Audiologists diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss and balance disorders for adults and children. At least half of all Americans will experience some type of balance problem in their lifetime. Treatment for hearing loss typically involves selecting and fitting hearing aids, cochlear implants and other assistive technologies. Audiologists also perform surgical monitoring, implement hearing conservation programs and manage newborn hearing screening programs.

WHEN TO SEE AN AUDIOLOGIST

Answer the following questions to help you decide if you should make an appointment to have your hearing checked with an audiologist.

• Do you have a problem hearing on the phone?
• Do you hear better in one ear than the other when
  on the phone?
• Do you have a hard time understanding the
  conversation when more than one person is talking at
  the same time?
• Do your friends and family tell you that you turn the TV
  volume up too high?
• Do you have to listen carefully to understand a conversation?
• Do you have trouble hearing when it is noisy?
• Do you have trouble hearing in restaurants?
• Do you have dizziness, pain or ringing in your ears?
• Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves?
• Do family members or coworkers say that you miss what they said?
• Do many people you talk to seem to mumble (or not speak clearly)?
• Do you respond inappropriately after misunderstanding what people say?
• Do you have trouble understanding women and children?
• Do people get upset because you don’t understand what they say?

If you answered yes to more than one of these questions and you are concerned, make an appointment with an audiologist to have your hearing checked.