The difference between an audiologist, hearing aid specialist, and ENT doctor
Hearing loss can happen in various ways, it’s important to know what kind of doctor you should see.
A doctor examining a man‘s ear
When you experience hearing loss, especially if it’s sudden or rapid, you want to know what kind of doctor to see right away. Often, that option comes down to a hearing specialist vs. audiologist or audiologist v.s. an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. Each can play an important role in your hearing journey, so it’s good to know who to call on when.
The 3 key takeaways
- Audiologists diagnose and manage hearing and balance disorders — They provide comprehensive evaluations and long-term treatment options.
- Hearing aid specialists fit and maintain hearing devices — and do not diagnose medical conditions.
- ENT doctors treat medical conditions of the ear, nose, and throat — They handle infections, structural issues, and perform surgery when needed.
What is an audiologist?
Audiologists are medical professionals who specialize in hearing and balance disorders. They have doctoral degrees in audiology (an AuD) and are licensed by their state audiology board. They can also carry a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
What Does an Audiologist Do?
As hearing and balance disorder experts, audiologists are skilled in treating various issues. They can diagnose and treat hearing loss and/or auditory processing issues, help patients manage tinnitus and balance issues, perform different types of hearing tests, and recommend and fit hearing aids and other assistive devices. Audiologists can also do counseling and follow-up care for things like cochlear implants, though they don’t perform that surgery themselves.
What an audiologist doesn’t do
Audiologists can help patients with different types of hearing loss, but only to a certain extent. They cannot prescribe medication or perform surgery, and they are not licensed to treat infections or tumors. They can, however, refer a patient to an ENT for those situations.
What is a Hearing Aid Specialist?
Hearing aid specialists play a niche but important role in treating hearing loss. These individuals are certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS). They also hold state licensure to perform their job, and the requirements for certification vary from state to state. Some require at least a high school diploma to seek training and certification, while others require at least an associate’s degree.
What does a hearing aid specialist do?
Hearing aid specialists perform a variety of services in addition to fitting and servicing hearing aids. They administer basic hearing tests, create the ear molds for custom hearing aids, and offer education on how to wear and care for a patient’s hearing aids.
What a hearing aid specialist doesn’t do
Aside from providing hearing tests, hearing aid specialists cannot formally diagnose hearing disorders or provide comprehensive hearing evaluations. They are also not licensed to perform medical evaluations or treat and prescribe medication for hearing or balance disorders.
What is an ENT Doctor (Otolaryngologist)?
ENTs or Otolaryngologists’ training allows them to pursue either an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). After obtaining their bachelor’s degree, these doctors attend medical school for four years, followed by a five-year otolaryngology residency. This residency trains them to diagnose and treat ear, nose, throat, head, and neck conditions. Some ENTs will also take additional training to specialize in areas like allergy or pediatric otolaryngology.
What does an ENT do?
An ENT doctor can diagnose and treat problems in the ear, nose, and throat, perform surgeries like cochlear implants, prescribe medication, and refer to specialists like audiologists. Some ENTs, if they have additional licensure, can perform facial plastic surgeries, such as correcting a deviated septum.
What an ENT doesn’t do
While ENTs can diagnose hearing loss causes, they often don’t provide rehabilitation or device programming services and don’t specialize in auditory processing issue evaluations. In these cases, they would refer the patient to an audiologist or hearing aid specialist.
Choosing the right professional for your needs
Just like visiting your primary care physician, medical professionals specializing in hearing-related issues will refer you to another specialist if your needs are beyond what they offer. An audiologist, for example, could diagnose your profound hearing loss but refer you to an ENT for further medical considerations like a cochlear implant.
When to see an audiologist
You should see an audiologist if you are experiencing gradual or rapid hearing loss, balance issues, or have frequent tinnitus or dizziness. It’s also a good idea to seek an audiologist if you have trouble following conversations or often ask people to repeat themselves.
When to see a hearing aid specialist
Similarly to an audiologist, you could seek a hearing aid specialist if you are experiencing hearing loss. You should also see one if you need a hearing aid made, serviced, or need help understanding how to care for your hearing aids.
When to see an ENT
A visit to the ENT is warranted if you’re having sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, or chronic ear infections. You should also visit the ENT if you have frequent sinus infections or problems with dizziness, vertigo, or balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between an audiologist and a hearing aid specialist?
The main difference between these two medical professionals is the amount of training and licensure. Audiologists are trained to diagnose and treat hearing and balance issues. While hearing aid specialists’ training is mostly in hearing test administration and managing the hearing aid equipment.
Can I go straight to a hearing aid specialist if I think I need hearing aids?
Yes, if your only symptom is hearing loss, you can immediately see a hearing aid specialist. However, any other hearing or balance-related issues are best handled by an audiologist or an ENT.
Do audiologists and ENT doctors work together?
Audiologists and ENT doctors frequently work together as each has specific training in elements of hearing loss treatment. For example, an ENT might refer a patient to an audiologist if they need their hearing aids fitted.
What is a hearing specialist or hearing instrument specialist?
A hearing specialist or hearing instrument specialist is often the same as a hearing aid specialist.
