As October is National Audiology Month I thought it would be good to do a small series of posts regarding audiology, what it is, what services audiologist provide and how those services relate to speech and language development for those of you out there new to speech and language delay.  So, let us begin at the beginning.

What is Audiology?

• Audiology is a science.  It is the study of hearing, balance, auditory processing, and other related disorders.

What is an Audiologist?

• An Audiologist is the medical professional who studies, diagnoses, and treats disorders of hearing and other related disorders.
• All Audiologists are NOT the same.  Like Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists can specialize in various populations and disorders including by not limited to:
• Newborn and Pediatric Populations
• Adult and Gereatric Populations
• Aural Rehabilitation
• Verbal-Auditory Therapy
• (Central) Auditory Processing Disorder
• Cochlear Implant

Services Audiologists can Provide:

• Hearing Testing (Air or Bone Conduction)
• Tympannometry (assessment of tympanic membrane)
• Newborn Hearing Screening
• Otoacoustic Emissions Testing
• Hearing Aid fitting
• Aural Rehabilitation
• Auditory Verbal Therapy/Listening and Spoken Language (LSLS)
• Auditory Processing Disorder Therapy/Rehabilitation
• Post Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation

What to look for in an Audiologist:

• Know what you type of testing you want completed.
• Then ask the audiologist if they are familiar and have had experience in that area.
• Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find an adequately experienced professional who can meet your needs and answer your questions.

To learn more about the testing Audiologists can provide click here.

Happy Talking!