Audiologists play an invaluable role in hearing health. They perform a thorough and accurate assessment of an individual’s hearing loss, develop a unique and personalised approach to finding the right response, and optimise the restoration of patients’ hearing.
The audiologist’s role is becoming increasingly relevant, as the prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise. Globally, hearing care is becoming a public health imperative, given that an estimated 1.57 billion people had hearing loss in 2019, more than one-fifth of the world’s population.
In Europe alone, EHIMA estimates that 10.7% of the population (56.6 million people) live with hearing loss. Yet, the number of qualified audiologists has not increased in line with these demands. A recent report suggests that a shortage of audiologists could become a growing problem in Europe in the coming years.
Who are audiologists?
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who identify, assess and manage disorders of hearing, balance and other neural systems of the ear. They can be the first port of call when someone realises they have an issue with their hearing. They are qualified to evaluate, treat and manage problems involving hearing, like hearing loss and frequent dizziness, and can also provide valuable education about hearing and balance disorders as well as counsel patients on hearing loss prevention.
People may be familiar with the profession under their respective names, such as Hörakustiker (Germany), audiologist (UK), audioprotesista (Spain), and audioprothésiste (France).
Why does audiology matter?
Hearing loss comes in many forms; it can vary in nature, degree, and progression and can even be linked with other health conditions. As a result, those with objectively similar clinical profiles may have vastly different hearing care needs due to factors like communication requirements, environmental influences, and individual physical preconditions. Therefore, hearing interventions must be specifically and carefully tailored to the individual patient, as their hearing care must address their unique needs, preferences, and lifestyles when communicating with the world around them. Only a trained audiologist can offer guidance through a hearing care journey, providing customised care that is unique to every patient and their hearing profile.
What does an audiologist do?
Audiologists work with patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults. They select, fit and dispense hearing aids and similar devices to fit a user’s individual needs and also provide the appropriate follow-up and aftercare. The audiologist plays an important role in the prevention of hearing loss by providing and fitting protective hearing devices and educating patients on the effects of excessive noise on hearing.
Many audiologists are involved in research on how to prevent, identify and manage hearing loss, tinnitus and balance system dysfunction. While the nature of their training can vary between locations – in some countries it is delivered on an academic basis while others prefer practical training – the title audiologist always indicates a highly-trained healthcare professional.
Hearing aids and the audiologist
Hearing aids are among the most important ways in which hearing loss can be properly addressed but it is far from a case of one-size-fits-all. Every single hearing aid must be specially adapted to the user’s unique audiological profile, taking into account the degree of hearing loss, the frequencies where it occurs, and the user’s hearing and communication-related needs and capabilities. This contrasts with most other medical devices, which do not require such a high degree of personalisation.
Only a trained hearing care professional i.e. the audiologist, can carry out this task, ensuring the hearing aid or aids will suit an individual patient’s specific needs and preferences. Their role is to ensure the correct functionality of the devices as well as a comfortable physical fit and achieve the best hearing performance outcome. As a result, hearing aids should never be seen as stand-alone devices, since the work of the hearing care professional is crucial to achieving optimal clinical outcomes for each patient.
How can you work with your audiologist?
Regular counselling sessions provided by audiologists (or other similarly trained healthcare professionals) are integral to the “aural rehabilitation process” providing continuous support and guidance as individuals learn how to navigate life with hearing aids. Working with a qualified audiologist provides an unparalleled experience to ensure you have the best possible hearing aid that is unique to your individual needs.
