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An audiologist is a person who has a masters or doctoral degree in audiology. Most Audiologists today have a clinical doctorate. This has been the entry level degree for the past 5 years. Doctors of Audiology (Au.D.) have extensive training academically and clinically. Audiology is the science of hearing. In addition, the audiologist must be licensed or registered by their state to practice audiology, after obtaining over 2000 supervised hours of clinical experience.

Auditory Processing (also called Central Auditory Processing) refers to the means by which we make sense of what we hear. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a term for the variety of disorders that affect the way the brain processes information.

Dizziness is a symptom not a disease. It may be defined as a sensation of unsteadiness, imbalance, or disorientation in relation to an individual’s surroundings.

The ear is comprised of three portions: an outer ear (external), a middle ear and inner ear. Each part performs an important function in the process of hearing.

Tinnitus is an abnormal perception of a sound which is reported by patients that is unrelated to an external source of stimulation. Tinnitus is a very common disorder.

ALDs can increase the loudness of desired sounds, such as a radio, television, or a public speaker, without increasing the loudness of the background noises.

People with all degrees and types of hearing loss — even people with normal hearing can benefit from assistive listening devices.

The term digital is used so often today, it can be confusing. When a hearing aid is termed digital, it generally means the hearing aid uses 100% digital processing. In other words, the hearing aid is indeed a complete computer.

All batteries are toxic and dangerous if swallowed. Keep all batteries (and hearing aids) away from children and pets. If anyone swallows a battery it is a medical emergency and the individual needs to see a physician immediately.

Results of the audiometric evaluation are plotted on a chart called an audiogram. Loudness is plotted from top to bottom. Frequency, from low to high, is plotted from left to right.

There are many styles of hearing aids. The degree of the hearing loss, power and options required, manual dexterity abilities, cost factors, and cosmetic concerns are some of the factors that will determine the style the patient will use.

Hearing loss occurs to most people as they age. Hearing loss can be due to the aging process, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, infections, head or ear trauma, congenital (birth or prenatal) or hereditary factors, diseases, as well as a number of other causes.