What is an audiologist?
Audiologists are the primary healthcare professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss and balance disorders in individuals of all ages. Audiologists undertake a minimum of an undergraduate degree through a recognized University. In South Africa, Audiologists undergo rigorous clinical training through their university studies and have to complete a community service year within a government hospital.
When having your hearing assessed and managed, it is important to ensure that you are seeing an Audiologist and not a hearing aid acoustician. Audiologists are trained identify and manage medical conditions of the hearing system. Furthermore, Audiologists are trained to do detailed scientific fittings of hearing aids. This ensures that you hearing aids are setup to their optimum performance!
Did you know that almost all types of hearing loss and symptoms related to vestibular disorders are treatable by an audiologist?
Audiologists treat and help individuals manage many hearing and balance conditions including:
→Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Hearing loss that is caused by damage to the inner ear structures.
→Non-Syndromic Genetic Hearing Loss: Hearing loss that is inherited due to genetic mutations.
→Syndromic Genetic Hearing Loss: Hearing loss that is linked to other conditions.
→Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection: Viral infection that does permanent damage to the inner ear structures.
→Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Hearing loss that is caused by loud noise exposure.
→Auditory Processing Disorders: Affects the way your brain “hears” the sound.
→Ototoxicity: Poisoning of the inner ear structures due to medication.
→Symptoms such as Tinnitus (ringing in the ear), Vertigo (spinning form of dizziness), and Dizziness (off-balance)
We have two fully qualified Audiologists in our George Audiology practice. Jonathan Stokell and Ilke Lategan are trained to provide the best diagnostic services and hearing aid fittings. They use advanced technology to ensure that your hearing aids are set up to their full potential!
What is an Audiologist?