Which Hearing Specialist Should You See?

Hearing doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating different hearing conditions. The different types of hearing doctors have different specialties, so must complete different training. Different types of doctors can help you with your hearing loss concerns, including the ones below. 

Audiologists

Audiologists are medical professionals with a master’s degree, a clinical doctorate, or a research-based doctorate in audiology. An audiologist is licensed to diagnose and evaluate hearing loss and related conditions, such as tinnitus and balance disorders. 

An audiologist can treat many different kinds of hearing loss, including:

• Hearing loss caused by ototoxicity. This happens when someone experiences a loss of balance or hearing due to taking some medications. 
• Hidden hearing loss. Some people struggle to understand what others are saying. It’s important to see a hearing specialist because this form of hearing loss doesn’t show up on standard hearing tests. 
• Sensorineural hearing loss. This happens when the hair follicle in the cochlea is damaged after exposure to loud noises. People might also develop sensorineural total deafness if they experience head trauma or an inner ear infection. 

Some audiologists specialize in pediatrics or balance disorders. They can also give advice on hearing aids and cochlear implants, if you need it, as well as advice on living with hearing loss and the effects on cognitive health. 

If your audiologist fits hearing devices, they can also offer support like adjusting the devices and advising on correct fit and handling. They can keep checking your hearing after fitting a hearing device to make sure it suits your needs. 

Hearing Instrument Specialists

A hearing instrument specialist can test your hearing and fit hearing aids. Hearing instrument specialists are licensed and need to study for at least two years before they can practice. They can help you to find the right hearing solution for your needs. 

These specialists can help with:

• Taking ear impressions
• Repairing damaged hearing aids
• Fitting and maintaining hearing aids
• Designing and preparing earmolds

Otolaryngologists

An otolaryngologist is a medical doctor with a specialization in diseases and disorders of the ears, nose, and throat. People often call these doctors ear, nose, and throat surgeons or ENTs. They can treat a range of conditions that affect the ears, balance, and base of the skull. 

Some of the conditions that an ENT can treat include:

• Hearing loss that occurs due to long-term exposure to loud noise, or after a person has a stroke, tumor, or head injury. 
• Acute otitis media. This is a bacterial or viral infection that can cause inflammation behind the eardrum or middle ear. 
• Chronic sinusitis. This is when mucus accumulates in the nasal passages and results in inflammation and swelling. You may also experience difficulty breathing through your nose. 

You might decide to visit an ENT if you have:

• An ear infection
• Ear pain or discharge
• Ringing in the ears
• Problems affecting your throat, head, and neck

If you’re not sure who you should be seeing, start with your usual physician, who can refer you to the correct specialist.