Developing hearing loss can be scary, especially if you don’t know where to seek help or who to look to for treatment. Fortunately, the experts at San Diego Hearing Center have the answers.
Professionals Who Can Help
If you find yourself at the San Diego Symphony and think the horn section sounds more subdued than normal, this may be a sign that you are developing hearing loss. There are a number of medical professionals who can help you, and understanding their unique roles in the hearing rehabilitation process can ensure you make an appointment with the appropriate expert.
Primary Care Provider
Whomever you see for general health issues and for your yearly physical, which can be a doctor, nurse or even physician assistant, is a good first step. They know your medical history and can determine if your hearing loss is related to any illness or medication you may be taking, or if it is something more serious.
Otolaryngologist
Known as an ENT, otolaryngologists are doctors who specialize in treating disorders of the ears, nose and throat. If your primary care provider thinks your hearing loss may be related to an issue with your ears, such as an infection or impacted earwax, you should make an appointment with an otolaryngologist. They will look inside your ear and perform a number of tests in order to see if they can detect a medical cause for your hearing loss.
Audiologist
An audiologist is a health care professional who is trained to identify, assess and manage hearing and balance disorders, tinnitus and even provide custom-made earplugs for protection from noise.
Audiologists can complete a series of tests in order to determine your type and degree of hearing loss. This information can then be used to create a unique treatment plan to address your individual hearing needs.
Hearing Instrument Specialist
These professionals usually come in after you have received a hearing loss diagnosis. They are responsible to helping you select the best hearing aid for your hearing loss and fit that hearing aid to your ear. To learn more about hearing loss professionals or to schedule an appointment with the experts at San Diego Hearing Center, contact us today.