Audiology is a branch of science that studies
hearing, balance, and related disorders. Audiologists
treat those with hearing loss ,By employing various
testing strategies (e.g. behavioral hearing tests,
otoacoustic emission measurements, and
electrophysiologic tests). audiologists aim to
determine whether someone has normal sensitivity
to sounds. If hearing loss is identified, audiologists
determine which portions of hearing (high, middle, or
low frequencies) are affected, to what degree
(severity of loss), and where the lesion causing the
hearing loss is found (outer ear, middle ear, inner
ear, auditory nerve and/or central nervous system).
If an audiologist determines that a hearing loss or
vestibular abnormality ( related to balance)is present
he or she will provide recommendations for
interventions or rehabilitation (e.g. hearing
aids, cochlear implants, appropriate medical
referrals).
In addition to diagnosing audiologic and vestibular
pathologies, audiologists can also specialize in
rehabilitation of tinnitus, , auditory processing
disorders, cochlear implant use and/or hearing
aid use. Audiologists can provide hearing health
care from birth to end-of-life.