Understanding your Vancouver Hearing Instrument Specialist

When you have a hearing, tinnitus or balance problem and you live in British Columbia, Canada, your primary care physician will likely refer you to a Vancouver hearing instrument specialist, especially if they feel the problem cannot be treated by standard medical means. A medical doctor can treat a hearing issue if it is a matter of an infection that can be cleared up with medication or surgery to fix damage from an injury or genetic defect. A hearing instrument specialist, is the best choice if you have hearing, tinnitus or balance impairment that cannot be treated by medical means alone. Sometimes, there is no discernible reason for hearing loss, tinnitus or balance problems. A childhood illness, an accident, repeated exposure to loud noise and even old age are just a few possible factors. Whatever the reason is, a hearing instrument specialist can help you pinpoint your problem and get you started on a treatment or therapy path to help you cope and even thrive in your situation.

What to Expect from a Hearing Instrument Specialist

These health professionals do more than just dispense hearing aids. Since over 90% of hearing issues require rehabilitative and therapeutic measures, hearing instrument specialists are well-versed in a variety of testing procedures, assistive devices and more.

Are you also looking for a Vancouver Audiologist?

A number of tests may be performed, based on the type of problem you might have. Because speaking has a symbiotic relationship with hearing, speech tests may be conducted to evaluate what type of hearing loss has occurred. A tympanogram test adjusts air pressure in the ear to determine how well the eardrum and structures inside the ear are performing. An audiometer may be used with headphones to test hearing at different decibels as sometimes people lose the ability to hear very high or very low tones. A tuning fork may also be employed for the Weber and Rinne tests which help pinpoint hearing loss in one or both ears as well as possible nerve damage or cochlear issues.

In addition to testing, a Vancouver hearing instrument specialist will provide counsel on your treatment options, suggesting assistive devices or even therapy. If hearing loss is gradual, the audiologist can help you devise coping skills to compensate so you can still be productive and enjoy life without worry.

Another facet of what a hearing instrument specialist accomplishes is their ability to help you prevent future hearing problems. Whether you are a swimmer or work in a field which requires heavy, loud machinery, they can create molds of your ears and design custom fit ear plugs and other protective devices.

Besides sight, the most important sense you have is your hearing, so you should take steps to protect it. If you live in British Columbia, a Vancouver hearing instrument specialist is your best recourse for all your hearing needs.