An audiologist is a licensed healthcare professional who diagnoses, evaluates and treats various hearing disorders. Education requirements may vary from state to state. In Michigan licensed audiologists must have completed a Doctoral degree in audiology. This consists of medical studies in basic communication processes and professional and scientific areas of hearing and hearing loss. Licensed audiologists must complete four years of post-graduate courses including a nine-month externship and pass a written state-approved licensing exam.
Who Do Audiologists Work With?
Audiologists work with patients of all ages, treating infants, children and adults for a variety of hearing and balance problems. They work in diverse settings like hospitals, schools, clinics, universities, private practices, VA hospitals, hearing aid dispensaries and otolaryngology (ENT) offices. Audiologists are responsible for services such as:
- Fitting and dispensing hearing aids
- Administering hearing and balance tests
- Assessing candidacy for and programming implantable hearing devices (e.g., cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing aids, etc.)
- Counseling patients and their families on communication strategies
- Designing and implementing hearing conservation programs and newborn hearing screenings
- Providing aural rehabilitation programs
- Performing ear-related surgical monitoring
All in all, audiologists are the most qualified individuals to help you manage your hearing loss or balance disorder, and they provide an unparalleled breadth of care.
Call Western Michigan ENT at (231) 398-9536 for more information or to schedule an appointment.