Profiling a White Rock BC Audiologist – What to Expect

While the population in the city of White Rock within the British Columbia province of Canada is just under 20,000 people, plenty of services are still available to its residents, including White Rock BC audiologist options for your hearing problems. Named appropriately for a large white rock that rests on its beach, this city boasts plenty of bright, sunny skies even though its neighbors are often plagued with cloud cover.

Hearing plays a key role in communication so if you are experiencing any difficulties, it is important to have your hearing checked. An audiologist may not only work with individuals and family members but also hospitals, schools, and companies as well. Schools often test their young students' hearing during health week while companies may seek the services of an audiologist to ensure optimal hearing health for its employees that work in noisy situations.

Understanding What Audiologists Treat

Hearing loss, tinnitus, as well as balance and spatial relation problems are key areas that audiologists treat. Some people are born deaf while others experience gradual hearing deterioration. Genetics, injury, illness and even medications all could potentially play a part in hearing problems.

Noise induced hearing loss is quite common and in fact plays a larger role in many audiology practices today. Noise induced hearing loss could occur as the result of overexposure to high intensity sounds such as gunfire, jackhammers, and other potentially loud noises as the result of hobbies or certain professions. Excessive use of personal music devices like mp3 players or even hands-free cell phone devices can contribute to hearing problems too. If you believe noise induced hearing loss is your problem, ask a local White Rock BC audiologist if this is a focus of their practice before you book an appointment.

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Because the inner ear is tied to your body's balance, an audiologist can also treat balance disorders. Vertigo, dizziness, the sensation of floating and disequilibrium are common problems. The eyes, ears and your body's perception of where it is all tie into maintaining balance. Often, it is ear problems that disrupt this balance.

An audiologist employs a variety of tests to diagnose a hearing, tinnitus, or balance problem. Some tests like pure tone audiometry or the tuning fork Weber or Rinne tests are rather simple measures while others like the brainstem evoked response and the tympanogram are a bit more complicated. In some instances, medical referral and diagnostic testing such as an MRI, CT scan or PET scan may be required if disease or surgically repairable abnormalities are suspected.

Where to Find an Audiologist

Audiologists can be found practicing their trade in a variety of situations, sometimes depending on their primary treatment focus. Some have private practices while others work for hospitals, clinics, schools, and private companies. Besides looking in the phone book or on the internet, your primary care doctor should be able to refer you to one or two audiologists for specialized treatment if you have a hearing, tinnitus or balance problem. While not a medical doctor, the White Rock BC audiologist of your choice will likely have more specialized training and be better able to diagnose your problem.