Supporting your hearing: The role of an audiologist
Hearing is something many of us take for granted until it begins to change. You might find yourself asking people to repeat themselves, turning the television up louder, or struggling to follow conversations in busy environments. When this happens, an audiologist is the professional best placed to help you understand what’s happening and support you in hearing clearly again.
But what exactly does an audiologist do, and how can they help?
What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a qualified healthcare professional who specialises in hearing. Their role is to assess hearing, diagnose hearing loss, and provide tailored solutions to improve your hearing and quality of life.
Audiologists work with people of all ages, from those experiencing early signs of hearing difficulty to those with more significant hearing loss. They combine clinical expertise, advanced technology, and personalised care to ensure each person receives the right support.
Importantly, audiologists do much more than simply provide hearing aids, they help you understand your hearing health and guide you through the options available.
Modern hearing aids do far more than simply improve sound. Using Bluetooth connectivity, they can link directly to phones, tablets, televisions, and other devices, helping you stay connected to the world around you. New technology, including streaming accessories and Auracast, allows clearer hearing in more situations, supporting confidence and everyday communication.
Identifying hearing changes early
Hearing loss often develops gradually, which means many people don’t notice the change straight away. Instead, it may show up in subtle ways, such as:
Difficulty hearing clearly in background noise
Asking others to repeat themselves more often
Feeling that people are mumbling
Turning up the volume on the television or phone
Feeling tired after conversations due to increased listening effort
An audiologist can carry out a comprehensive hearing assessment to understand exactly what’s happening. This involves painless, non-invasive tests that measure how well you hear different sounds and speech.
Early identification is important. When hearing loss is recognised and managed early, it is much easier to maintain clear communication, confidence, and overall wellbeing.
Providing clear answers and reassurance
One of the most valuable roles of an audiologist is helping you understand your hearing.
Many people feel uncertain or worried before a hearing test. An audiologist takes the time to explain the results clearly, answer questions, and reassure you. They will explain whether your hearing is within the normal range or whether there are changes that could benefit from support.
Even if your hearing is normal, having a baseline test can be helpful for monitoring changes over time.
Recommending the right solutions
If hearing loss is identified, an audiologist will recommend solutions tailored specifically to you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your lifestyle, listening environments, and personal preferences are all taken into account.
This may include:
Hearing aids
Modern hearing aids are small, discreet, and highly effective. They are programmed precisely to match your hearing profile and can significantly improve clarity, especially in conversations.
Earwax management
Sometimes hearing difficulties are caused by earwax build-up rather than permanent hearing loss. An audiologist can safely assess and remove wax, often restoring hearing immediately.
Communication strategies
Audiologists can also provide practical advice to help you hear better in everyday situations, such as positioning yourself to hear clearly or reducing background noise where possible.
Ongoing support and adjustments
Hearing support is not a one-time event. Audiologists provide ongoing care, fine-tuning hearing aids if needed and ensuring you continue to hear comfortably and clearly.
Supporting your overall wellbeing
Hearing well plays an important role in many aspects of life. It helps you stay connected with family and friends, remain confident in social situations, and continue enjoying everyday activities.
Untreated hearing loss can sometimes lead people to withdraw from conversations or social environments simply because listening becomes more difficult. With the right support, this can often be prevented.
Audiologists help remove barriers to communication, allowing you to stay engaged and independent.
When should you see an audiologist?
You may benefit from seeing an audiologist if you:
Have noticed changes in your hearing
Struggle to hear in noisy environments
Often ask people to repeat themselves
Turn the television up louder than others prefer
Have not had your hearing checked before
Would like reassurance about your hearing health
Regular hearing checks are an important part of looking after your overall health, just like eye tests or dental check-ups.
Taking the first step
Seeing an audiologist is simple, painless, and informative. Whether you need reassurance, ear wax removal, or support with hearing loss, an audiologist can guide you with expertise and care.
At The Sense of Hearing, we are here to help you understand your hearing and support you in hearing clearly and confidently. One of our FREE hearing tests can provide valuable insight and, where needed, solutions that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Call us on 01295 557008 or request an appointment online today.
