Understanding Physicians Specializing in Hearing Disorders
If you or a family member have questions or concerns about hearing loss, it's important to consult a qualified health professional for early and appropriate care. Several types of professionals can help, each with a different type of training and expertise, playing an important role in your hearing health care.
You may want to start by talking with your primary care provider. They will likely give you a medical exam to see if an infection, injury, or other condition (such as a buildup of ear wax) might be causing your hearing loss. Your primary care provider might then refer you to an otolaryngologist or audiologist for more specific tests and treatment.
Let's explore the types of professionals who can assist you with hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Health Professionals
Here's a breakdown of the different specialists you might encounter:
Primary Care Provider
A primary care provider is a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who provides general health care to patients by identifying and treating common medical conditions. Types of primary care providers include family practitioners or general practitioners, pediatricians, geriatricians, and internists. Primary care providers refer patients to medical specialists when necessary.
Otolaryngologist (ENT Doctor)
An otolaryngologist (oh-toe-lair-in-GAH-luh-jist) is a physician who provides medical and surgical care, diagnosis, and treatment of the ear, nose, throat, and neck. Sometimes called an ENT, an otolaryngologist will work with you to find out why you’re having trouble hearing and offer specific treatment options. They might also refer you to another hearing professional, such as an audiologist, to receive a hearing test and be fitted for a hearing aid.
An otolaryngologist specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders.
Audiologist
An audiologist (aw-dee-AH-luh-jist) has specialized training to test your hearing and identify the type and degree of hearing loss. Audiologists are not physicians. They have a graduate degree focused in audiology (master's degree or doctor of audiology, Au.D.), which typically requires 4 years to complete after earning a bachelor’s degree. They must also pass an exam and complete a clinical fellowship.
Audiologists are licensed to fit and dispense hearing aids; they can also work with you and your family to adapt to hearing loss and determine which devices, including hearing aids, would be most helpful.
An audiologist performing a hearing test.
Hearing Instrument Specialist
A hearing instrument specialist, also known as a hearing aid specialist, is a state-licensed professional who conducts basic hearing tests, fits and dispenses hearing aids, and educates individuals and their family members about their hearing loss.
A hearing instrument specialist fitting a hearing aid.
Summary Table
| Professional | Description | Key Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Care Provider | Physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant providing general healthcare. | Identifies and treats common medical conditions, refers to specialists. |
| Otolaryngologist (ENT) | Physician specializing in medical and surgical care of the ear, nose, and throat. | Diagnoses and treats ear, nose, and throat disorders, including hearing loss. |
| Audiologist | Specialist with a graduate degree in audiology. | Tests hearing, identifies hearing loss, fits hearing aids, and provides counseling. |
| Hearing Instrument Specialist | State-licensed professional specializing in hearing aids. | Conducts basic hearing tests, fits and dispenses hearing aids, educates on hearing loss. |