If your hearing is not what it used to be, you may be considering scheduling an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist. However, not all specialists possess the same skill set. Some are mere technicians, and some are Doctors of Audiology. This is a defining difference.
Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors. So, identifying hearing loss is not the only priority, the root cause must also be determined. This helps to guide treatment, and potentially slow or reverse hearing loss. If you visit a practitioner who is not also a licensed audiologist, the root cause may not be determined. Therefore, treatment and ongoing preventative measures are not prescribed.
What Is The Role of a Hearing Instrument Specialist?
Also referred to as hearing aid specialists, these are trained technicians who specialize in testing and analyzing hearing. If hearing aids are required, they will talk you through your options—and then fit and adjust the device you select.
However, you may require more than a mere hearing test.
Is a Hearing Instrument Specialist an Audiologist?
Not necessarily. Although all audiologists are hearing aid specialists, not all hearing aid specialists are audiologists. Audiologists (aka. Doctors of Audiology) are licensed medical doctors. As such, they can perform a diagnostic hearing evaluation and identify the root cause of your hearing loss.
Audiologists are trained in the same technology as hearing instrument specialists; often more advanced technologies. With their in-depth understanding of the inner, outer, and middle ear, they can diagnose and treat all causes of hearing loss. This includes recommending the right hearing aid for your lifestyle and completing a precision hearing aid fitting. They will also prescribe a proactive approach to minimizing further hearing loss.
A hearing instrument specialist who is not an audiologist can only test your hearing and fit your hearing aid.
When to See a Hearing Instrument Specialist?
As your hearing fades, it can hinder communication and rapidly degrade your quality of life. This decline in communication is also difficult for friends, family, and colleagues as you cannot engage as you once did. For most, hearing can be improved with a hearing instrument.
The current generation of hearing aids has never been better. Many offer innovative app-based features to optimize hearing in a variety of settings. From volume controls to blocking out background noise in restaurants, directional microphones, and more.
What Are the Top Reasons to Have Your Hearing Tested?
For adults, hearing tests are not standard in annual physicals. Even if they are, the physician is rarely an auditory specialist. For kids, many K through 12 schools perform periodic hearing tests to identify premature hearing loss. Beyond that, you will need to schedule your own auditory health assessments.
Make an appointment to have your hearing tested if:
#1 You Have Difficulty Hearing or Communicating
In most cases, hearing loss is gradual. Therefore, you may not notice it right away. If you find yourself consistently asking people to speak up or if it sounds like everyone is mumbling, it is time to schedule a visit with a hearing instrument specialist.
#2 You Have Ringing in Your Ears
Tinnitus is a condition that causes ringing or buzzing in your ears. Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss, but it can be caused by a variety of auditory conditions that are unrelated to hearing loss. Sometimes tinnitus can be reversed, restoring your hearing.
#3 It’s Time to Have Your Hearing Tested
Ear health should be immediately assessed if ear pain or changes to hearing occur. Pain and auditory decline aside, Doctor of Audiology, Zhanneta Shapiro suggests that all adults have a baseline hearing test on file no later than the age of 45.
How Often Should I Have My Hearing Tested?
With the rise in earbuds and headphones, hearing and auditory health are of increased importance. So, a proactive approach is the best approach.
- If your hearing is currently sound, schedule a hearing test at least every 3 to 5 years under the age of 45.
- After the age of 45, you should have your hearing tested at least every 1 to 3 years.
- After the age of 60, or if your hearing is on the decline, annual hearing evaluations are suggested.
How Common Is Hearing Loss?
Approximately, 15% of Americans experience some level of hearing loss. Due to the shame and stigma associated with aging or wearing hearing aids, many adults are reluctant to visit a hearing instrument specialist. Or to wear the aids they are prescribed.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:
- 30% of adults over the age of 70 with hearing loss wear hearing aids.
- 16% of those under the age of 70 with hearing loss wear hearing aids.
Is Your Hearing on the Decline?
If you live in or around Staten Island and your hearing is on the decline or you want to have a baseline hearing evaluation—schedule an appointment with Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro. As a Doctor of Audiology, she can test your hearing and assess your ear health. If hearing aids are required, she will identify the best technology to support your lifestyle. She will also prescribe a proactive approach to minimizing further hearing loss.
About Dr Zhanneta Shapiro
Dr Zhanneta Shapiro received her Masters of Science from Brooklyn College in 2005 and completed her Doctorate of Audiology from Florida University in May 2008. Her graduate training was in various hospitals in the tri-state area and a residency period completed at Ear Nose and Throat Associates of New York. [ Learn More ]
