Audiology
Audiology
Audiology is a field of medicine that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders. At FYZICAL Tuscaloosa, our certified audiologists have extensive experience identifying, diagnosing, and treating all types of hearing and balance disorders.
What Is Hearing Loss?
There are three types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.
- Conductive hearing loss —occurs when a sound wave is unable to pass through your outer or middle ear. This type of hearing loss is caused by fluid buildup in the middle ear, impacted earwax, or a perforated eardrum. This type of hearing loss can usually be reversed with medical or surgical treatment.
- Sensorineural hearing loss —occurs when there is a problem with your inner ear or the auditory nerve that connects your ear to your brain. This type of hearing loss is caused by aging, head trauma, or exposure to loud noises. This type of hearing loss is permanent but can benefit from a hearing aid.
- Mixed hearing loss —a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, meaning that you have a problem with your outer or middle ear and a problem with your inner ear.Conductive hearing loss is treated first, followed by treatment of sensorineural hearing loss.
Your audiologist needs to determine the type of hearing loss you have for you to receive the most effective treatment.
The Relationship Between Hearing Loss and Balance
Your balance system relies on your inner ear, eyes, and nerves. Therefore, issues that affect your inner ear, such as Ménière’s disease, can also affect your balance. If you have dizziness or feel unsteady on your feet, an assessment by a certified audiologist is essential to address any underlying inner ear issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Benefits of Audiology
An audiology assessment helps to diagnose and treat hearing and balance issues. Audiologists use a variety of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other hearing devices to improve the quality of your hearing, allowing you to hear better in your environment.
At FYZICAL Tuscaloosa, an audiology assessment is a component of our balance and dizziness testing. Call us today to learn more about our audiology testing.
At FYZICAL Tuscaloosa, an audiology assessment is a component of our balance and dizziness testing. Call us today to learn more about our audiology testing.
The Role of Audiology for Hearing and Balance Issues
Audiology plays a crucial role in the assessment and treatment of hearing and balance issues. Your audiologist performs hearing tests to measure how well you hear sounds and speech. They also assess and treat a variety of conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in your ears), and balance disorders, such as Ménière’s disease. Based on the findings of their assessment, they may provide you with hearing aids or other assistive hearing devices and also provide rehabilitation and counseling to you and your family. Further, they provide education on how to protect your hearing and prevent further hearing loss.