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It is a common misconception that everyone who works with hearing aids has the same training, education/degree or profession. This is completely untrue! There are two licensed professions that can dispense a hearing instrument in Maryland, which include an Audiologist or a Hearing Aid Dispenser. So what are the differences you might ask?
As of May 2008, new applicants for an Audiologist license must go through seven to eight years of schooling which include a bachelors degree from an undergraduate institution and then a doctoral degree from a post-graduate college or university. The previous criteria included a Masters degree and a nine month to a year supervised internship. Under the previous and present criteria, an applicant must pass the national exam for Audiology. The focus of the doctoral training is on the function and interaction of the systems of the human body and how they affect hearing and balance. This medical school format allows for an understanding of how the hearing and balance system relates to all diseases and disorders of the human body while concentrating on a diagnostic and rehabilitative approach to treatment.
An Audiologist will make recommendations based on that specific patients hearing loss, communication needs and ability. Factors that require consideration include manual dexterity, physical examination of the ear, external ear disorders, word understanding abilities at a comfortable listening level, lifestyle and budget. The ear is a complex organ so the treatment should be customized to the individual. The auditory system needs to be evaluated in its entirety before the best hearing aid can be recommended. Professional counseling from a highly trained professional is necessary to expect successful results.
Below you will find a graph showing some of the differences between a Doctor of Audiology and a Hearing Aid Dispenser.
As stated above, a hearing aid dispensers training enables them to sell you a hearing aid. On the other hand, an audiologist is trained to look for the health problems that contribute to hearing disorders. Be sure that you know the training and education of the professional you choose to treat your hearing loss. Per Maryland regulations, each of the above individuals must clearly identify which profession they are licensed to perform. You can also check the status of their license by checking the Department of Healths website at http //www.dhmh.state.md.us/html/proflicm.htm
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