What is a hearing care professional?
A hearing care professional, also known as a hearing aid specialist, is a healthcare expert with specialized skills in fitting hearing aids to address hearing loss. Think of them as the "opticians" for ears, similar to how opticians assist with glasses or contact lenses.
Functions of the Hearing Care Professional:
Initial Client Interview: The process begins with a detailed interview, following the prosthetic adaptation protocol established by the National Association of Hearing Care Professionals (ANA). This involves understanding the client's family history, exposure to noise in various environments, and other factors that help analyze potential hearing issues.
Audiometry Testing: The hearing care professional conducts audiometry tests to determine the degree of hearing loss.
Hearing Aid Recommendation: Based on the results, they recommend the most suitable type of hearing aid tailored to the individual's hearing loss and lifestyle.
Adaptation of Hearing Aid: Once a hearing aid is chosen, the professional helps in its adaptation to correct the individual's hearing loss.
Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of the patient and their hearing aids is crucial. This involves making adjustments and conducting regular reviews to ensure the best possible progress.
Repair and Maintenance: If issues arise, the hearing care professional is trained to handle repairs and provide maintenance to keep the hearing aids in optimal condition.
Difference between an Audiologist and a Hearing Care Professional:
An audiologist is a comprehensive hearing specialist involved in prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of various hearing-related functions. On the other hand, a hearing care professional mainly focuses on fitting and managing hearing aids.
Difference between an ENT Specialist and a Hearing Care Professional:
While an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT specialist) specializes in treating pathologies related to the ears, nose, and throat, a hearing care professional concentrates on the personalized adaptation of hearing aids for individuals with hearing loss. In simpler terms, one deals with medical issues, and the other ensures personalized solutions for hearing improvement.
While ELEHEAR offers Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids for online purchase, we also provide access to dedicated hearing care professionals. Our team of experts is available to assist users in making informed choices tailored to their needs and to address any questions they may have.
Our hearing care professional: Jalene Nadeau, AuD. With nearly twenty years of hands-on experience in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) offices, Jalene offers invaluable audiological expertise. Having graduated with distinction in Audiology from the University of Connecticut in 2002, she stands as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving landscape of hearing health. Jalene's commitment to remaining at the cutting edge of modern technology has empowered her to transform the remote hearing experience, providing clients with unparalleled enhancements.
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