What is Audiology?

Audiology combines cutting-edge technology with medical science to find solutions to people's hearing and balance problems. Audiology services address these complex issues through comprehensive case history, audiological testing, and counselling.

Audiologists are healthcare professionals who assess and diagnose hearing problems. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the audiologist may collaborate with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, neurology doctor, paediatrician, vestibular rehab physiotherapist, and speech therapist.

When should you visit an audiologist?

Consider visiting an audiologist if you’re experiencing any of the following:

1. Frequent ear infections

   If you or your child have frequent ear infections or chronic fluid in the ear, an audiologist can determine if there is a middle ear disorder or hearing problem. Constant fluid in the ear may lead to hearing loss.

   
2. Tinnitus or vertigo issues

   The vestibular system which is located in the inner ear is responsible for your sense of balance.

   Tinnitus is frequently caused by an abnormality in the inner ear, which might result in balance problems. When suffering from tinnitus, your ears will constantly ring or make other noises. People around you won't hear the noise you're experiencing because it's generated by any external source.

   Some individuals suffering from tinnitus may also have vertigo. Disorientation and extreme dizziness are the most common symptoms of vertigo.

   Visit an Audiologist for an assessment of your condition and get professional advice on tinnitus management, The Audiologist may also guide you to a Vestibular Rehab physiotherapist to treat your vertigo.

3. Hearing loss

   There are no obvious signs of hearing loss, but it can cause personal frustration, denial, depression, and anger.

   Hearing loss can manifest as the following signs or symptoms:

   • Speech and other sounds feel muffled
   • Frequently asking others to speak slowly, clearly, and loudly
   • Withdrawal from discussions due to difficulty in keeping up with the conversation
   • Listening to television, phone or radio at higher than normal volumes.

   An audiologist will perform a series of assessments to determine your hearing ability for any frequencies or pitches you may have difficulty. After testing, the audiologist will use an audiogram (a graph of your hearing ability) to explain the results and recommend treatments. Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss.

4. Require hearing aids

   Audiologists specialise in assisting people with selecting and fitting hearing aids. Once your audiologist understands your hearing loss requirements, they will educate you on the various hearing aids available and help select the best for your specific needs. Your audiologist will programme and customise these devices to your specific hearing loss and teach you how to care for and maintain them.

What services are available at Rehabcentric?

Audiology Services available in ADMC:

• Identify and assess hearing and balance problems
• Tinnitus management
• Provide Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential Test (BAEP)
• Fitting of hearing aids
• Determining a person’s need for Assistive Listening Devices

If you're having trouble hearing or think you could be developing hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist at Rehabcentric based in Ara Damansara Medical Centre (ADMC) straight away. Not only will our audiologists explain the nature of your issues, but they will also guide you on how to effectively manage them.