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Hearing
disorders can result from a variety of causes including trauma
at birth, viral infections, genetic disorders, exposure to loud
noise, or aging. Treatment may include examining and cleaning
the ear canal, fitting and dispensing hearing aids or other assistive
devices, and audiologic rehabilitation (including auditory training
or instruction in speech or lip reading). Audiologists may recommend,
fit, and dispense personal or large area amplification systems,
such as hearing aids and alerting devices. Audiologists provide
fitting and tuning of cochlear implants and provide the necessary
rehabilitation for adjustment to listening with implant amplification
systems. They also measure noise levels in workplaces and conduct
hearing protection programs in industry, as well as in schools
and communities.
Audiologists
provide direct clinical services to individuals with hearing or
balance disorders. In audiology (hearing) clinics, they may independently
develop and carry out treatment programs. Audiologists, in a variety
of settings, work as members of interdisciplinary professional
teams in planning and implementing service delivery for children
and adults, from birth to old age. Similar to speech-language
pathologists, audiologists keep records on the initial evaluation,
progress, and discharge of clients. These records help pinpoint
problems, track client progress, and justify the cost of treatment,
when applying for reimbursement.
Audiologists
may conduct research on types of, and treatment for, hearing,
balance, and related disorders. Others design and develop equipment
or techniques for diagnosing and treating these disorders.
What
is an ENT Specialist?
A
specialist in the disorders of the ear or nose or throat, or an
otolaryngologist.
Otolaryngology
(pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical
specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians
trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of
patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat
(ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly
referred to as ENT physicians. Their special skills include diagnosing
and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral
cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures
of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage
specialty-specific disorders as well as many primary care problems
in both children and adults.
What
Do Otolarygologists Treat?
The Ears-Hearing loss affects one in ten North Americans.
The unique domain of otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear
disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment
of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus),
nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists
also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner
ear.
The
Nose-About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each
year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America.
Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills
of otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies
and sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of,
the nose are also part of otolaryngologists' expertise.
The
Throat-Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal
all involve this vital area. Also specific to otolaryngologists
is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and
the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and
swallowing disorders.
The
Head and Neck-This center of the body includes the important
nerves that control sight, smell, hearing, and the face. In the
head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious
diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial
trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic
plastic and reconstructive surgery.
What
is a Speech Language Pathologist?
Speech-language
pathologists work with people who cannot make speech sounds, or
cannot make them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency
problems, such as stuttering; people with voice quality problems,
such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice; those with problems
understanding and producing language; those who wish to improve
their communication skills by modifying an accent; and those with
cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory,
and problem solving disorders. They also work with people who
have oral motor problems causing eating and swallowing difficulties.
Speech-language
pathologists keep records on the initial evaluation, progress,
and discharge of clients. This helps pinpoint problems, tracks
client progress, and justifies the cost of treatment when applying
for reimbursement. They counsel individuals and their families
concerning communication disorders and how to cope with the stress
and misunderstanding that often accompany them. They also work
with family members to recognize and change behavior patterns
that impede communication and treatment and show them communication-enhancing
techniques to use at home.
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