Audiologists are highly trained professionals who hold graduate or doctorate degrees from professionally accredited universities. (Today, audiology is a doctorate entry-level profession.) They are licensed in most states to practice audiology and they have completed externships and national competency examinations.

Audiologists are trained in the prevention, diagnosis, management and nonmedical treatment of hearing and balance disorders in adults and children. Audiologists provide hearing services at medical centers, hospitals, clinics and schools and in private practices.

Utilizing specialized training and education, the audiologist will conduct a comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessment to determine the type and severity of your hearing loss. Then a comprehensive hearing aid evaluation will be used to determine which hearing aids are most appropriate for you.

Because an audiologist’s focus is not on selling you hearing aids, you can expect to receive unbiased advice regarding your hearing and treatment following the evaluation.

Audiologists use the most advanced computerized procedures and state-of-the-art equipment to individualize the fitting of your hearing aids to your particular type of hearing loss. In addition to properly fitting your hearing aids, an audiologist can provide follow-up care, hearing aid accessories and training for you and your family members.

This type of comprehensive care before, during and after the selection of your hearing device makes an audiologist the smart choice for managing your hearing loss in the long term.

Finally, if you do choose to see an audiologist to address your hearing issues, make sure that he or she is a member of the American Academy of Audiology. The Academy guides its member audiologists with a rigid code of ethics requiring the highest standards of service of ethical business practices.

Visiting an Academy member audiologist ensures you are providing yourself with the highest level of hearing care possible.