Audiology FAQs

What is an Audiologist?

An audiologist is a professional who diagnoses and treats individuals with hearing loss or balance problems.

Audiologists have received a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited university graduate program. Their academic and clinical training provides the foundation for patient management from birth through adulthood.

Audiologists determine appropriate patient treatment of hearing and balance problems by combining a complete history with a variety of specialized auditory and vestibular assessments. Based upon the diagnosis, the audiologist presents a variety of treatment options to patients with hearing impairment or balance problems. Audiologists dispense and fit hearing aids as part of a comprehensive habilitative program.

Audiologists may be found working in medical centers and hospitals, private practice settings, schools, government health facilities and agencies, as well as colleges and universities. As a primary hearing health provider, audiologists refer patients to physicians when the hearing or balance problem requires medical or surgical evaluation or treatment.

Why should I go to Blue Ridge Speach and Hearing Center for hearing aids?

Non-commissioned hearing aid sales
Doctoral trained Audiologists
Non-profit organization
30 day trial period
Experienced with pediatric through geriatric populations
We’ve been helping the community with speech and hearing needs for over 45 years

When should I have my hearing checked?

If you have difficulty understanding speech in quiet or in noise
If you have ringing in your ears
If you’re over the age of fifty and have not had one since you were in school
If your spouse thinks you have a problem

When should I have my child’s hearing checked?

If he/she fails a hearing screening
If he/she has speech and language delays
If he/she asks for the same information repeatedly
If he/she has poor school performance
If he/she has behavioral problems