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Patient Education
Conditions We Treat: HEARING LOSS, DIZZINESS & TINNITUS
What Is An Audiologist
Audiologists are hearing healthcare professionals who have specialized training in the prevention, diagnosis and non-medical treatment of hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists may be found in medical centers, hospitals, clinics, private practice and schools.
Qualifications include: a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited university, state licensure, completion of a full-time internship and passing a demanding competency examination. These professionals belong to several national organizations guided by a Code of Ethics. Audiologists are designated by signing their degree (M.A., M.S., Ph.D., Au.D. etc.) and CCC-A (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology) or F-AAA (Fellow of American Academy of Audiology) after their name.
Audiologists provide hearing aid services to adult and pediatric patients with hearing loss. In addition, many audiologists have expertise in balance disorders, industrial hearing loss, prevention and use of assistive listening devices (ALDs) including individual and group listening systems, telecommunication devices and personal alerting equipment.
In order to maintain Oklahoma state licensure, Audiologists are required to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every 2 year cycle. By virtue of their graduate education, professional certification and licensure, audiologists are qualified to select and verify the performance of hearing aids.
Audiology Code of Ethics
- American Speech-Language and Hearing Association Code of Ethics
- American Academy of Audiology Code of Ethics
What is the Difference Between an Audiologist and a Hearing Aid Dealer?
Hearing Aid Dealers are individuals who dispense or fit hearing aids. Hearing aid specialists do not have post-graduate degrees in audiology and, therefore, cannot provide diagnostic audiological services.
The State of Oklahoma requires that a hearing aid dealer maintain a license and be registered as a “hearing aid dealer and fitter” through the State Department of Health. Hearing Instrument Specialists must have at least a high school diploma (or its equivalent), must pass a state examination, and meet Oklahoma Department of Health Board approved training requirements.