Hearing Aids Specialist

Roughly, one in every ten people has some degree of hearing difficulties. Today there are hearing aids that are almost invisible, comfortable, with great sound quality, which helps people eliminate or improve their hearing problems. A hearing aid specialist works with people and use computers and highly technical equipment to determine a persons hearing loss and diagnose possible illness. They also fit patients with hearing aids, which makes a huge difference in their lives, helping them connect with loved ones and friends easier.

Many specialists refer their patients to a physician, family physician, internist or ear, nose and throat specialist if they feel a persons hearing loss needs additional medical attention. A doctor can tell if your hearing loss is something that is easy to correct, such as wax buildup or more serious. Approximately eighty percent of people complaining of hearing loss actually benefit from a hearing aid. A hearing aid specialist works with the manufacturer and their staff in order to supply their patients with the most practical and suitable hearing aid for their specific needs. They have the experience to help people hear better and often provide hearing tests to evaluate their needs.

The four basic styles or types of hearing aids include in the canal or ITC, in the ear or ITE, intra-canal or CIC and behind the ear or BTE. These describe how or where the hearing aid fits. There are also conventional or analog hearing aids, digital programmable hearing aids and programmable/analog hearing aids. Hearing aids cannot always bring hearing back but with the advanced technology and the help of a hearing aid specialist, it can improve for a patient with hearing loss.

Common work activities include:

• Working directly with physicians and patients to determine the correct type of hearing aid for the patient.
• Scheduling appointment with patients or physicians and attending any treatment team meetings as required.
• Performing hearing tests and helping patients understand hearing loss.
• Fitting and modifying hearing aids as required for patients with special needs.
• Ordering, inventory control and meeting with suppliers to ensure hearing aides are available for patients on time and as requested.
• Completing all paperwork and documentation as required.

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