What is audiology?

What is audiology?

Audiology is one of the four subspecialties of otolaryngology (ENT). The other three are:

● Otology
● Rhinology
● Head and neck surgery

Figure 1: Anatomy of the ear

How exactly do audiologists work abroad?

• Prescribe and schedule hearing aids and ear implants
• They monitor all ages of patients and do all diagnostic tests and treatment of hearing disorders
• Undertake pre/post-operative tests in ear operations
• They are responsible for the treatment of tinnitus (= ringing in the ears) and the hearing check of newborns

The patient is referred to an ENT only when surgery is needed. In addition, audiologists work in collaboration with ENT and/or neurologists to treat diseases of the vestibular system.

Hearing aids
How much have they improved?

Hearing aid technology has improved dramatically over the last decade, alongside developments in digital and electronic technology. Today, the best hearing aids:

• They are younger than ever
• They are octa-core (like the latest mobile phones)
• Use artificial intelligence algorithms to detect speech within a 360° radius and deliver it to the user amplified and distinct from ambient noise
• Connect wirelessly to mobile phones and tablets via Bluetooth

Figure 2: Hearing aid hearing aid

However, an expensive hearing aid is not enough. How well one knows how to program it, using specific measurements that vary from patient to patient, is what ensures success. An audiologist can do this with complete success in a single session, without the need for the patient to return for further adjustments.

Can hearing aids help all hearing impaired patients and meet their needs?

No. The factors that determine whether a patient can be helped by the hearing aids that everyone knows are the degree and type of hearing loss. Hearing aids are contraindicated for certain patients, for example those who:

• Have a specific type of hearing loss
• Have a history of chronic ear infections
• They suffer from certain syndromes, birth defects, etc.

BAHA implantable hearing aid

Although in Greece these patients are still mainly suffering with conventional hearing aids, they can now hear clearly through an implantable hearing aid called BAHA, which is fully subsidized by EOPYY. The BAHA is surgically implanted onto the bone behind the ear by a qualified ENT surgeon and electronically programmed by a qualified audiologist.

Middle ear implant

Other patients, with a history of middle ear problems or craniofacial abnormalities or birth defects, or who simply cannot wear or benefit from conventional hearing aids and BAHA, can now hear remarkably well with the middle ear implant. There are several middle ear implants available from various manufacturers. All are surgically placed by a qualified ENT surgeon and programmed by a qualified audiologist. Of note is the state-of-the-art middle ear implant for patients with severe certain types of hearing loss, which is 100% invisible. Unfortunately, at present middle ear implants are not subsidised by the EOPYY.

Young children and adults alike can benefit from BAHA and middle ear implant, with no age limit. Plus, in many cases of older people, where there are often concerns about the risks of general anesthesia, the BAHA is placed under local anesthesia.

Choosing high quality health services

All of this may sound simplistic, but it requires thorough diagnostic tests and long-term monitoring. For this reason, the patient should always choose modern hospitals with high quality health services and with a properly trained and experienced multidisciplinary team, which treats the patient holistically and pays attention to the specific aspects of his or her treatment.

TEXT:
Stamatia Staikoudi GDip MSc BSc (Hons) RCCP HCPC, Audiologist

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