Audiological Care is the Best Hearing Health Care
The world of audiology has been transformed dramatically in the past decade ranging from the level of education required to practice to the advancements in technology, insurance reimbursement, and the available avenues for obtaining services.
Beginning in January 2012, individuals applying for certification in audiology must have earned their doctoral degree. With the minimum requirement increasing from a master’s degree, students took on the responsibility of performing clinical studies with a detailed research paper and a public presentation among other educational requisites. Additionally, they must pass comprehensive exams at the end of their university training to proceed to their residency. In order to obtain licensure, audiologists must also pass the Praxis exam. Obtaining certification and recognition from various accrediting organizations requires even further clinical training and additional educational courses. Once licensed and credentialed, audiologists must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education per year to maintain their standing.
For most university graduate audiology programs, students begin assisting supervisors with patient appointments on their first day of graduate school. As their knowledge and experience increases, students oversee their own patient case load. Moreover, doctors of audiology spend their fourth year of graduate school in a full-time clinical residency of their selection. Audiology programs prepare students to meet the rigorous demands of today’s various clinical environment directly following graduation. Students must be capable of working through processes such as the health care arena, private practice, school systems, the Veteran’s Administration, medical centers, nursing homes, insurance reimbursement requirements, and the business dynamics of each type of practice. So, central to the university training is creating a strong foundation for audiologists who can adapt to the ever-changing environments of audiology.
Moreover, there is a great emphasis on the development of audiologists who are capable of thinking critically, evolving with changing requirements, and solving unique problems. As hearing aid technology advances and research in the field of audiology progresses to encompass new techniques and assessments, critical thinking plays a large role in one’s ability to stay current and progressive in the field. Most major hearing aid manufacturers release a new version of their instruments and/or software at least once annually. Furthermore, each manufacturer typically stocks at least six current hearing aid products with varying capabilities and options for programming and accessories. So, staying current with at least the six main manufacturer’s products can be a daunting task. It requires audiologists to routinely meet with representatives from each company to be thoroughly trained on new technology.
In addition to staying abreast with the ever-changing world of technology, audiologists are also required to remain current with the insurance codes required for billing audiology services. These codes are always being modified and updated to better suit the changing diagnostic procedures and identified causes of the dysfunction in the auditory system. With consideration the many responsibilities of audiologists in these days requires skillful understanding of technology, creativity, passion for helping people, the ability to communicate medical conditions clearly, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
At Johnson Audiology, we employ only doctors of audiology who are compassionate to each individual’s unique situation. We are devoted to delivering our patients the best level of care through current diagnostic techniques and the newest technology available to improve their quality of life through better communication.
Johnson Audiology wants to empower patients to be proactive with their hearing health to make the best informed decision about who and where to seek audiological care. Their doctors of audiology are held to the highest ethical standards, and they are committed to delivering personalized aural rehabilitation services and products to best meet individual hearing needs.