Different Role Titles in Hearing Services and What They Involve
Different Role Titles in Hearing Services and what do they mean
Audiologist
An Audiologist is a health care professional with either an BAAT certification or bachelor and or master degree qualification. diagnose, assess hearing and related disorders from newborn babies, school age children to those that are eldery. Can be found working in an audiology department
Will be registered with Register of Counicl Practioners and or HCPC
Assistant Audiologist
Hearing Aid Dispenser
Is a fully qualified qualified practitioner that is licenced to be able to charge for a hearing service. Their role is to assess hearing, fit hearing aids and provide on going rehabilitation and support.
Many trainee hearing aid dispenser’s are trained within a company through relevant courses. Some audiologists are also hearing aid dispensers.
The majority of hearing aid dispensers you will find at high street branch practices but also working within the NHS.
All hearing aid dispensers should have a registered number with the HCPC.
Hearing Therapist
Generally working with adults, hearing therapists work with people who have hearing loss or an associated disorder such as tinnitus or vertigo. Offering counselling and practical solutions around or instead of use of a hearing aid. They provide support to those experiencing emotional and psycolohial effects caused by audiological related problems.
Hearing therapist generally come from a counselling background but can also be an experienced audiologist that specialised in hearing therapy.
Ear and Nose Consultant or Otolaryngologists
ENT consultants are phyisians who have specialised in assessing and treating disorders and diseases of the ear, nose and throat. In comparison to an audiologist who assesses hearing an ENT consultant is looking at the physical ability and health of the ear.
They are a highly trained individual with many years experience working as a doctor. They will also perform surgery such as cochlea implantation, grommets or removal of exostoses (surfers ear) from the ear canal.