Audiologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center provide expert and compassionate care for individuals with hearing (auditory) and/or balance (vestibular) impairment. The audiologists have a master’s, (M.S., M.A.) or doctoral degree in audiology, (Au.D., Ph.D.) and are licensed specialists in the evaluation and non-medical treatment of hearing and balance disorders, including tinnitus.  

When patients present to the clinic with a balance or hearing problem, based on their symptoms and medical history a variety of assessments may be warranted.  At UT Southwestern, a full range of diagnostic tools are available to assist in accurate diagnosis.  These include comprehensive audiological examination, Oto-acoustic Emmissions (Transient-evoked and Distortion Product), Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP), Electrocochleography, Sinusoidal Harmonic Acceleration (Rotary Chair), Platform Posturography, and Electro/Video-nystagmography (ENG/VNG).

Once a hearing problem has been diagnosed, the audiologists can assist the patient in selecting appropriate amplification technology.  UT Southwestern is a national leader in the clinical implementation of cochlear implants and other assistive hearing technology to meet the needs of patients with hearing loss. Technological advances have contributed to substantial improvements in all types of hearing aids, including behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, in-the-canal and completely-in-the-canal devices. Furthermore, a BAHA device can provide excellent results for individuals with specific congenital ear disorders, single-sided deafness or for those who cannot use a hearing aid due to chronic ear infections. BAHA devices and other non-traditional forms of amplification have remarkably improved hearing and quality of life for patients who are otherwise unable to benefit from traditional hearing aids.

At UT Southwestern, our team of audiologists works in conjunction with otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat physicians) to evaluate each patient’s hearing loss or balance disorder.  For patients with hearing loss, the audiologist will determine how they may benefit from an assistive hearing solution and which hearing solution is appropriate. Our specialists help patients and families understand and evaluate their medical and non-medical options for treatment.