If you or someone you know is having problems hearing, you should consider visiting an audiologist. An audiologist is a specialist with the training and skills to evaluate the hearing of people of all ages--adults, children, and even newborns. They can diagnose hearing problems through various tests, discuss options for treatment, fit and dispense hearing aids, and rehabilitate people with hearing disorders. Audiologists practice in private offices, hospitals, medical centers, clinics, schools, hearing centers, and nursing homes. They're generally more qualified to diagnose and treat hearing problems than general practitioners because audiologists hold either masters or doctoral degrees with specialized instruction in the areas of prevention, identification, assessment, and non-medical treatment of hearing disorders. Also unlike a regular physician, they must complete a full-time internship as well as successfully master a national competency examination. With specialized training in the study of hearing, audiologists are often the best source of care for people with hearing disorders.
©2006 Crossroads Mobile. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
