National Audiology Awareness Month: All About Audiology

Bluegrass Hearing Clinic joins the rest of the country in celebrating National Audiology Awareness Month this October. The annual celebration was first started in 2008 by the American Academy of Audiology.

This event aims to call people’s attention to hearing health, hearing protection, and the role of audiology in hearing care. Read on to learn more about audiology.

What Is Audiology?

It is a field of science that studies the different aspects of human hearing and balance and the disorders related to them. Audiologists are the health care professionals who are trained in this sector. Through their knowledge of audiology and modern tools and medical equipment, they can assess, identify, and provide solutions for hearing and balance problems.

What Specific Disorders Do Audiologists Handle?

Audiologists can help manage and treat conditions such as:

• Hearing Loss – This disorder is characterized by hearing difficulty or deafness in one or both ears. It is the most common condition that audiologists handle. There are more than 30 million people in the U.S.A. who are above 12 years old that experience different levels of hearing loss.

  The kind of treatment strategy for hearing loss will depend on the severity of the condition and its underlying cause. Some types of hearing loss can go unnoticed by the patient until it gradually worsens, so regular visits to audiologists are recommended for early detection.

• Tinnitus – This is an auditory phenomenon that involves hearing random sounds, such as ringing, buzzing, and roaring, that have no external source. It is usually caused by an underlying health condition and is often linked to hearing loss. Audiologists can help diagnose whether it is caused by hearing difficulties or other issues and recommend an appropriate management or treatment program.

• Impacted Earwax – This is hardened earwax build-up that can partially or completely block the ear canal. It can be accompanied by hearing loss and even pain. Audiologists can determine where the blockage is located within the ear and work to remove it, using softening solutions or extraction tools.

How Often Should I See An Audiologist?

It is recommended that you visit an audiologist every 3 to 5 years if you are 18-40 years old. Meanwhile, people over the age of 60 are prone to developing age-related hearing loss and should schedule an assessment every year. Annual checkups are also recommended for those who are frequently exposed to loud noises or have already been diagnosed with hearing loss in the past.

If you have never had your hearing checked, this is the perfect time to have your first assessment. Join Bluegrass Hearing Clinic in remembering National Audiology Awareness Month and book a checkup with one of our audiologists in Kentucky.