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• Hearing Testing
Audiologists use specialized equipment to obtain accurate results about hearing. These tests are typically conducted in sound-treated rooms with calibrated equipment. When hearing loss is identified and appears to be caused by medical problems, patients are referred to ear, nose and throat physicians (known as otolaryngologists) for medical management. Most persons with hearing impairment can benefit from the use of hearing aids, and audiologists are knowledgeable about the latest applications of hearing aid technology.
• Hearing Services for Infants & Children
Good hearing is essential to the social and intellectual development of infants and young children. Audiologists test hearing and identify hearing loss in children of any age. This includes newborn and infant hearing screening and diagnostic hearing tests with young children. Audiologists provide hearing therapy and fit hearing aids on babies and young children with hearing loss.
• Services for School Children
Audiologists provide a full range of hearing and rehabilitative hearing services in private and public schools for students in all grades. Such services are essential to the development of speech, language and learning skills in children with hearing problems.
• Relationships with Other Disciplines
Audiologists often work with many other health care disciplines to provide services to individuals with hearing loss and those at risk for hearing loss. Audiologists frequently receive referrals from primary care physicians, otolaryngologists, school audiologists, etc. for concerns about a child’s hearing. One of the primary reasons for a child to be referred to an audiologist for a hearing evaluation is for concerns regarding a child’s speech and language development.