Ear Institute : Audiology & Hearing Evaluations
Audiology & Hearing Evaluations
The Division of Audiology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is a state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment center for patients of all ages who may be experiencing hearing and/or balance difficulties. It is staffed by audiologists who are trained in the evaluation and non-medical rehabilitation of hearing and balance disorders.
Audiologists are licensed professionals who hold a master’s degree, Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), or Ph.D. in the hearing sciences. These practitioners are involved in the prevention of hearing loss and other communication disorder and have clinical/educational backgrounds that emphasize diagnostic evaluation of auditory (hearing) and vestibular (balance) systems, amplification technology (especially hearing aids), cochlear implant mapping, hearing science, aural rehabilitation and assistive device fitting. They may even specialize in pediatric diagnostics/amplification, cochlear implants, educational audiology, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, vestibular and balance issues, and/or industrial hearing conservation and often work in universities, conducting research, or acting as clinical instructors.
Employing various testing strategies (e.g. hearing tests, otoacoustic emission measurements, videonystagmography, and electrophysiologic tests), audiologist aim to determine whether someone can hear within the normal range, and if not, which portions of hearing (high, middle, or low frequencies) are affected and to what degree. If an audiologist determines that a hearing loss or vestibular abnormality is present he or she will provide recommendations to a patient as to what options (e.g. hearing aid, cochlear implants, surgery, appropriate medical referrals) may be of assistance. In addition to testing hearing, audiologists can also work with a wide range of clientele in rehabilitation (cochlear implants and/or hearing aids), pediatric populations and assessment of the vestibular system.
Audiological evaluation results can help the physician determine an appropriate course of medical treatment. However, if medical treatment is not an option, the audiologist can help guide the patient and the family in the most appropriate ways to manage hearing loss or balance disorder.