Types of Hearing Care Professionals
If you’ve noticed you’re turning the TV volume up a little higher lately or asking friends to repeat themselves, you’re likely starting to seek help for your hearing health. But as you start your search, you might feel like you’ve stumbled into a bowl of alphabet soup: Au.D., ENT, HIS.
Navigating the world of hearing health can be a bit overwhelming! To help you find the right path, we’ve broken down the roles of the most common hearing care professionals.
Check your hearing online
Audiologists are the primary healthcare professionals for diagnosing, managing, and treating hearing and balance disorders and problems in the ear.
Want to know more? Read our article and get a deeper understanding!
What does an audiologist do?
Audiologists are experts with an advanced, graduate degree. Their scope of practice includes:
- Performing comprehensive hearing evaluations.
- Fitting, programming, and adjusting hearing aids.
- Helping you manage tinnitus.
- Assessing and treating balance disorders
- Providing hearing rehabilitation and counseling.
If your hearing loss is not related to age or noise exposure, only in one ear or accompanied by dizziness or tinnitus, an audiologist is usually your best first point of contact.
An ENT specialist (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor), also known as an otolaryngologist, specializes in the treatment of conditions related to the:
- Ears
- Nose
- Throat
- Head and neck structures
While an audiologist focuses on how you hear, an ENT physician treats disorders of the ear specializing in medical and surgical treatments.
What ENT specialists do:
- Treat ear infections and physical trauma.
- Perform surgeries (like cochlear implants or ear tube insertions).
- Diagnose tumors or structural abnormalities.
Did you know: There are ENTs who further specialize in ear health. They’re also known as otologists or neurotologists.
Can an ENT specialist treat vertigo? No, ENT specialists do not treat vertigo. If you’re dealing with vertigo, you’ll want to see an audiologist and perhaps a physical therapist as well.
The Hearing Aid Specialist
A hearing aid specialist (or Hearing Instrument Specialist) is a professional specifically trained in recommending and fitting hearing aids. They’re experts in hearing aid models, working to get you a comfortable fit and performing routine maintenance.
They do not diagnose hearing loss or hearing disorders, nor do they assist with balance, tinnitus, or auditory processing disorders.
Learn more about the experts who help lead Amplifon’s role in hearing health care.
Amplifon Has the Resources You Need
At the end of the day, the right person to see is the one who helps you hear the world clearly again. Whether you need the medical expertise of an ENT or the insights of an audiologist, getting started can be the hardest step.
So, what’s stopping you from getting the help you need? If you’re unsure about your insurance coverage, you can use our Benefit Checker Tool to get free insight into what’s covered.
Not sure where to find a clinic? Our Clinic Locator Tool helps you find a clinic that’s conveniently located near your home or workplace!
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