If you are experiencing problems with your hearing, it is important to speak with your family physician for a referral to a Hearing Doctor in Owings Mills. Your physician will refer you to one of three types of hearing specialists; an otolaryngologist, which is an ear, nose and throat doctor, an otologist, which is doctor who specializes in ears only or an otorhinolaryngologist, which is a head and neck doctor. When you visit the Hearing Speciality Group, before they determine if you need a hearing aid, the Hearing Doctor in Owings Mills will first do a series of tests as well as make sure there are no medical conditions that may interfere with you wearing a hearing aid. During your first appointment with the hearing doctor, you will provide a detailed medical history, including when your hearing problem began and if you were injured or work in a job that may have affected your hearing.
The hearing doctor will examine the inside your ears with a piece of equipment known as an otoscope. The otoscope helps the doctor to see if there is an infection, blockage or a problem with the ear canal or ear drum. During your initial examination there may other tests the doctor does, such as checking your balance, which helps to determine if there is a neurological problem that may be effecting your hearing. the doctor will also use a piece of equipment known as a tuning fork, which can provide an estimate of the amount of damage to your hearing.
Once you have completed all of the tests from the hearing doctor, he may recommend you see an audiologist. The audiologist is someone who conducts the hearing tests to determine if your hearing loss is of a high frequency or a low frequency. Once you complete the hearing tests, the audiologists will discuss the optional hearing aids available as well as which type is the best for your particular needs. You will be fitted for the hearing aids and the audiologist will provide detailed information regarding how to wear the hearing aid, when you should be tested again and if necessary, can provide you with a reference to counseling or therapy relating to your hearing loss.
