People often ask me what I do for a living. My answer is “I am an Audiologist”.
I am often met with either a smile or a puzzled look with a question that goes something like this “A Cardiologist?”. Not very many people know the profession of Audiology.
So, who is an Audiologist? Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the care of your hearing and balance system. They are professionals with a Doctor of Audiology (Au. D) or a Ph. D in Audiology and hold State licensure to practice Audiology. They are not Physicians (Doctor of Medicine/ MD). Audiologists offer Comprehensive diagnostic audiological examination, tinnitus evaluations, assessments, communication needs assessment, fitting and maintenance of hearing aids or assistive devices balance testing and hearing rehabilitation. They work in a variety of settings like private clinics, ENT practices, VA clinics, cochlear implant clinics, hospitals, research facilities, schools and universities to name a few. They work with a wide range of population, newborns, pediatrics, adults and geriatrics, anyone with hearing needs.
If you notice that you are having difficulty with your vision you would take the initiative to get your vision checked. Similarly, if you notice that you have a difficulty hearing, get your hearing checked by an Audiologist.
When setting up my practice, I met someone in my building, and she asked me what I did. I said I was an Audiologist. She was so wide eyed, surprised and genuinely happy. So, I asked her if she knows about Audiology and she said absolutely, her daughter is studying to be an Audiologist. The profession of Audiology is slowly receiving its much-deserved awareness and recognition, and it is great to see more young voices in the field.