When you are working with a new health professional like a hearing aid dispenser or an audiologist, you need to know the level of care and expertise that they can offer.
Anyone in this kind of role is likely to be people-focused and knowledgeable about hearing support, so what’s the difference between the two?
An Audiologist
An audiologist must study for more than eight years to earn their doctorate. During that time, they learn:
- Diagnosis and treatment of hearing issues and balance problems
- Anatomy and physiology
- Acoustics and psychophysics
- Application of hearing devices and implant
- Theory and practical skills relating to auditory rehabilitation
This means an audiologist has extensive knowledge and experience in understanding hearing issues and how to treat them.
They are familiar with the various conditions that affect hearing. Every audiologist can provide tailored support to enhance your hearing. Whenever possible, they will work to reduce your level of hearing loss.
Even after they have qualified, the audiologist’s training does not stop. Every year, they have to prove their investment in continuous professional development to retain their professional status.
A Hearing Aid Dispenser
A hearing aid dispenser needs to be over 18, complete work experience in the relevant field, and pass two exams. One is oral, and the other is written. This is all they need to do to fit people for hearing aids.
They gain further brand and equipment knowledge on the job. They are not qualified to diagnose or treat hearing disorders. They also have no continuous professional development requirements to fulfill.
Ongoing Hearing Care is Essential
Once you have had an assessment with an audiologist, you can choose to stay with the same practitioner. This offers you continuity of care and the benefit of their skills.
They ensure you get an in-depth and accurate initial diagnosis to get the right support and equipment. If it’s possible to improve your hearing abilities using support, equipment, and self-care, an audiologist can create a treatment plan that will do just that.
Your Visit to The Hearing Center of Dublin ENT
When you visit us at The Hearing Center of Dublin ENT, you take advantage of more than two decades’ worth of experience creating hearing solutions.
With our brilliant team of audiologists, you are provided with passionate, caring, and supportive audiological care.
As for myself, I speak from experience and additional insight from growing up with a deaf sister, allowing me to lead a team of professionals capable of providing compassionate and comprehensive hearing care.
Put this together with many years of training as an audiologist, and it creates the perfect combination of a personal and professional drive to help those in the Dublin community regain healthy hearing.
Request a call back on our website, or call 478-272-8382 to begin working with Dr. Melissa at her Dublin hearing center.
