record, it is better to see an audiologist.  An audiologist is licensed and trained to do diagnostic hearing and balance testing.  Audiologists can do specialized hearing testing to determine the type of hearing loss a person has.  Audiologists are trained in selling and fitting hearing aids as well.  Some specialize in working with children.  Others specialize in balance and dizziness.  Some specialize in industrial audiology.

            Many audiologists work in an Ear, Nose and Throat physician’s office to test children with possible ear infections.  Some work for hearing aid manufacturers to develop better hearing aids.  And, of course, some audiologists teach and do research at Universities. 

                Audiologists are trained in counseling people about hearing, hearing loss, and hearing protection. The appointment usually is an hour and the results of the hearing test are discussed with you immediately after the evaluation. 

                To find an audiologist in your area, you can go onto several professional websites and do a search.  http://www.asha.org/findpro/ is the website for The American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).  The American Academy of Audiology website is http://www.audiology.org/.  Most states have licensing boards that post the names of the licensees.  The other easy way to find an audiologist is the yellow pages or yellow book. 

                Most insurance companies will pay for a hearing test.  You might want to check to see if you need a referral from your primary care physician.  Call and have that baseline evaluation.