It’s October and this year has flown by! Not only is it the month of pumpkins, fall themes and Halloween, it’s also Audiology Awareness Month! Here at Diablo Hearing Service, that’s kind of a big deal!

Audiology

Audiology is the science of hearing, but that is not all. We also look at and treat balance disorders such as vertigo, because balance is regulated by the inner ears!

The study and treatment of hearing goes back to at least 1550 BC—we know because there are medical scrolls that discuss it! We don’t know how effective the treatments were back then, but we do know physicians of the time were addressing it!

The term audiology was first coined in 1946, and we are so thankful for medical technology that has improved the hearing and the quality of lives of millions of people!

Audiologsts

Audiologists are physicians who specialize in the science of hearing, which can have to do with more than just the ears!

It is our job to understand how the ears connect to the brain and help patients of all ages to not only hear better, but to correct balance and cognition issues that may result from issues that begin in the ears.

What Do We Do?

Diagnosing a hearing problem may seem pretty simple but finding the cause of that issue can be more complex. And the ramifications of hearing damage can extend well beyond just the ears to communication and social life, so we must consider all of these factors when helping our patients.

The first thing we usually do is assess a diagnosis for each patient, so we know what we are dealing with. How severe is the hearing loss? Is it in one or both ears? How well can the patient understand and communicate with us in the office?

We have different diagnostic tests at our disposal, including hearing tests (online or in -person), middle ear testing, oto-acoustic emissions testing and VNG/ENG balance testing.

Once we have a diagnosis, we have to determine the best course of treatment, which can vary from patient to patient, even with similar diagnoses.

Possible treatment recommendations can include assistive listening devices, hearing aids, tinnitus treatment, professional earwax removal, and hearing protection to prevent further hearing loss.

What Can Audiology Do For You?

We are here for you, but if you don’t come in, we can’t help you! The first step is to give us a call and schedule a hearing screening so we can determine how you are and come up with a plan of action how we can help you!

If you or a loved one is concerned about hearing loss or another similar issue, give us a call to see how we can help!

Remember that the first step to halting hearing loss and preventing further damage is to recognize your situation. Come in today for a hearing screening and formulate a strategy to train your brain to listen actively and effectively.

Diablo Hearing Services   2301 Camino Ramon, STE 106   San Ramon (925) 394-4646