HearCare Audiology Center 2800 Hillview St., Sarasota, FL 34239, (941) 677-1075

What is The Profession of Audiology

What is that you say? Ideology? Audie-what-a-ty?

Audiology: A growing profession of hearing and

balance healthcare experts and professionals. If you

are suspecting that you, your family, or close friends

are experiencing decreased hearing or issues with

dizziness and balance, these are the professionals for

you. Audiologists complete thorough auditory and

vestibular evaluations, make diagnoses, provide

options, management, and rehabilitation.

Previously required to have a Masters degree in their field, Audiologists are

now required to hold an Au.D., doctorate degree in their discipline. Schooling

for an Au.D. typically consists of 4 years of undergraduate and 4 years of

professional education and training. Requiring almost 2000 hours of

supervised clinical rotation hours, you can be certain that even a new

graduate is knowledgeable and prepared to evaluate your hearing and

balance needs.

Testing typically performed by audiologists includes, but is not limited to:

Otoscopy

Otoscopy is an assessment of the state of the outer ear canal and ear drum.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry is an objective pressure evaluation of the middle ear system

(the area just behind the ear drum that contains the middle ear bones and

space).

Otoacoustic Emissions Evaluation

Otoacoustic emissions evaluation is an objective assessment of the inner ear

(specifically the sensory cells of the organ of hearing, the cochlea).

Pure-Tone Audiometry

Pure-tone audiometry consists of behavioral test to assess the sensitivity of

your hearing across a range of pitches or frequencies.

HearCare Audiology Center 2800 Hillview St., Sarasota, FL 34239, (941) 677-1075

Speech Audiometry

Speech audiometry consists of behavioral evaluation of speech awareness,

identification, and comprehension in quiet and in a background of noise.

Evoked Potential Examinations

Various evoked potential examinations exist. Evoked potential evaluations

are objective tests of the pathways of hearing and balance from the

peripheral organs to the brain.

Vestibular Assessments

Vestibular assessments are available to those having balance or dizziness

issues. Each person’s needs are determined based on the needed

evaluations to make a confident diagnosis of hearing and vestibular

disorders.

Audiologists also provide options for management of hearing and vestibular

disorders, including amplification and therapy. These hearing healthcare

professionals are well-equipped to determine what hearing aids or assistive

listening technologies are right for you, program and fit the amplification,

and make adjustments as necessary. Vestibular therapies may be provided

or your audiologist may refer you to an appropriate physician.

Contact a local audiologist in your area today! They are waiting to provide

you with friendly, informative, compassionate, and thorough information

regarding your hearing and balance health. Do not put off your hearing

health. Do not waste another day feeling dizzy and off-balance. Get an

appointment as soon as possible. If you have more questions about

audiology, give us a call!