Audiologists
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What is an audiologist?
Where do audiologists work?
Do I need a referral from my family doctor?
Will I have to pay for a hearing test or a hearing aid?
What can I expect from an audiologist?
What is an audiologist?
The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991 (ASLPA) provides a description of the scope of practice for audiology in Ontario as follows: "The practice of audiology is the assessment of auditory function and the treatment and prevention of auditory dysfunction to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment auditory and communicative functions. Audiologists are concerned with the prevention, identification, assessment, treatment and (re)habilitation of hearing difficulties in children and adults. Audiologists also provide education and counseling services for people experiencing hearing difficulties and vestibular problems, such as dizziness and tinnitus.
IN ONTARIO ONLY AUDIOLOGISTS AND PHYSICIANS ARE AUTHORIZED TO PRESCRIBE HEARING AIDS. Audiologists assess hearing, prescribe and fit hearing aids and other assistive listening devices and provide training for their use. Some audiologists also dispense hearing aids.
They are committed to the prevention of hearing loss through hearing conservation programs and public awareness initiatives
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Where do audiologists work?
Audiologists work in a variety of health and educational settings, including, but not limited to:
Hospitals
Public health units
Community Health Centres
Schools
Private Practice
Industrial settings
Hearing aid manufacturers
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Do I need a referral from my family doctor?
No, audiologists are regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act which was designed to give patients/clients access to health care professions of their choice. Audiologists practice independently within their scope of practice.
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Will I have to pay for a hearing test?
It is best to inquire about fees for service when you book your first appointment with an audiologist.
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Is there funding for hearing aids?
Funding for hearing aids is available from the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The ADP Program will cover part, but not all of the cost. For more information you should talk to your audiologist.
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What can I expect from an audiologist?
At your first appointment, the audiologist will ask you questions about your hearing difficulties and about your health history in general.He/she will complete a variety of hearing tests, usually using a sound-proof booth, and look in your ears with an otoscope.
When the assessment is complete, the audiologist will talk to you about your hearing loss and discuss your options He/she will ask you about your lifestyle and your particular hearing needs. If a hearing aid is appropriate for your type of hearing loss, audiologists may prescribe and dispense hearing aids according to the standards set by CASLPO.
A follow-up appointment will be arranged to fit your hearing aid and the audiologist will provide instructions on the care and use of the hearing aid. Aural rehabilitation services may be available including auditory training and speech reading.
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